Pitchers wind up for third annual MSP Award
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball pitchers will once again strive for the lowest earned run average (ERA) this season and the Most Spectacular Pitcher (MSP) Award, sponsored by Merck/Schering-Plough, that accompanies the honor. The annual award, in its third 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 ERA leaders (Triple-A; Double-A; Single-A; Short-Season/Rookie) with a cash prize of $500, providing they are not the overall winner. A tie-breaker will determine the overall and classification winners in the event of identical ERAs.
Combined statistics will be used to determine the classification awards for hurlers appearing with more than one team within the same classification. Pitchers appearing only in Short-Season/Rookie 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 sweepstakes offering fans chances to win prizes such as a baseball outing with family and friends at a Minor League Baseball ballpark. For the second year, an in-stadium "Hot Seat" promotion will award prizes to fans sitting in certain seats at designated stadiums.
Last year, Augusta's Kevin Pucetas captured the MSP Award, sponsored by Merck/Schering-Plough, with a 1.86 ERA. The classification winners included Rochester Red Wings right-hander Kevin Slowey (1.89 ERA in 133.2 Triple-A innings); right-hander Christopher Mason of the Montgomery Biscuits (2.57 ERA in 161.1 Double-A innings); and Danville Braves left-hander Jose Ortegano (1.48 ERA in 60.2 Short-Season innings).
This season's Most Spectacular Pitcher will be honored at the Triple-A Championship game in Oklahoma City on September 16, 2008. Additional information about the MSP Award, sponsored by Merck/Schering-Plough, and the Sweepstakes is available at www.MSPAward.com.