Boston's Papelbon named Delivery Man of the Year

Oct 11, 2007 - 4:26 PM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- Jonathan Papelbon was a key component in delivering the Boston Red Sox their first division title in 12 years. He was awarded for it on Thursday.

The Red Sox second-year player was named the Delivery Man of the Year which is given to the most outstanding relief pitcher of the season.

The award is sponsored by shipping company DHL and was voted on by fans through MLB.com. A paltry 125,000 fans participated, with Papelbon receiving 39,043 votes.

Becoming the first relief pitcher in Red Sox history to record two different 30-plus save seasons, Papelbon converted 37-of-40 save opportunities as Boston went 96-66 to capture its first American League East Division title since 1995.

Papelbon, 26, also went 1-3 with a 1.85 ERA in 58 1/3 innings over 59 appearances.

A two-time All-Star, the righthander finished sixth in the American League in saves and ranked first among all relief pitchers in the majors with a .146 batting average against.

In recognition of the award, DHL will donate $10,000 to Boston Area Church League in Papelbon's name.

Other contenders for the award were two-time winner Mariano Rivera of the New York Yankees, Trevor Hoffman of the San Diego Padres and the Arizona Diamondbacks' Jose Valverde.