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Aaron Bates was asked to move from first base to left field in his third Double-A season. He hit .340, got called up to Triple-A, then to Boston, where he hit .364 in five games.

PORTLAND — They did not make the playoffs for the first time since 2004, but the Portland Sea Dogs did what good minor league teams are supposed to do: develop players and move them up the ladder.

Here's a look at the 2009 Dogs:

• Most surprising jump: When Aaron Bates entered his third season in Double-A, he was pushed out of his natural position – first base – and told to play left field. Instead of pouting, Bates battered the ball, hitting .340 and forcing a promotion to Triple-A Pawtucket. And when Boston needed a first baseman for a week in July, Bates made his major league debut, hitting .364 in five games.

• Most surprising fall: Reliever Justin Hedrick dominated Double-A for two years with the Giants organization. Instead of a promotion, he got released in spring training. The Red Sox signed him, sent him to Portland and, after a 6.49 ERA in 16 games, also released him.

• Quickest jump: Outfielder Josh Reddick thought he might see the majors in 2010. Instead, the Red Sox summoned him during the Sea Dogs' road trip to Harrisburg on July 31. It was the first of his three call-ups.

• Quickest fall: Shortstop Argenis Diaz was put on the 40-man roster last year, but consistency eluded him and he stayed in Double-A while Boston looked for shortstops. He was traded to Pittsburgh.

• Fulfilled expectations: Junichi Tazawa was given a three-year, $3.3 million major league contract to join the Red Sox organization. He began his pro career in Portland (9-5, 2.57 ERA), moved on to Pawtucket and made his major league debut Aug. 7.

• Unfulfilled expectations: Lars Anderson moved into the spotlight after Baseball America named him Boston's No. 1 prospect. But Anderson is only 21, in his third year out of high school. He still needs time, evidenced by his 2009 season with a .237 average, nine home runs and 51 RBI.

• Other promotions: Besides Bates, Reddick and Tazawa, catcher Mark Wagner, outfielder Bubba Bell, starter Adam Mills and relievers T.J. Large and Dustin Richardson got one-way tickets to Pawtucket. Of the five, only Wagner is on the 40-man roster, although Richardson should join the group before December.

• Other success stories: Third baseman Jorge Jimenez (.287, 83 RBI), outfielder Ryan Kalish (.275, 12 home runs), starters Felix Doubront (8-6, 3.35 ERA) and Jared Plummer (8-7, 4.01), and reliever Chris Province (2.67).

Jimenez was consistent all season. Kalish slumped when he was first promoted, but has hit .302 since June 2. Doubront progressed well. Plummer made a nice transition from the bullpen. Province was an unheralded reliever.

• Big numbers in a small sample: outfielder Daniel Nava (.365, .484 on-base percentage in 29 games), catcher Luis Exposito (.345 in 21 games) and pitcher Ryne Miller (1.57 ERA in 13 games).

• Small numbers in a small sample: Shortstop Yamaico Navarro (.164 in 36 games), Jason Place (.264 in 39 games, although he's hitting .343 in his last 10).

• The good and the bad, Part I: Jon Still has 86 RBI, but with a .227 average.

• Part II: Bryce Cox has 12 saves and a 2.60 ERA, but is 1-5 with a 1.61 WHIP (walks and hits per inning).

• Part III: Ryan Khoury has drawn 63 walks and has a .346 OBP, but a .223 batting average.

• Just stopping by: Zach Borowiak began the year in Portland but went to Class A in June. Kason Gabbard was traded back...