Black Sox Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
When the Black Sox signed pitcher Pepe Jaramillo to a five-year, $26 million contract last December, the news was met by a collective shrug throughout Chicagoland.
But Jaramillo proved his doubters wrong with a marvelous performance this past season that saw him go 15-9 and post a 3.14 ERA – second in the BBA to only Danya Tchekanov of Long Beach.
Pepe Jaramillo
“This was not an easy decision,” said Sox GM Vic Caleca. “We had two young men pitch their hearts out for us this year, but in the end we felt we needed to recognize Pepe’s incredible season, where he really emerged as the ace of our starting rotation.”
Jaramillo had a FIP of 4.27, which led the Sox starting staff in that category, but also led the entire BBA in a couple of statistics: Batting Average Against (.213) and BABIP (.243).
“I’d like to say I was a genius and saw all of this coming,” Caleca said with a laugh. “But the fact is – while we were convinced that Pepe would be a valuable part of our rotation – we didn’t envision him posting these kinds of numbers.”
Jaramillo shrugged as he accepted his framed “Pitcher of the Year” certificate and $25 Portillo’s gift card at an afternoon news conference.
“I knew I could pitch well – especially in Black Sox Park, which is a wonderful place to play if you’re a pitcher,” he said. “But it was fun. We had a great group of guys, and I enjoyed the year. Looking forward to next year – almost as much as I’m looking forward to a beef sandwich at Portillo’s!”