BOSTON — Former New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had some high praise for Dustin Pedroia in his new book, “The Closer.” It pretty much confirmed what Red Sox manager John Farrell already knew about his All-Star second baseman.
Rivera wrote in his new book, released Tuesday, that he’d have a hard time picking anybody — including ex-Yankees teammate Robinson Cano — over Pedroia for a second baseman when it comes to winning one game.
“Not surprising,” Farrell said before Tuesday night’s game against the Cincinnati Reds at Fenway Park when asked his reaction to Rivera’s praise. “An incredible compliment of your opponent across the field, and maybe (it) allows us to take a step back and really appreciate what we — I don’t want to say take for granted — but what we see day in and day out (from Pedroia).”
Pedroia certainly has enjoyed an illustrious career, earning four All-Star selections, three Gold Gloves and two World Series rings since breaking into the league with Boston in 2006. But it’s still interesting to see Rivera choose Pedroia over Cano, not only because Rivera and Cano shared a clubhouse for nine seasons but also because the longtime Yankees second baseman is widely considered the best at his position — a distinction that helped earn Cano a 10-year, $240 million contract from the Seattle Mariners over the offseason.
“I don’t know,” Farrell said with a smile when jokingly asked if Rivera’s praise will go to Pedroia’s head. “We’ll find out now that it’s been made public.”
