NOTEBOOK Scrappers

Attendance report: A total of 129,601 fans watched the Scrappers at Eastwood Field this summer. The number represents the lowest season turnout in the nine-year history of the franchise. In 2006, a total of 129,719 fans visited Eastwood Field. However, the ‘07 Scrappers were ahead of last year’s pace in terms of average number of fans per contest. They averaged 3,704 fans per home game, as opposed to 3,603 in ‘06. The Scrappers’ seasonal total suffered because of three rainouts. The Scrappers’ most successful season in terms of attendance was in 2000, when they played in front of 206,287 home fans -- an average of 5,429 fans per game. In nine seasons, Eastwood Field has played host to 1,467,201 fans.

Fun stuff: Despite the daily grind and the long bus rides, Scrappers outfielder Adam White said he wouldn’t trade his first year of professional baseball for anything in the world. “I had more fun playing baseball this summer than I’ve ever had in my life,” White said. “It has been an absolute blast.” A Philipsburg, Pa. native, White was the Indians’ ninth-round selection in the 2007 June Draft. He was the Scrappers’ leadoff hitter for the majority of the summer. “The toughest part of playing at this level is getting used to playing every day. It definitely challenges you, both mentally and physically,” White said. “But then again … getting to play this game every day is an honor.” White also had praise for the fans of the Mahoning Valley. “I couldn’t have asked for a better place to begin my pro career. The people of this area are great. You won’t find a nicer group of people anywhere in the world.”

Chasing records: Scrappers reliever Kyle Landis is virtually assured of setting the franchise record for lowest ERA with at least 10 appearances. The current mark was set by Neal Wagner last season (1.39). Landis currently owns an 0.39 ERA (1 earned run, 26.1 IP) … RHP Mike Eisenberg needs to go six innings in his next start to match the highest innings pitched total in franchise history (80.1 IP, Blake Allen, 2002) … Scrappers outfielder Adam White is tied for the franchise lead in stolen bases with 22 … Scrappers 1B Todd Martin, who will sit out the remainder of the season with an injured knee, set the record for highest batting average in franchise history at .360. Ben Francisco held the previous mark of .349, set in 2002. Martin also set franchise marks in on-base percentage (.423) and slugging percentage (.533).

Steve Ruman