2007 STATS LEADERS FAIRING WELL IN AFFILIATED PLAY Independent Baseball Insider (Vol. 6, No. 14, May 8, 2008) By Bob Wirz It is a good test of Independent Baseball strength to see how the previous season’s statistical leaders are doing, especially if the players have had their contracts purchased by major league organizations.
Breathe easy, Independent leaguers. Five of the 14 we traced who had led significant categories are now in affiliated farm systems and every one is, at worst, holding his own. | 
The San Diego Padres have purchased the contract of Cats’ right-handed pitcher Lee Gwaltney (pictured), it was announced today. Gwaltney spent the month of March this year with the Padres in Spring Training but was released and re-joined the Cats rotation. 
The third season of the American Association begins tonight as one of the league’s newest member, the Wichita Wingnuts plays host to the Sioux City Explorers. The Explorers will send southpaw Dusty Bergman to the mound while Wichita counters with Brad Davis (pictured).
