Minor League Pitchers Wind Up for the Second Annual MSP Award
Published on May 30, 2007 under International League (IL1) News Release
ST. PETERSBURG, FL--Minor League Baseball pitchers will once again be striving for the lowest earned run average (ERA) this season and the Most Spectacular Pitcher (MSP) Award, sponsored by Vytorin (ezetimibe/simvastatin), that goes with it. The annual award, in its second year, includes a trophy and a cash prize of $7,500.
The MSP Award will be presented to the qualifying pitcher with the lowest regular season ERA, among all domestic leagues. To qualify a pitcher must work a minimum of 112 innings, the standard for ERA titles in leagues playing the usual 140-game minor league season. If a pitcher appears in more than one classification, or with more than one club, his combined ERA for the season will determine his standing. Fans can follow the competition at www.MSPAward.com.
The Most Spectacular Pitcher Award also will recognize classification leaders (Triple-A; Double-A; Single-A; Short-Season) with the best ERA, except the overall winner. Winners in these categories will be awarded a cash prize of $500. A tie-breaker will determine the overall and classification winners in the event of identical ERAs.
Combined statistics will be used in determining the classification awards for hurlers appearing with more than one team within the same classification. Pitchers appearing only in Short-Season leagues must work a minimum of 45 innings to be eligible for the classification prize.
In addition to showing updated standings, the MSP Award Web site is home to baseball trivia and fan sweepstakes offering chances to win prizes such as a baseball outing with family and friends at a Minor League Baseball ballpark. New this year, an in-stadium "Hot Seat" promotion will award prizes to fans sitting in certain seats at designated stadiums.
Last year, Kinston's Scott Lewis captured the MSP Award, sponsored by VYTORINO (ezetimibe/simvastatin) with a 1.48 ERA. Classification winners included Scranton/Wilkes-Barre's Brian Mazone (2.03 ERA in 128.1 Triple-A innings); Matt Albers (2.17 ERA in 116.0 Double-A innings while with Corpus Christi); and Tri-City ValleyCats hurler Chris Salamida (1.06 ERA in 68.0 Short-Season innings).
This season's Most Spectacular Pitcher will be honored at the Triple-A Championship game in Oklahoma City on September 18. Additional information about the MSP Award, sponsored by VYTORINO (ezetimibe/simvastatin) and the Sweepstakes is available at www.MSPAward.com.
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