Dustin Pedroia has set some high expectations for his fitness entering the upcoming season.
During an appearance on WEEI's The Big Show on Wednesday, Pedroia claimed he will enter spring training looking like Dolph Lundgren, the famously fit Swedish actor most commonly known as Ivan Drago from Rocky IV.
"I'm going to look like Dolph Lundgren," Pedroia said. "I'm ready. I'm back."
Unfortunately for the 5-foot-8 Pedroia, Lundgren stands well above six feet and outweighs the Red Sox second baseman by nearly 100 pounds. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that Lundgren is probably not a great infielder, so we can forgive Pedroia for what he lacks in dimension.
Pedroia also noted that the Sox will have their hands full this season after the Yankees acquired pitchers Michael Pineda and Hiroki Kuroda. Losing Carl Crawford for spring training and perhaps the beginning of the season will hurt as well, but Pedroia is confident the team can survive until the outfielder gets back to full health.
"We'll be fine. Guys are going to have to step up," Pedroia said. "I just found out about Carl having surgery yesterday. Guys are going to have to step up. We'll weather the storm until he gets back. I don't know how long his rehab and stuff is going to be. You never know. He might be ready for opening day and stuff, so we're hoping he gets better soon and gets out there."
Pedroia was a force last season, batting .307 with 21 home runs and 91 RBIs. He's never been one to hide his confidence, but if his recent comments are any indication, fans can expect a similar performance from the second baseman in 2012.
