Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
The San Pedro de Macoris Green Sox have honored Toyoharu Kodo as their pitcher of the year.
Toyoharu Kodo
Kodo, a 21-year-old left-hander, had a 5-5 record with a 3.80 ERA and 3.72 FIP for the Green Sox over 16 starts. He struck out 82 and walked 46 while compiling a WAR of 1.9.
“Toyoharu was a consistent performer for us throughout the season,” said Green Sox Manager Gustavo Hernández. “This was a close decision for us, but ultimately we decided to acknowledge Kodo’s fine season.”
Kodo narrowly beat out Paul Kemp, a two-way performer for the Sox who was honored as the team’s Hitter of the Year. Kemp was 9-5 with a 4.08 ERA and 1.4 WAR, but faded towards the end of the season.
“The stress of pitching and playing in the lineup may finally have weighed a bit on Paul, and where that showed was on the pitcher’s mound,” said Hernández.
“That’s not to take away from Kodo’s accomplishments – he was very consistent all year.”
Kodo said he’s looking forward to the next step in his professional career.
“I hope I can play in the prospect league this fall – I think that would be most enjoyable,” he said. “Then next year, I hope to play a full-length schedule for Grand Junction. Enough with this short season crap!”
Kodo, a native of Tokyo, was an international discovery the then-Huntsville Phantoms scouting staff in 2036. He played for Monclova, in the Rookie League, in 2038, going 1-5 with a 3.05 ERA, and then played for San Pedro in 2039, going 2-4 with a 6.71 ERA.
This past season was widely regarded as a make-or-break year for Kodo – and, clearly, he broke through.
“I don’t know that he’s a major league prospect, ultimately,” said Chicago Asst. GM Bill McGuffin. “But he’s clearly earned himself another look. We’ll be interested to see where Kodo’s career goes from here.”