Sox Scoops 43.071: Blue Sox Name Team Pitcher of the Year
Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2020 11:47 am
By Rick Mariotti
Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
In what team officials described as a tough decision, the Beloit Blue Sox this week named SP John McClain as their team Pitcher of the Year.
John McClain
McClain – who was promoted to the major league club in September – went 16-6 with an ERA of 2.78 and a FIP of 3.50 with Beloit. He made three starts with Chicago, going 2-1 with an ERA of 2.37.
In choosing McClain for the team honor, they passed up Juan Martinez (12-3, 2.66 ERA), who won the Donaldo Sub-League’s annual Todd Demko Hurler Award as the league’s best pitcher.
“This wasn’t an easy choice,” said manager Javier Montero. “Obviously, both of these guys were fabulous, and they both will end up in the majors – but there’s no question that McClain is a little bit ahead on the curve.”
The BBA Scouting Consortium agrees, rating McClain as a 40/65 as a starting pitcher. They conclude their latest scouting report by saying, “His pitches have plenty of movement that should help to keep the ball in the park. McClain’s ceiling is immense – future rotation anchor.”
Scouts are less enamored of Martinez, rating his overall potential as 40/45 and projecting him as a spot starter at the BBA level.
“Well, I don’t know about any of that stuff,” McClain said. “I do know that Juan’s a hell of a pitcher and I think I’m not too bad either. Let’s put it this way: I look forward to pitching in the Chicago rotation with Juan one of these days.”
There's little question that McClain will be in Chicago's rotation sooner rather than later: the team already has him penciled into their plans for next season.
"Mr. McClain showed that he has what it takes to pitch and pitch well at the major league level," said Black Sox General Manager Benny Vitale. "We look forward to watching him next season in Black Sox Park."
Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
In what team officials described as a tough decision, the Beloit Blue Sox this week named SP John McClain as their team Pitcher of the Year.
John McClain
In choosing McClain for the team honor, they passed up Juan Martinez (12-3, 2.66 ERA), who won the Donaldo Sub-League’s annual Todd Demko Hurler Award as the league’s best pitcher.
“This wasn’t an easy choice,” said manager Javier Montero. “Obviously, both of these guys were fabulous, and they both will end up in the majors – but there’s no question that McClain is a little bit ahead on the curve.”
The BBA Scouting Consortium agrees, rating McClain as a 40/65 as a starting pitcher. They conclude their latest scouting report by saying, “His pitches have plenty of movement that should help to keep the ball in the park. McClain’s ceiling is immense – future rotation anchor.”
Scouts are less enamored of Martinez, rating his overall potential as 40/45 and projecting him as a spot starter at the BBA level.
“Well, I don’t know about any of that stuff,” McClain said. “I do know that Juan’s a hell of a pitcher and I think I’m not too bad either. Let’s put it this way: I look forward to pitching in the Chicago rotation with Juan one of these days.”
There's little question that McClain will be in Chicago's rotation sooner rather than later: the team already has him penciled into their plans for next season.
"Mr. McClain showed that he has what it takes to pitch and pitch well at the major league level," said Black Sox General Manager Benny Vitale. "We look forward to watching him next season in Black Sox Park."