Ariel Jurado, a 19-year-old right-hander from Panama, has been selected as the Nolan Ryan Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Jurado, the club's No. 17 prospect, made 15 starts and seven relief appearances at Class A Hickory last season and was 12-1 with a 2.45 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP.
Outfielder Lewis Brinson was named the Minor League Defender of the Year. Brinson, ranked No. 4 in the system, besides being an outstanding defender, hit .332 with 31 doubles, eight triples, 20 home runs and 69 RBIs in 100 games with Class A Advanced High Desert, Frisco and Round Rock.