BOSTON — Swampscott's Johnny Pesky was in a festive mood prior to Game 3 of the Red Sox-Angels playoff series at Fenway Park last night.
Pesky is still basking in the glow of having his No. 6 retired by the Red Sox last month, and he says he's feeling pretty good for someone who just turned 89.
Actually, he was feeling even a little friskier than usual because the Sox had taken the first two games of the best-of-five series in California. That wasn't supposed to happen, according to those in the know, but Pesky has always viewed the so-called experts with a bit of skepticism.
He had a gut feeling about the Red Sox. He's still around this team all the time, and he knows the personnel. He simply never bought the notion that the Sox might be overmatched.
"I'm not surprised that we've won the first two games," said Pesky. "This is a good hitting ballclub whether they're at Fenway or on the road. We've hit well in the first two games. I'm just hoping we can wrap it up (in Game 3)."
Pesky reserved his highest praise for the young players because of their rapid development into day-to-day assets. He mentioned second baseman Dustin Pedroia, shortstop Jed Lowrie and outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury in particular.
"Pedroia is something else," said Pesky. "He's hit better than people thought he would and he's a groundhog out there at second base. He gets to everything."
Pedroia, who was hit by a pitch in the first inning last night, was off to an 0 for 8 at the plate in the first two games, but Pesky understands his overall value. "That kid could be the (American League) MVP," Pesky said, alluding to Pedroia's .326 average during the regular season.
Ellsbury went into last night's game hitting .444 (4 for 9) and was the early spark in Game 3 when the Angels misplayed his two-out, bases loaded popup into a three-run single in the second inning.
Pesky is impressed with Ellsbury's all-around game. He even compared him to the legendary Ted Williams in terms of future stardom.
"He's got some Ted (Williams) in him," Pesky said. "The kid competes and plays really hard. I love the way Jacoby swings the bat — he's got a great stroke. He has speed and he does a lot of things well for a young player. He doesn't have (Williams') power just yet, but he'll be able to hit the long ball. I just think he's going to be a heck of a player for a long time."
Lowrie has probably been the most pleasant surprise in the sense that he wasn't highly touted and wasn't even supposed to play. The Red Sox are paying Julio Lugo $9 million to play shortstop, but the steady (though unspectacular) Lowrie has won over the fans and perhaps the organization while Lugo recovers from injuries and a terrible year on defense.
"No one knew about this kid (Lowrie)," said Pesky. "He's played well at short and he's been pretty capable with the bat. He may be the guy (for the future)."
