In the season-opening game of 2013,
Dustin Pedroia slid head first into first base at Yankee Stadium. The result was a torn ligament in his left thumb that was a source of pain and discomfort the entire year. And yet,
The Laser Show missed just two games—one in June and the last game of the year in September. Despite all of this, he managed to hit over .300 and lead the American League in plate appearances (724). Yesterday,
he announced that the thumb is fully healed and he is good to go for 2014. This is the one guy I would choose to start a franchise—even at age 30. He is indispensable to the success of this Red Sox team.
