Atlanta Braves Pitcher Tommy Hanson Named NL Rookie Of The Month

James Hulka by Analyst Written on July 03, 2009
KISSIMMEE, FL - MARCH 3:  Pitcher Tommy Hanson #73 of the Atlanta Braves throws during an exhibition game against Panama at Champion Stadium March 3, 2009 in Kissimmee, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)

If you were watching Thursday's Braves' game on Sports South, you probably saw this.

Even if you didn't, fans of baseball shouldn't be surprised.

Four weeks ago, Tommy Hanson was still in the minors, dominating AAA hitters pitching just outside of Atlanta for the Gwinnett Braves of the International League.

Five starts into his major league career, he's already giving notice of his arrival.

Despite allowing seven earned runs in his major league debut, and three homers to the Milwaukee Brewers, Hanson finished June with a 4-0 record and a 2.48 ERA to garner NL Rookie of the Month honors.

Since allowing an RBI single by Aubrey Huff on June 12th, at Baltimore, Hanson has kept the opponents off the scoreboard, as opponents have hit just .143 with runners in scoring position against him so far this season.

He's currently working on three straight scoreless starts, allowing only nine hits over his last 17.1 IP. He hasn't allowed a run in his last 20.2 innings, and became the first NL rookie to beat the Yankees and Red Sox in consecutive starts.

The scary thing for NL opponents is that while Hanson has put up very good numbers, he can be much better.

Six shutout innings after a bout with the flu may make Terry Francona sick, but opponents might be knowing exactly what he means after he goes deeper into games and increases his total strikeouts.

Regardless, congratulations to Tommy Hanson for being named the NL Rookie of the Month for June.

Braves fans certainly hope for your success to continue.

(0)
...
Share This  
Crop_45x45
or to post this comment

3 Comments

There are no comments yet. Get the conversation started by leaving the first comment

Loading more comments...
posted just now
  • Loading...
  • Nobody has liked this comment yet
Cancel

This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete

182
reads

3
comments

written on July 03, 2009 Stats

The best Braves newsletter on the web

Subscribe Now

We will never share your email address


CBS Sports Official Partner
Certain photos copyright © 2009 by Getty Images.
Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Getty Images is strictly prohibited.