Less Is More
The Red Sox, as noted, are being forced to trade defense for offense; Dustin can provide both. Once he returns, his steady to spectacular play up the middle and at the dish should provide the kind of leadership by example that could fortify any team.
Knowing that will only push Pedrioa harder.
It is also because he will miss part of the season that will help make this one of his best. Playing fewer games will limit his chances for injury. It will also help him stay fresher deep in to the season and beyond.
More importantly, runners start running faster once they see the finish line. And that line is already closer when you start the season late. Petey will see it from the moment he steps on the field.
Finally, his delayed start will allow him to return to the Red Sox as a savior. If they are doing well, he will be seen as the final piece of the puzzle. If struggling, his return will be like that of Moses, leading his people to the promised land.
Either way his return will inject tremendous confidence into their locker room. And Dustin will both feed into it…and off of it.
But it is likely to be the last great display from this great player. Even surgically repaired knees can only last so long with the pounding Petey gives. Even were he surgery free, though, the best of them all slow down at some point.
And he is probably aware that this could be the last year of Boston’s fun phase two.