The Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers' Association of America named Jon Lester as the Red Sox pitcher of the year. He was 15-8 with a 3.41 ERA in 32 starts and finished third in the American League with 225 strikeouts.

Lester won the award last year, making him the first lefty to ever win the honor two years in a row. Pedro Martinez was the last Red Sox pitcher to win the award consecutively (1998-2000).

Tampa Bay Rays first baseman Carlos Pena, a Haverill native and Northeastern graduate, was named New England player of the year. Red Sox first base coach Ron Johnson was named Unsung Hero and longtime Providence Journal Red Sox beat writer Steve Krasner is the Dave O'Hara Award winner.

The annual Boston BBWAA dinner is scheduled for Thursday, January 14 at the Westin-Waterfront Hotel in South Boston. Tickets are available for $150 each by sending a check to Boston Chapter-BBWAA, PO Box 7346, Nashua NH, 03060.