May 8, 2007 at 3:29 PM
Players of the Week, April 29 - May 5
While putting together a characteristically dominant opening to the 2007 season, RHP Clay Buchholz had consistently fallen short in player of the week voting, no longer, as along with repeat winner Aaron Bates (position player), he has been named SoxProspects.com Player of the Week for April 29-May 5. In his May Day start against the Bowie Baysox (Orioles) Buchholz struck out 9 over seven scoreless innings, surrendering only one hit while walking none. Much has been made of the offense-enhancing park effects of Lancaster's Clear Channel Stadium, making Aaron Bates's .370 (10/27) 3 HR, 9 RBI, 1 double, 5 run, and 4 four BB week all the more impressive as 6 of the 8 games he played in were on the road. Notably, all three homers were hit away from the friendly confines of The Hanger. Bates was SoxProspects.com Player of the Week for April 8-14. On the season Buccholz is 1-1 with a 1.98 ERA, striking out 35 while issuing only 3 walks in 27.1 IP (5 starts), Bates owns a .288/.430/.604 (1.033 OPS) line, hitting 8 HR, 9 doubles, 27 RBI, and one triple in 29 games. Honorable mentions: Brandon Moss (.269 BA, 3 HR, 8 RBI), Michael Bowden (6 IP, 5 H, 0 BB, 9K, 0 ER) and Kason Gabbard (13 IP, 9 H, 3 BB, 12 K, 1 ER).