Envelopes unsealed, Ellsbury's work recognized

BOSTON -- With baseball's awards season now in the books, it is apparent just how much Jacoby Ellsbury's summer of brilliance was recognized.

Though he didn't win the American League's Most Valuable Player Award, Ellsbury finished a close second behind Tigers ace Justin Verlander, meaning he got the most votes of any position player.

It took a starting pitcher winning the MVP for the first time since 1986 to deny Ellsbury that award.

"Really proud of him -- a guy we drafted who came up through the system and certainly had a breakout year," said Red Sox general manager Ben Cherington. "No matter where he finished in the MVP voting, we knew he was going to get strong consideration. He's clearly become one of the great players in the league, a huge part of this team."

For the first time, MLB.com unveiled team awards, and the speedy center fielder of the Red Sox was the winner in two of three categories. Ellsbury was selected as the Player of the Year for Boston and also the Breakout Player.

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Throughout the season, Ellsbury had little to say about his performance. He preferred to make his noise on the field.

"I just come in and try to play hard," Ellsbury said in late August. "That's about it."

Jonathan Papelbon, Boston's star closer of the last six years who recently signed with the Phillies, was named the Pitcher of the Year for the Red Sox. Papelbon converted 31 of 34 save chances, holding opponents to a .207 average and registering 87 strikeouts over 64 1/3 innings.

When the Rawlings Gold Glove Awards were announced, the Red Sox made up one-third of the AL squad. Ellsbury, first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and second baseman Dustin Pedroia were all winners at their positions.

It was Gonzalez's third Gold Glove Award, Pedroia's second and Ellsbury's first.

"It's pretty special," Gonzalez said in an interview with ESPN during the show announcing the awards. "Being able to win one in both leagues now, I'm pretty grateful to everyone that voted for me, and it was a lot of fun playing defense this year."

The Red Sox were also well represented on the AL's Silver Slugger team.

This time, it was Gonzalez, Ellsbury and David Ortiz (designated hitter) getting the honor.

Last month, Ellsbury was voted by MLB.com beat writers as the American League's Comeback Player of the Year. He received the same award from his peers on Thursday, winning the Players Choice Comeback Player for the AL.

After playing just 18 games in 2010 because of left rib fractures, Ellsbury not only came back, but he played at the highest level of his career. He hit .321 with 119 runs, 212 hits, 46 doubles, 32 homers and 39 stolen bases. Ellsbury was the first 30-30 player in Red Sox history.

And not to be overshadowed by all the on-field prowess, Ortiz was the winner of MLB's Roberto Clemente Award, given to the player who best exemplifies the art of giving back to the community.

"I am incredibly honored to be the recipient of this year's award," Ortiz said on the day he received the award. "It's humbling to be associated with all the tremendous names that have won this award in the past, and I look forward to continuing to do my part to maintain Roberto Clemente's legacy."