BOSTON -- How much wallop did the 2005 Red Sox have? Consider that, as the Silver Slugger Awards were announced on Monday, the Red Sox represented one-third of the American League's squad.

Designated hitter David Ortiz, left fielder Manny Ramirez and catcher Jason Varitek were all part of the team, which is presented by Louisville Slugger.

For Ortiz, it is just one of many accolades he will receive for a monster year that should place him no worse than second place in the American League Most Valuable Player Award voting, which will be announced on Nov. 14. Last week, Ortiz was presented with the American League's Hank Aaron Award, presented annually to the best all-around hitter in each league.

Since the inception of the Silver Slugger Awards in 1980, this marks the first time the Red Sox have had three members on the team.

Ramirez has become a Silver Slugger fixture, as this was his eighth selection. After getting off to a slow start in 2005, Ramirez produced his usual spectacular numbers, bashing 45 homers, driving in 144 runs and hitting .292.

This is the second consecutive -- and overall -- Silver Slugger berth for Ortiz, who produced a career year for the third season in a row. Ortiz established career highs in runs (119), hits (180), homers (47), RBIs (148), total bases (363), walks (102) and OPS (1.001).

2005 Silver Slugger Award winners
American League		National League
1B - Mark Teixeira, TEX 2B - Alfonso Soriano, TEX 3B - Alex Rodriguez, NYY SS - Miguel Tejada, BAL OF - Vladimir Guerrero, LAA OF - Manny Ramirez, BOS OF - Gary Sheffield, NYY C   - Jason Varitek, BOS DH - David Ortiz, BOS		1B - Derrek Lee, CHC 2B - Jeff Kent, LAD 3B - Morgan Ensberg, HOU SS - Felipe Lopez, CIN OF - Andruw Jones, ATL OF - Miguel Cabrera, FLA OF - Carlos Lee, MIL C   - Michael Barrett, CHC P   - Jason Marquis, STL
Complete 2005 coverage | All time winners >

Over the last few seasons, Varitek has established himself as one of the game's most dangerous hitters at his position. This year, he was recognized for it with his first Silver Slugger Award.

Varitek, who was named captain of the Red Sox on Christmas Eve, hit .281 with 30 doubles, 22 homers and 70 RBIs.

The three Boston players were joined on the American League Silver Slugger team by first baseman Mark Teixiera (Rangers), second baseman Alfonso Soriano (Rangers), third baseman Alex Rodriguez (Yankees), shortstop Miguel Tejada (Orioles), outfielder Vladimir Guerrero (Angels) and outfielder Gary Sheffield (Yankees).

The awards were voted on by Major League Baseball managers and coaches. Presentations of the Silver Slugger awards will be conducted in pregame ceremonies early in the 2006 season by a representative of the Hillerich & Bradsby Co., makers of Louisville Slugger.