January 12, 2013 at 3:00 PM
Red Sox and Sea Dogs extend development contract
The Boston Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs announced on Friday night a four-year extension of their Player Development Contract. The deal means Portland will remain a Boston affiliate through the 2018 season.
Minor league baseball returned to Maine in 1994 when Portland joined the Eastern League as an affilate of the Florida Marlins. After a nine-year association, Portland joined the Boston organization in 2003, a relationship that has been beneficial for both clubs. The Sea Dogs made the playoffs each year from 2005 through 2008, winning the 2006 Eastern League Championship. Portland's Hadlock Field has averaged over 400,000 fans per season since the partnership began.
Several current Red Sox players earned Eastern League All-Star honors while playing with Portland, including Dustin Pedroia, Will Middlebrooks, Clay Buchholz, and 2005 Eastern League pitcher of the Year, Jon Lester.