Why was Dustin Pedroia a MVP in 2008? he wasnt the most valuable player on his own team nor the most valuable?

Dont get me started. I know he wasnt the Most valuable player in the AL that year, but people like to root for the little guy. It's just like the movie Rudy. Kinsler, Mornoe, Youkilis and Josh Hamilton all had better stats in 2008.