Hitter of the Week
Christian Bethancourt, Catcher, Gwinnett Braves
8/20, 2 2B, HR, 6 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K, .400/.428/.650
It was a heck of a week for Atlanta's top catching prospect, as he finally showed signs of busting out of the funk he was in at the beginning of the year. Bethancourt notched 5 singles, 2 doubles, and his first AAA home run across 21 plate appearances this week. The 3 extra-base hits were one more than he had in the entire season up until this week. As many of you remember, it took Bethancourt almost an entire year to adjust to AA ball. Hopefully this week is a sign that he is beginning to make adjustments to AAA ball already. And remember, Bethancourt is still very young. He's more than five years younger than the average player in the International League.
Honorable Mention: Victor Caratini, C, Rome; Victor Reyes, RF, Rome; Jose Peraza, 2B, Lynchburg; Joey Terdoslavich, LF/1B, Gwinnett
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Pitcher of the Week
Lucas Sims, Right-Handed Starting Pitcher, Lynchburg Hillcats
1 GS, 6 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K, .182 opp BA, 4.00 GB/FB
There weren't really any stand out performances from Atlanta pitching this past week, so Lucas Sims takes home the award after a fine outing against the Salem Red Sox. Sims held a potent Red Sox lineup to 1 run on 4 hits in 6 innings while walking a pair and striking out 4. Not only did he hold the Red Sox to a paltry .182 average, he also kept the ball on the ground, to the tune of a 4.00 groundball/flyball ratio. It was the second win of the season for Atlanta's top prospect, and he now holds a 2-3 record to go along with a 4.18 ERA after 6 starts. Don't be fooled by his ERA, though, Sims is holding batters to a .197 average on the year.
Honorable Mention: Yean Carlos Gil, SP, Rome; Brandon Cunniff, RP, Lynchburg; Williams Perez, SP, Mississippi; Mark Lamm, RP, Gwinnett Braves