August 9, 2011 at 9:33 AM
Players of the Week, 8/1-8/7: Kolbrin Vitek & Chris Hernandez
Two 2010 draftees and Salem Red Sox teammates were this week’s SoxProspects Players of the Week. Southpaw hurler Chris Hernandez was nearly flawless in his lone start of the week, allowing him to narrowly beat out his competition and gain Pitcher of the Week honors. In hotly contested Player of the Week voting, Kolbrin Vitek’s white-hot week at the plate pushed him to a narrow two vote victory. Hernandez, 22, was selected by the Red Sox in the 7th round of the 2010 amateur draft. The 6'1", left-hander has impressed in his first full season as a professional, compiling a 10-5 record with a 2.39 ERA in 21 starts this season for Salem. In his start August 2 against the Potomac Nationals (WAS), Hernandez sparkled, hurling 7.0 shutout innings, allowing just a hit and a walk while striking out 5. The impressive outing was nothing new for Hernandez who has gone 5-1 with a 1.68 ERA in 9 starts since the All-Star break.
Vitek, 22, was a 1st round selection in last year's amateur draft. After having a solid debut season split between Lowell and Greenville in 2010, Vitek has continued to hit well in Salem this season. Last week, Vitek hit .500/.545/.800 with a home run, 3 doubles, 5 runs scored and 4 RBI in 5 games. Vitek has wielded an impressive bat since the All-Star break, hitting .327/.393/.428 with 2 home runs and 12 RBI in 39 games. Through August 8, Vitek is hitting .289/.356/.381 with 2 home runs, 20 doubles, 6 triples and 34 RBI this season for Salem.