Dustin Pedroia Says Aftermath of Last Season Was ‘Mayhem,’ Remains Honored to Be Candidate for Captain

FORT MYERS, Fla. — The month of September was moderately kind to Dustin Pedroia.

While the Red Sox's season spiraled out of control, the second baseman continued his All-Star production, batting .304 with four homers and 19 RBIs that month. But that success only made the September swoon tougher to swallow.

As Pedroia attempted to ease into the offseason, the frustration resurfaced once again as reports emerged that players were partaking in clubhouse shenanigans that included drinking beer and eating fried chicken.

"It was tough," Pedroia told NESN.com during a photo shoot for Vita Coco Coconut Water. "I was playing every game and I don't know what goes on. You would ask the guys, some of the stuff that they were saying — I mean, come on.

"But those guys showed up to spring training — the guys that owned up some responsibility — and they handled it great. It's over now. It's done with. 2011 is over. It sucked how it ended but we're all excited about this year."

The fallout from September quickly raised questions about the Red Sox's clubhouse chemistry. It gave way to a front office overhaul, with general manager Theo Epstein and manager Terry Francona leaving the organization.

Reflecting on the aftermath, Pedroia expressed disappointment about the outcome, but promised a healthier environment this season.

"There's a lot things that were said about last year's team that weren't true with people taking shots at other people," Pedroia said.  "All kinds of stuff. It was mayhem.

"I want everyone to show up ready for work, have fun and win games. That's it. We're a family. There shouldn't be one person whether in the media or fans that should come in between any of us. And it's not going to happen anymore."

With Jason Varitek — who is mulling retirement — likely gone, the Red Sox will lean on Pedroia's guidance much more. Since 2006, Pedroia has been a key cog for the team, which was highlighted by his 2008 American League MVP trophy.

As a result of those credentials, the second baseman is a candidate to usurp Varitek and earn the "C" tag. But Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine said Wednesday the decision to handpick a captain belongs to the players.

"If the team thinks a captain's a cool thing, I think that could be considered," Valentine. "It's not that I don't think a captain's necessary. Then again, I don't know that it's so necessary you can't live without it."

Although Pedroia isn't pondering that possibility at the moment, the 28-year-old said he was humbled to simply be in the discussion.

"That would be a huge honor," Pedroia said. "This is one of the best baseball franchises in history. It's definitely an honor that people say that. But I didn't wake up this morning hoping to be [a captain], I woke up this morning ready to help our team win."

And that process begins Thursday, when Red Sox position players are slated to start workouts.

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