September 18, 2017 at 12:30 PM
Minor Notes: Greenville wins SAL championship
- The Greenville Drive took home their first ever South Atlantic League championship on Thursday night, defeating the Kannapolis Intimidators three games to one. Brett Netzer(pictured) had a huge series, going 7 for 15 with three doubles, three walks, and seven RBI. Jhonathan Diaz delivered the best start of the series in game two, tossing 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a 2-0 Drive victory.
- Kate Bramson of the Providence Journal details a lengthy first hearing on the potential new PawSox stadium. The Senate Finance Committee has six hearings scheduled, including presentations by the state and city leaders.
- As SoxProspects.com's Executive Editor Chris Hatfield pointed out on Twitter, it looks like Hector Velazquez will be pitching in Mexico this winter. Velazquez pitched in Mexico in 2016 and went 14-4 with a 2.41 ERA in 36 starts, striking out 207 in 216 2/3 innings. He had a great season for Pawtucket in 2017, with a 2.21 ERA in 102 innings. He also posted a 3.86 ERA in 18 2/3 innings in a few stints with Boston.
Players of the Week 9/11-9/17
4 G, 20 PA, 7 H, 3 2B, 1 R, 7 RBI, 3 BB, 4 K, .467/.600/.667
Netzer reached base 12 times in 20 plate appearances in the SAL championship series. He hit safely in all four games and had two hits in three of the four contests. Netzer was hot for Greenville's entire postseason run, recording a hit in all seven playoff games. He went 2 for 4 in the final two games of the semi-finals and in each of the first two games of the championship series.
1 GS, 1-0, 6 1/3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 7 K, 0.00 ERA, 0.47 WHIP
The 21-year old left-hander made the most of his only postseason start. He only allowed four baserunners in 6 1/3 shutout innings. Diaz finished the regular season with a 4/57 ERA in 88 2/3 innings.
Photo credit: Brett Netzer by Kelly O'Connor