Dustin Pedroia Playing With Broken Finger, Solidifying Role as Leader in Clubhouse (Video)

by NESN Staff on Tue, Oct 2, 2012 at 11:38PM

The Boston Red Sox have two meaningless games left to play in a season that was deemed lost more than a month ago. This is the time when most players would choose to sit if they are suffering from even a minor injury.

Not Dustin Pedroia.

"I like playing man. It's fun," is how Pedroia responded to reporters asking him why he decided to play in Tuesday's game against the Yankees. The second baseman simply wants to play the game, and comments like that set the right tone for the young players surrounding a rebuilding team and earn high praise from managers.

"Dustin always does more than you could ever expect anybody to do on a baseball field," said Bobby Valentine when asked about Pedroia's decision to play.

For a team that is seemingly stuck in baseball purgatory, having players with leadership qualities like Pedroia provide hope for the future. The dirt dog has become the rightful face of the franchise and his play and clubhouse presence continue to endear him to the Boston faithful.

To hear the rest of Pedroia and Bobby V's comments, check out the video above.