Hunter, Lowell among Hutch Award nominees

The Angels' Torii Hunter and Boston's Mike Lowell are among 10 finalists for the prestigious Hutch Award, given annually to the major league player who best exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication of former big league manager Fred Hutchinson.

Hutchinson died of cancer at 45 and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle is named in his honor.

The other finalists are Jonny Gomes (Cincinnati), Tim Hudson (Atlanta), Mark Lowe (Seattle), Nick Markakis (Baltimore), Kevin Millwood (Texas), Justin Morneau (Minnesota), Albert Pujols (St. Louis) and Mark Teahen (Kansas City).

The 44 previous award winners, who will vote in November to determine this year's winner, include Sandy Koufax, Al Kaline, Willie McCovey, Mike Sweeney and Boston's Jon Lester, who will start today's opener of the American League division series against the Angels.

Hunter, who has received numerous awards for his community service, is also the Angels nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, baseball's  highest public-service prize. Lowell, a cancer survivor, has been active in many cancer-related causes.

-- Kevin Baxter