The dinner at the Westin Waterfront Hotel (walk-up tickets remain available) will feature one of its rarest traditions - the formal presentation of a top Baseball award, this time the 2008 American League MVP to Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia.

The dinner usually is held after the Hall of Fame announcements are made in mid-January, but a scheduling conflict pushed up this year's event.

That means that the Judge Emil Fuchs Award winner, Jim Rice, will speak before finding out if he makes it into the Hall of Fame on Monday. Many feel the former Red Sox left fielder, who fell less than three percentage points shy of induction last year, will get the nod. Rice will be the final speaker tonight. Red Sox radio broadcaster Dave O'Brien will emcee.

Pedroia and Rice will join the formally attired, ink-stained Red Sox writers at the head table along with general manager Theo Epstein, manager Terry Francona, pitching coach John Farrell and hitting coach Dave Magadan.

Other award winners at the head table tonight:

** Red Sox director of amateur scouting Jason McLeod, the ``Unsung Hero Award.''

** Former Red Sox first baseman and current free agent Sean Casey, the ``Good Guy Award.''

** First baseman/outfielder Jeff Bailey, the ``Red Sox Minor League Player of the Year.''

** Former Rays outfielder and current free agent Rocco Baldelli, the ``Tony Conigliaro Award.''

** Single-A Lowell manager Gary DiSarcina, the ``Special Achievement Award'' for managing the Spinners to a division title.

** Rays reliever Dan Wheeler, the ``New England Player of the Year.''

** Triple-A Pawtucket executive Lou Schwechheimer, representing PawSox president Mike Tamburro, the ``International League Executive of the Year'' and special achievement winner.

After this the 2009 season can get under way.

- msilverman@bostonherald.com