Black Sox Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
David Bates, an impressive rookie starting pitcher, won the Chicago Black Sox Newcomer of the Year Award this week.
Bates, 22, of Puerto Rico, went 11-8 with a 4.36 ERA, 4.36 FIP, 138 strikeouts, 77 walks, and a 1.8 command ratio (K/BB) in 196 innings of work. He also compiled 3.5 WAR.
David Bates
“He had some of the ups and downs you expect with any rookie, but overall he had a very nice first season in the BBA.”
GMs around the league apparently concurred, as Bates finished third in the Frick League’s Joe Gillstrom Newcomer of the Year Award balloting.
“It would have been nice to win that, but even being considered is an honor,” Bates said. “And winning the award for the Sox … well … it’s a pretty nice certificate, right? I guess I’ll head to Target later and see if I can find a frame.”
He still has some development coming, according to the BBA Scouting Consortium. His latest scouting report lists him at 50/65 overall, with 6/7 stuff; 8/9 pitch movement; and 6/6 control. The scouts rate his sinker at 8/9; his cutter at 9/9; his slider at 7/7; and his seldom-used changeup at 4/4.
“Bates’s ceiling is immense,” the report concludes. “Future rotation anchor.”
Sox General Manager Benny Vitale was decidedly upbeat about Bates’s future with the club.
“We see nothing but great things ahead for Mr. Bates with the Black Sox. This recognition, we are sure, is just the beginning. And while the Newcomer of the Year Award does not come accompanied by a fruit basket, it does come with the promise of future fruit. And what could be more enticing than that?”
