News from a couple days ago: June Minor League award winners

One current and one former Sea Dog were presented with Red Sox minor league awards for June:

Dustin Pedroia, who was promoted from Portland to Pawtucket on June 22, was presented the Quality Plate Appearance award. Pedroia hit a combined .318 with 11 2B, 14 RBI, 17 runs and 17 BB during the month, resulting in a .420 (or so) OBP. I've written here before that Pedroia consistently has great at bats and he's a terrific hitter, so this award is no surprise. After his promotion, he was hit on the wrist with a pitch and missed about a week. He returned the other day, and now is hitting 276/400/414-0-2 with 6 runs, 4 BB and just one strikeout in 8 games for the PawSox.

Jon Lester was named pitcher of the month, which is also no surprise, as he has had a month-plus run of terrific pitching. In June, the Eastern League All Star made six starts, going 3-1 with a 1.69 ERA and 36 K's in 32 innings pitched. Lester is among the league leaders in ERA and strikouts this season.

Also receiving awards were Greenville (A) 3B Andrew Pinckney (offensive player of the month), Greenville OF Bret LeVier (defensive player of the month), Pawtucket OF Chip Ambres (baserunner of the month); Wilmington (A) of Bryan Pritz (base stealer of the month) and Dominican Summer League pitcher Emilis Guerrero (Latin pitcher of the month). Several of these guys should be coming through Portland in the next couple of years, with the exception of Ambres.

Ambres has both speed and power, however he was released by the Marlins for some reason after last season. Apparently they don't understand the value of a walk, because he has traditionally hit for a relatively low average. Last season at AA Carolina, Ambres his 241/352/449-20-62 with 76 walks and 26 steals in 137 games. The Sox liked his skills, however, and he has rewarded them with a superb season. Through 78 games played, Ambres is hitting 302/411/516-10-48 with 44 walks and 17 steals, and he was named to the Eastern League All Star team. Despite being completely off the radar at the beginning of the season, he has risen to #13 on the list at Soxprospects.com.