Red Sox, Portland Sea Dogs extend affiliation
On Friday night the Portland Sea Dogs announced an extension of their affiliation with the Boston Red Sox as the Double A minor league team. The original contract was set to end after the 2014 season but the extension through the 2018 season was announced during the Portland Sea Dogs Hot Stove Banquet.
The Sea Dogs are entering their 20th season at Hadlock Field, their 11th as an affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. The Sea Dogs were founded by Dan Burke, who passed away in 2011 and are now run by Bill Burke, Dan's son. Many current members of the Red Sox roster have gone through the minor leagues in the Red Sox system and this includes stints in Portland by players like everyday starters; Will Middlebrooks, Dustin Pedroia, and Jacoby Ellsbury. Pitchers Jon Lester, Clay Buchholz and FĂ©lix Doubront. The players that have come through the development system in Portland have contributed greatly to the Red Sox organization and the continuation of the partnership should help the future of the team.