Minor League Baseball: News: The Farm's Almanac

Masaki Nonaka, an umpire in the Class A Advanced California League, began at the Rookie level in 2005.

August 15, 2008

'Samurai Umpires' a major endeavor

A group of New York filmmakers spanned the country this summer to document the day-to-day lives of the half-dozen Japanese umpires now toiling in the Minor Leagues.
More >

Cracked Bats

Maxie left mark with Austin

After his own team was held hitless the day before, Austin Senators right-hander Larry Maxie responded with his second no-no of the 1961 Texas League season.
More >

Ballparks

BlueClaws draw on the shore

The first game at Lakewood's FirstEnergy Park was rained out in 2001, but everything's been running quite smoothly ever since.
More >

Correspondents Corner

Burke right at home behind the mic

Growing up in New Jersey, Brendan Burke enjoyed the perks that come with having a big-league beat writer as a father. Now a broadcaster for the Lakewood BlueClaws, he's got the job he dreamed about as a kid.
More >

Player Perspectives

Kennelly comfortable half a world away

Nearly 12,000 miles from his home in Perth, Australia, versatile Phillies prospect Tim Kennelly has had to acclimate himself to a lot more than simply his utility role with the Class A BlueClaws.
More >

Faces On The Farm

Zack Segovia - Harrisburg Senators

Right-hander Zack Segovia has played on six different teams this year, and he's relishing his latest opportunity.
More >

Mike McCardell - Beloit Snappers

Snappers ace Mike McCardell has an edge as the playoff chase heats up and cooler temperatures hit Wisconsin.
More >

Brandon Guyer - Peoria Chiefs

Brandon Guyer left football behind when he graduated high school, and it appears he made a very good choice.
More >

Team Of The Week

Orem Owlz
Pioneer League

The Orem Owlz won all seven games this week to stretch their winning streak to 11 and improve their second-half record to 13-4.

Results:	Highlights:
08/08/08, HEL, 9-3	Groth: 2-4, 3 RBI, 2 R
08/09/08, HEL, 3-2	Giovanatto: 3-5, 2 RBI
08/10/08, MIS, 17-4	Groth: HR, 5 RBI
08/11/08, MIS, 4-1	Boshers: 6 IP, 3 H, 1 R
08/12/08, MIS, 10-6	Jimenez: 2-3, 5 RBI
08/13/08, MIS, 10-5	Lopez: 3-5, 2 RBI, 2 R
08/14/08, HEL, 7-3	Lopez: 4-5, 2 HR, 3 RBI

Minor League Statistical Leaders

Best of 2008 ...

The 10 pitchers with the lowest ERA in 2008 (full-season leagues).

Player	TM	AVG
M. Bumgarner	AUG	1.59
Jonathan Kibler	WMI	1.72
Brad Mills	NHM	1.89
Connor Graham	ASH	2.15
Jhoulys Chacin	MOD	2.16
Michael Pineda	WIS	2.17
Zach McAllister	TAM	2.22
Vincent Mazzaro	SAC	2.25
Victor Garate	INL	2.27
K. De La Cruz	KIN	2.31

in elite company

The pitchers with the lowest ERA over the last 10 years (min. 130 IP).

Player	YEAR	AVG
Jon Connolly	2003	1.41
Zach Duke	2004	1.46
Josh Beckett	2001	1.54
Bubba Nelson	2002	1.66
Kameron Loe	2003	1.67
Mike Meyers	1999	1.74
Sean Burnett	2002	1.80
Dontrelle Willis	2002	1.82
Yovani Gallardo	2006	1.86
Kevin Pucetas	2007	1.86

More stats »