Paxton Named SL Pitcher of the Week

BIRMINGHAM, ALA. (AUGUST 8, 2011) - Today, the Southern League announced that Generals LHP James Paxton has been named the Southern League Pitcher of the Week. This marks the first time this season that a Generals player has earned a Hitter or Pitcher of the Week honor.

Paxton has only been in the Southern League for a little over a month, but he has already picked up two wins and has forty-one strikeouts in six starts. Following his impressive first five outings in the league in July, Paxton struck out 10 on Saturday against Birmingham, allowing just two hits in 6 2/3 shutout innings. Paxton's 0.00 ERA for the week lowered his overall ERA to a skimpy 1.97.

Born in Richmond, BC, Canada, the lefty was selected by the Seattle Mariners in the fourth round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft. He was also selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the first round (37th overall)of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft but did not sign. Previous honors include selection to the Futures Game earlier this summer as well as selection as a Midwest League Mid-Season All-Star.