Hirsh named TL Pitcher of the Year

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas -- Corpus Christi Hooks' starting pitcher Jason Hirsh was named Wednesday as the 2005 Texas League Pitcher of the Year in balloting by league managers, broadcasters and beat writers. Hirsh and former teammate Fernando Nieve were selected by voters as two of the top six pitchers in the league, as the circuit announced its 2005 Post-Season All Star Team.

Hirsh, in just his third pro season out of California Lutheran University, has made 26 starts this year and has a record of 12-8 with a 3.11 ERA. He leads the league with 153 strikeouts, and is second in innings pitched (159.1), tied for second in wins and is third in the circuit in ERA. Houston's second-round selection in the 2003 draft, Hirsh has had a brilliant second half, going 8-2 with a 2.16 ERA in 12 starts.

Hirsh, at 23 years of age, has posted two four-game winning streaks and one three-game winning streak this season. He is 4-0 in his last six starts and has not lost a game since a July 22nd setback at Midland. Hirsh has recorded eight or more strikeouts on 10 occasions this season, and holds the Hooks' record for most strikeouts in one game, set on July 11th when he fanned 11 Springfield batters at Whataburger Field.

The 6'8" tall right-hander is slated to make two more starts for the Hooks in the regular season, and both will be at home. Those tentative dates for Hirsh are Sunday, August 28th against Midland, and Friday, September 2nd versus San Antonio.

Nieve, like Hirsh considered to be one of the top pitching prospects in the Astros' system, made 14 first-half starts for the Hooks and was 4-3 with a 2.65 ERA. At the time of his promotion to Triple-A Round Rock on June 18th, Nieve was leading the Texas League with 96 strikeouts in just 85 innings.

Nieve pitched in the All Star Futures Game in Detroit back in July for the World Team, and recently was ranked as the 10th best player in all of Minor League Baseball by Minor League News in its August 15th issue of MLN Sports Zone. Below is a complete list of the Texas League's 2005 Post-Season All Star Team:

Catcher - Mike Napoli, Arkansas
First Base -Justin Huber, Wichita
Second Base - Alberto Callaspo, Arkansas
Third Base - Travis Hanson, Springfield
Shortstop - Erick Aybar, Arkansas
Outfield - T.J. Bohn, San Antonio
Outfield - Andre Ethier, Midland
Outfield - Tyler Minges, Springfield
DH - Jason Perry, Midland
Utility - Mike Aviles, Wichita
Pitcher - Jon Asahina, Tulsa
Pitcher - Jason Hirsh, Corpus Christi
Pitcher - Randy Leek, Springfield
Pitcher - Bobby Livingston, San Antonio
Pitcher - Fernando Nieve, Corpus Christi
Pitcher - Sandy Nin, Tulsa
Player of the Year - Andre Ethier, Midland
Pitcher of the Year - Jason Hirsh, Corpus Christi
Manager of the Year - Von Hayes, Midland