UPDATED 7:51 P.M. Friday: Sorry, it took me a bit longer than expected to obtain this information, but here is an explanation of the selection process for the Hutch finalists, as provided to me by the media relations depart at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center:

Since 1992, when the Award moved to Seattle for presentation, Major League teams have been asked to submit nominations for the Award. In addition to MLB team nominations, an informed committee comprised of the current winner, sports media personnel, Hutchinson family members, and Hutch Award Planning Committee members nominate players each year. The nominations are then screened by Hutchinson Center staff to verify adherence to the Award criteria. A list of 10 finalists is comprised following detail background checks. A winner is selected by a vote of all surviving past Hutch Award winners.

Just a reminder that the award is, in their words, "given annually to the major league player who best exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication of renowned baseball player and manager Fred Hutchinson ("Hutch")."

Now, as for Mark Lowe, the Mariners say they nominated him because of his community service and his fighting through injuries and diabetes. His community involvement includes:

* Co-chair of the 2009 Cystic Fibrosis Mariners Care Golf Tournament
* Seattle Mariners Caravan
* PLAY Campaign (The PLAY campaign, which stands for Promoting a Lifetime of Activity for Youth, promotes healthy living and decision-making among children)
* Mariners Get Well Tour
* VA Puget Sound Health Care System
* Esperanza
* Boys & Girls Clubs
* Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
* Teammates For Kids Foundation

Hope that answers some questions. Here's the original post:

Mariners' reliever Mark Lowe has been named one of 10 finalists for the Hutch Award, the prestigious humanitarian award named in honor of Seattle pitching legend Fred Hutchinson and bestowed by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

The finalists, besides Lowe:

Jonny Gomes, Reds
Tim Hudson, Braves
Torii Hunter, Angels
Mike Lowell, Red Sox
Nick Markakis, Orioles
Kevin Millwood, Rangers
Justin Morneau, Twins
Albert Pujols, Cardinals
Mark Teahan, Royals

The recipient will be selected in November by a vote of all surviving awardees, and presented with his award in January. A total of 44 players have been honored since 1965, including Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle (the first winner), Sandy Koufax, Carl Yastrzemski, Al Kaline, Willie McCovey and Lou Brock. The most recent winner was Boston's Jon Lester.

The award goes to the major league player who "best exemplifies the honor, courage, and dedication" of Hutchinson, whose brother, Dr. Bill Hutchinson, founded the cancer research center after Fred died of cancer at the age of 45. The Hutch Award will be presented at a luncheon at Safeco Field on Jan. 27, 2010.

(Photo by Associated Press)