They've been teammates on the right side of the Red Sox infield the past two seasons and finished first and third in the American League MVP voting.
Now, Dustin Pedroia and Kevin Youkilis are waiting to hear if they'll be teammates for the United States in next spring's World Baseball Classic. Pedroia already has been informally invited and wishes to play second base. But Youkilis may find the competition tougher at first. Ryan Howard is sure to get serious consideration, along with Prince Fielder.
Youkilis enjoyed a breakout season in 2008 (.312, 29 home runs, 115 RBI), but the champion Phillies' Howard was the National League MVP and has hit more homers (153) than anyone the past three years. Milwaukee's Fielder has hit 84 homers the past two seasons while both times topping the 100 RBI mark.
Youkilis, of course, has the flexibility to play third base, too, but that spot is believed to be going to David Wright of the New York Mets with Tampa Bay rookie phenom Evan Longoria another option.
The Sox already stand to have a handful of players participating - Pedroia, left fielder Jason Bay (Canada), DH David Ortiz (Dominican Republic) and pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka (Japan).
It's believed pitcher Hideki Okajima won't compete for Japan and third baseman Mike Lowell, eligible for either Puerto Rico or Team USA, will be busy rehabilitating from last fall's hip surgery.
Awards dinner
The 70th annual Boston Baseball Writers' Association annual awards dinner will be Jan. 8 at the Westin Waterfront Hotel.
Among those expected to attend are Jim Rice (Judge Emil Fuchs Award for long and meritorious service to the game). A silent auction will be presented by the Ted Williams Museum.
Tickets are $150 each and available by writing to Boston Baseball Writers Association, P.O. Box 7346, Nashua, N.H., 03060.
