Seanez has unfinished business

On any other day, and perhaps during any other offseason, reliever Rudy Seánez's introductory conference call with Boston reporters would have garnered significant attention. After all, he posted a 2.69 ERA and 3.8-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 57 games with San Diego in 2005.

But, yesterday was the day Red Sox ownership and management explained Johnny Damon's departure, leaving Seánez on a conference call that lasted but a few minutes.

Seánez's goal this season: ''I want to do a little bit better than I did in 2003. I think I have something to make up for up there."

He appeared in nine games with the Sox in July of that year, compiled a 6.23 ERA, and was released. What's happened since?

''Just gaining control and command of my pitches," he said.

Seánez has always been able to reach back and throw in the mid-to-upper-90s, and his body, at 37, remains capable thanks to a rigorous offseason workout program that includes mixed martial arts.

''The stuff you see on pay-per-view, that's kind of what I do," Seánez said yesterday. ''I train that way during the offseason along with some other stuff. I think that's been key. I think it's helped quite a bit keeping me strong and healthy instead of just lifting heavy weights."

He did land on the disabled list for about a month last summer -- July 18 to Aug. 12 -- with a strained shoulder that was also referred to as a dead-arm issue.

Seánez broke in with Cleveland in the late 1980s and actually remembers as a young player meeting Terry Francona in Indians camp, when both were players.

''I don't remember what year that was, I'm getting kind of old," Seánez said. ''I remember him being one of the only older guys, the actual Indians players that talked to me. Back then a lot of guys didn't have a lot to do with the young kids. I was impressed. It's been with me ever since."

Seánez said he also attracted the interest of the Braves, Devil Rays, and Dodgers. He said the Yankees and Giants expressed some degree of interest.

''I think just the way everything came about, it was easy, painless," he said of choosing the Sox. ''I felt like it was a good match. I'd been there before. I thought I'd feel comfortable there in Boston."

Seánez will make $1.9 million in 2006. The Sox hold a $2.1 million option for 2007 with a $200,000 buyout. Seánez, in 2006, can earn up to $700,000 in bonuses tied to appearances. Those bonuses kick in at 10 appearances and max out at 60 appearances.

If he were to become the Sox' closer and finish 30 games in 2006, the team option would become a player option. He also could earn $500,000 in bonuses in 2006 and/or 2007 based on games finished.

Designated the best

No surprise here, but David Ortiz claimed his third consecutive Edgar Martínez Outstanding Designated Hitter Award, which has been given out since 1973 but was renamed after Martínez in 2004. Ortiz became the first player to win the award three straight seasons and joined Martínez and Hal McRae as the only players to win the award at least three times. Don Baylor (1986) and Jim Rice (1977) are other previous Sox winners. Ortiz received 75 of 78 first-place votes by writers, broadcasters, and American League team public relations departments. Cleveland's Travis Hafner was the only other player to receive a first- or second-place vote . . . Evidently, neither the ice cream nor the creativity ever runs out at Ben & Jerry's. The Boston locations -- Newbury Street, Park Plaza, and the Prudential Mall -- have introduced the ''Ben & Jed Dynamic Duo Sundae," named after the Sox' co-GMs, Ben Cherington and Jed Hoyer. The description: ''Two of your favorite flavors working side by side served with hot fudge and caramel sauces topped with whipped cream and two mini Red Sox helmets. Add a third 'Theo' scoop for $1." The sundae costs $5.50 and leaves the decision-making to you.