Perhaps the biggest reason for the two weekend wins over the Yankees was the play of Dustin Pedroia. The second baseman, who is quickly becoming the heart and soul of what should be one of the best teams in baseball, had an incredible weekend. With his team 0-6 and returning to a potentially hostile environment back home, the second baseman stole the show. He homered in his first at-bat and stayed hot all weekend, going 9-for-13.
It's just the latest in what's becoming a long line of impressive feats both on and off the field for Pedroia. In the past few seasons, he's become more of a leader in the Boston clubhouse, something that's been on display recently. He's never afraid to take accountability for his play or the play of the team. He even showed on Saturday that he's not afraid to call out teammates when he needs to, when he said the Sox needed to pitch better. Of course, that goes both ways as Pedroia is usually the first to defend teammates when he feels the need to. Just ask David Ortiz.
Joining Pedroia on the "new front line" of the Red Sox has to be Kevin Youkilis. He's one of the game's most fiery players, something that seems to rub off on teammates, and perhaps more importantly, irritate opponents. Like Pedroia, Youkilis is willing to take accountability when he feels he's let his teammates and the fans down, as he did this past week in Cleveland. He's also taken a leadership role away from the ballpark, becoming a prominent face in Boston with all of his charitable work.
Pedroia and Youkilis are visible everyday, but you could say that Jon Lester is taking a leadership role, too. According to many, Lester is a terrific role model for younger pitchers, and although he may be quiet, he can lead a team.
Then, of course, there are the "older" veterans. Guys like Ortiz and Jason Varitek, two players who have been apart of both recent World Series wins continue to be cornerstones of the franchise. Varitek is the captain for good reason, while Ortiz is easily the most personable player in the Boston clubhouse, seemingly willing to accept anyone into the Red Sox family.
Who is the clubhouse leader of the 2011 Red Sox? Share your thoughts below.
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Who is the clubhouse leader of the 2011 Red Sox?Market Research
