After two rough seasons, Dustin Pedroia is enjoying another trip to the World Series with the Boston Red Sox.

Pedroia signed a contract extension with Boston three months ago and has been rewarded for his loyalty. He is signed through 2021.

"It's extremely difficult to get to the World Series," he said. "A lot of great players and great pitchers never get there. And sometimes the ball doesn't roll your way. This year, it's been fun."

Despite a late collapse in 2011 and the 69-win 2012 campaign, Pedroia knew the Red Sox would return to contention.

"Yeah, dude, I always knew," said Pedroia. "You know that pretty much every year the Red Sox were going to compete. We had some tough times. Every organization goes through it. Ours was just one year, and a little bit at the end of the year before that. But we're headed in the right direction. Guys love coming here [to the ballpark]. It's been fun."