Sox Scoops 43.067: Short Season A Team Names Pitcher of the Year

[HoosierVic]

By Rick Mariotti
Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online

The San Pedro de Macoris Green Sox this week named reliever José Núñez as the team’s Pitcher of the Year in what coaches called a close decision.

José Núñez

SP Orinosuke Chikafuji also put together a worthy season of work for the Short Season Class A club, but in the end coaches said couldn’t bring themselves to pass over Núñez and his gaudy stats: 5-0, 3 saves, 3 holds and a 0.34 ERA in 19 appearances and 26 IP.

“I mean, those are video game numbers, right?” said Green Sox Pitching Coach Roberto Amador.

Núñez was a 15th round pick for the Black Sox in the 2042 draft, and to say his performance this season was a surprise is an understatement. He played for San Pedro last season, too, and underwhelmed with a 4-4 record and 5.40 ERA.

There was even some discussion of releasing the 22-year-old before the season started, but franchise executives decided to give him one more chance.

“He just kind of came out of nowhere,” said manager Ernesto Garcia, “but we were glad he did! He was a critical piece of the bullpen for us.”

Núñez just shrugged at the sudden attention.

“I don’t know – I just do what I do, and this season everything seemed to work,” he said. “I guess we’ll see how things go next year in full season A ball, right?”