In American Association Daily, the Minor League Sports Report and This Week in the Association select Winnipeg Goldeyes LHP Mitch Lambson as the American Association Pitcher of the Year. Lambson is coming off a season where he ranked in the top five in the league in several pitching categories.

Mitch Lambson Pitcher of the Year

Mitch Lambson was named the American Association Pitcher of the Year after leading the league in victories with 13. The left-hander ranked among the league leaders in several categories, including second in strikeouts with 133 and he was fifth in ERA at 3.10.

Lambson set a Goldeyes record for innings pitched in a single season with 150.2. He finished 13-4 overall. Lambson was tied for the league lead in shutouts with two and he was first in complete games with four. The lefty made 21 starts this season, tied for second most in the league. He allowed 153 hits and just 33 walks.

Mitch Lambson went at least six innings in 19 of his 21 starts this season. In 13 of his starts the left-hander allowed two runs or less and he struck out double digit batters in six outings this year, including a season high 13 against the Gary Southshore RailCats on August 27. Lambson also had the longest winning streak by a starting pitcher this season, reeling off seven straight victories (July 16-August 17).

Twice this season Mitch Lambson was named the Pitcher of the Week by the Minor League Sports Report and This Week in the Association.

Westphal, Sinibaldi Named Runner-Ups

Chicago Dogs left-hander Luke Westphal and Gary Southshore RailCats right-hander Justin Sinibaldi were named the runners up to Lambson. Westphal had a great season for Chicago, posting an 11-2 record with a 2.82 ERA in 17 starts. The left-hander did not allow a hit in his first three starts and did not allow a run in his first four outings of the season. He struck out 123 batters in 89.1 innings pitched, the highest strike out per nine innings pitched rating of any starter in the league.

Gary Southshore RailCats right-hander Justin Sinibaldi won the ERA title in the American Association this season, posting a 2.75 ERA. The right-hander made 25 appearances this season, 19 as a starter, tossing 118.0 innings. Sinibaldi finished 6-7 with a save and a complete game shutout.

By Robert Pannier