Pedroia clearly has an edge over Escobar in certain offensive categories, and has more postseason accolades and All-Star Game appearances to his name, but Escobar is on the rise with the Blue Jays, and is coming through as a solid option in the lineup for Toronto.
So, which player will finish the year with a higher batting average?
In the early stages of 2011, Escobar has exploded out of the gates, batting .438 through 10 games with 14 hits and six RBIs. Just like a good two-hole hitter should, Escobar also leads the team in on base percentage with a .512 mark to start the year.
Pedroia has been one of the bright spots on the Red Sox' roster this season, pulling in a .366 batting average through 11 games played with 15 hits and five RBIs. The Sox' second baseman has been trying to spark the Red Sox offense, posting four multiple hit games in the past 11, including a nine-hit series against the Yankees.
What's more important than a hot start, however, is longevity. Baseball is a long season, and both players have battled injuries in the past. Health is one of the most important keys to a player's success, and only time will tell for both these young infielders to see who has the lasting power to come out on top.
Will Yunel Escobar or Dustin Pedroia finish the year with a higher batting average? Share your thoughts below.
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Will Yunel Escobar or Dustin Pedroia finish the 2011 season with a higher batting average?survey software
