Dustin Pedroia Named American League Player Of The Month For July

To absolutely nobody's surprise whatsoever, Dustin Pedroia has been named the American League Player of the Month for July.

One month after putting up an unreal line (for any player, much less a second baseman) of .340/.457/.553 in June, Pedroia outdid himself in July, and by no small amount. Going on a 25-game hitting streak, Pedroia would bat .411 in July, including eight home runs. Pedroia would only strike out six times in 112 at bats, drawing 13 walks along the way. All-in-all, Pedroia put up an OPS of 1.188 in July, bringing his season mark up to nearly .900.

Pedroia's production edged out that of his own teammate Jacoby Ellsbury, who hit .382/.430/.700. Both players' performances should bring their respective names into the MVP conversation, perhaps even surpassing teammate Adrian Gonzalez, who won the award for June.