November 15, 2011 at 2:19 PM
Butler a finalist for Arizona Fall League's Stenson Award
Red Sox catching prospect Dan Butler finds himself in prestigious company as he has been named a finalist for the Arizona Fall League's Stenson award. Given to the player who shows the greatest sportsmanship both on and off the field, the award, which is named for former Boston and Cincinnati Reds prospect Dernell Stenson, is voted on by coaches and staff of every team in the league. Butler is one of six finalists, along with Brodie Greene (Reds), Phoenix Desert Dogs; Kevin Mattison (Marlins), Surprise Saguaros; Zelous Wheeler (Brewers), Peoria Javelinas; Chris Hermann (Twins), Mesa Solar Sox; and Nolan Arenado (Rockies), Salt River Rafters. Butler has hit .326/.492/.413 with a home run and 8 RBI in 15 games for the Scottsdale Scorpions this fall. The award has been given every year since 2004, following Stenson's untimely death in 2003, and has been awarded to future major league regulars like Mark Teahen (2004), Andre Eithier (2005) and Sam Fuld (2007). The winner will be announced prior to the AFL championship game between the Surprise Saguaros and Salt River Rafters this Saturday.
For more information on Butler's rise to prominence in 2011, check out Jon Meoli's articles on Butler and other Red Sox prospects experiences in Arizona this fall, as well as the catcher's transformation from undrafted free agent to legitimate prospect.