Pedroia: Star has big backer

September 01, 2008|Nick Cafardo

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Asked about Guillen calling for the ball after Pedroia's first out of the series, the second baseman said, "I started laughing. He's good for the game. He has a lot of fun and he keeps his team loose, but he wants to win and he wants his players to play hard for him."

During this series Guillen engaged Pedroia during batting practice. Asked about it, Pedroia quipped, "I couldn't understand what he was saying."

Guillen takes his White Sox into Cleveland tonight against an Indians team that had won 10 straight before getting swept at home over the weekend by Seattle. He leaves knowing his team could have its hands full if it faces Boston in the playoffs.

"Believe me, they have people who can run. People who can catch the ball. And they have pitching," said Guillen.

"To me they have the best leadoff hitter in the game [in Jacoby Ellsbury]. The Indians have [Grady] Sizemore and the Tigers [Curtis] Granderson. I think this kid is going to be a real leadoff hitter for a long time. He's going to be a good ballplayer. I hope we do face them. I'll take my chances. I think we play them well. Late in the games we haven't pitched well, but even in Chicago we had good games against them."

Asked why he thought Guillen liked him so much, Pedroia said, "He's a baseball guy. Hopefully he thinks I play the game the right way and he respects that."

Nick Cafardo can be reached at cafardo@globe.com.