Sea Dogs Announce Team Awards

Portland, Maine- The Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox, presented their annual team awards for the 2009 season prior to today's season finale. Third baseman Jorge Jimenez was named the Most Valuable Player, Felix Doubront was honored as the Pitcher of the Year, the 10th Player Award went to catcher Juan Apodaca, and Blake Maxwell was named the Citizen of the Year. Sea Dogs' team awards are presented by Irving Oil and Creative Awards.

Most Valuable Player - Jorge Jimenez
Infielder Jorge Jimenez has appeared in 132 games for the Sea Dogs in 2009 and led the club in hitting (among qualifiers) with a .287 average, hits (141), and runs scored (62). He ranks second on the team in home runs (13) and RBI (84). The 25 year-old was selected to the 2009 Eastern League All-Star Game. He was named the Eastern League Player of the Week for the week for the opening week of the 2009 season (April 13-19). Jimenez was drafted by the Red Sox in the 16th round of the 2006 First-Year Player Draft.

Pitcher of the Year - Felix Doubront
Felix Doubront started a team high 26 games for Portland posting an 8-6 record with a 3.35 ERA (45 ER/ 121.0 IP). He ranks second in the Eastern League in ERA (3.35). The 21 year-old lefty leads the Sea Dogs in games started (26), innings pitched (121.0), and strikeouts (101). He tossed a complete game shutout on July 22nd against New Britain recording ten strikeouts. Doubront, a member of the Red Sox 40-man roster was signed by the Boston Red Sox as a non-drafted free agent on July 12, 2004.

10th Player Award - Juan Apodaca
Catcher Juan Apodaca has provided a steady performance behind the plate for the Sea Dogs this season as the lone catcher who has spent the full season in Portland. Apodaca has shared catching duties with Mark Wagner, Luis Exposito, and John Otness. In 56 games behind the plate, Apodaca committed only five errors and threw out 19 of 57 base runners (.333 pct.). In 60 games this season, he hit .246 with four home runs and 24 RBI. Since July 1st, Apodaca has hit .305 with 3 home runs and 23 RBI. The 23 year-old was acquired by the Red Sox from the Reds on December 6, 2007.

Citizen of the Year - Blake Maxwell
Right-handed pitcher Blake Maxwell is always the first person to volunteer for our autograph table and loves interacting with the fans. The 25-year-old Maxwell frequently volunteered for public appearances, clinics and camp visits. During these appearances he shared his experiences in life as a baseball player and the importance of education and teamwork with the fans. His goofball persona makes him a fan favorite, from his Rollie Fingers-esqe mustache to his sprint to the mound from the bullpen.

Maxwell has appeared in a 29 games (15 starts) with the Sea Dogs this season notching a 6-8 record with a 5.28 ERA. Maxwell was selected by the Red Sox in the 40th round of the 2005 First-Year Player Draft.

Tickets for the 2010 season will go on sale on Saturday, November 7th at 9:00 AM at the Hadlock Field Ticket Office.