Milone named International League Pitcher of the Week

Syracuse Chiefs left-handed starter Tom Milone has been named International League Pitcher of the Week after going 14 1/3 innings in two starts and allowing only one run. Milone said the last few weeks have been going smoothly on the mound. "I can't complain," Milone said. "I am throwing the ball well. Everything is working with all four pitches. I am throwing strikes, which is good. I am not giving out free passes." Milone is indeed throwing strikes, which are turning into strikeouts. He is showing tremendous command and control as well, with a 20-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio. The insane numbers: 101 strikeouts to only five walks. He leads the International league in strikeouts. Milone said he has felt a difference in the hitters he faces at this level and has adjusted to their talent. "The beginning of the year, I was just trying to get my feet wet in Triple-A," Milone said. "The last few starts, I am starting to kind of getting a feel for how the hitters hit up here. It is tougher than Double-A. Instead of adjusting from game to game or at-bat to at-bat, they are adjusting from pitch to pitch. So I have been trying to stay within myself and not try to get out of how I pitch. That has probably been the toughest part. I have to adjust pitch-to-pitch like they are." Milone said his selection to the Triple-A All-Star game next week is an honor and he looks forward to heading west for the game in Salt Lake City. The game is slated for July 13 at Spring Mobile Ballpark. He expects a good amount of friends and family from California and Utah will be able to attend the game. "It is very exciting just to be on the list with some of these guys that I have seen on the field," Milone said. "I can't wait to get there and talk to some of these guys that I have played against all year." Milone's next start is Friday versus the Pawtucket Red Sox at home.