MySports Today

Only in pro sports….

BOSTON (AP)—Dustin Pedroia has a Rookie of the Year award, an MVP, a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger and, of course, a World Series ring.

And now he’s got the big-bucks contract befitting one of the most decorated young players in baseball.

The Red Sox second baseman, who earned $457,000 last season while winning the AL Most Valuable Player award, agreed Wednesday to a $40.5 million, six-year contract that could keep in Boston through at least 2014.

“I wanted to be here a long time,” Pedroia said at a Fenway Park news conference. “Hopefully in the next six years we can win some championships.”

Heading into his third year in the majors, the 5-foot-9 second baseman has already joined Cal Ripken Jr. and Ryan Howard as the only players in baseball history to follow a rookie award with an MVP. Pedroia led the AL with 213 hits, 118 runs and 54 doubles while batting .326 with 17 home runs, 83 RBIs 20 stolen bases