Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
The Beloit Blue Sox have selected left-handed starter José López as their Pitcher of the Year for the 2040 season.
José López
Pitching coach Dave James said the decision on who to honor wasn’t really close.
“One guy stood head and shoulders over everyone else on the staff, and that guy was José López,” James said. “He did everything you could ask of a starting pitcher and more this season.”
López, 25, of Guatemala, was selected in the 19th round of the 2033 amateur draft by the then-Nashville Goats. He came to the Chicago system in 2035 in a trade that also brought reliever Frits Brinson, now with the major league Black Sox. López was selected to the AA All-Star game this past season.
He beat out SP Manuel Durán for the Blue Sox honor this season. Durán was 14-12 with a 4.24 ERA, 92 Ks, 46 BBs, and 2.1 WAR.
Franchise officials seem dubious about whether López has what it takes to succeed in the BBA, but plan to promote him to AAA Carolina for the coming season.
“We’ll see how he does there,” said Black Sox GM Vic Caleca. “What happens then is really up to José. If he keeps performing there as he did in Beloit … well, we’ll see. For now, we offer him congratulations on a fine season.”