2013 Iowa Cubs Alumni Report
During the 2013 season, 104 former Iowa Cubs (52 position players and 52 pitchers) remained active in professional baseball with other teams. (Players who played with Iowa at any point in 2013 are not included in this report). Of the 104 active alumni, 55 (31 position players and 24 pitchers) appeared in at least one big league game. Here's a recap of where to keep you in touch with your favorite former Iowa Cubs.
MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUTS:
JIM ADDUCI (TEXAS RANGERS) - 17G, .258 (8-for-31), 2R, 2B, 3BB, 9K
In his 10th pro season, Adduci made his major league debut on September 1 with the Rangers and was 1-for-2 with a walk that night against the Minnesota Twins. Adduci played 156 games with Iowa between 2010 and 2012.
CHRIS ROBINSON (SAN DIEGO PADRES) - 8G, .167 (2-for-12), R, HR, 3RBI, 3K
In his ninth pro season, Robinson began the year at triple-A Norfolk in the Baltimore Orioles organization before getting traded to the San Diego Padres and assigned to Tucson on June 20. He was initially called up to San Diego on August 15, but didn't appear in a game before getting optioned back on August 17. He was recalled again on September 1 and appeared in his first game as a pinch-hitter on September 4. His first hit was a pinch-hit, three-run homer off Eudy De La Rosa of Arizona on September 25. He made one start behind the plate on September 28 at San Francisco and was 1-for-5. Robinson played 224 games with Iowa from 2009-11.
THE CUBS:
WELINGTON CASTILLO - 113G, .274 (104-for-380), 23DBL, 8HR, 32RBI
In his first full season as Chicago's primary catcher, Castillo drew rave reviews for his improvement both offensively and defensively. He missed the last two weeks of the season on the disabled list with a knee injury, but it appears he will be counted on to be the Cubs' top backstop again in 2014. Castillo played in 175 games with Iowa from 2008-2012.
CODY RANSOM - 57G, .203 (32-for-158), 10DBL, 9HR, 55RBI
Ransom split the 2005 season between Oklahoma City and Iowa and hit .234 (40-for-171) with two homers and 16 RBI in 65 games for the I-Cubs. He joined Chicago as a waiver claim in April this season after starting the year with the San Diego Padres.
ANTHONY RIZZO - 160G, .233 (141-for-606), 71R, 40DBL, 23HR, 80RBI, 6SB
Rizzo spent his first full season in the big leagues and drew some criticism for his batting average despite putting up solid overall numbers for a first-year player. The Cubs also signed Rizzo to a long-term contract and he will look to build on those numbers as the Cubs' first baseman for years to come.
ALFONSO SORIANO - 93G, .254 (92-for-362), 17HR, 51RBI with Chicago; 58G, .256 (56-for-219), 17HR, 50RBI with New York Yankees
Soriano is only a former Iowa Cub thanks to four games over two rehab assignments from 2008 and 2011. The Cubs traded him to the Yankees on July 26.
CARLOS MARMOL - 31G, 2-4, 5.86 ERA (18ER/27.2IP), 2SV with Chicago; 21G, 0-0, 2.53 ERA (6ER/21.1IP) with Los Angeles Dodgers
The Cubs traded Marmol to the Dodgers on July 2 and the reliever made stops at high-A Rancho Cucamonga and double-A Chattanooga before joining L.A. The Dodgers didn't include Marmol on the post-season roster for the NLDS, but did add him for the NLCS.
JAMES RUSSELL - 74G, 1-6, 3.59 ERA (21ER/52.2IP), 37K, 18BB
Russell topped 70 appearances for the second straight season out of Chicago's bullpen. He made 31 appearances (seven starts) with Iowa in 2009-10.
JEFF SAMARDZIJA - 33G, 33GS, 2CG, 1SHO, 8-13, 4.34 ERA (103ER/213.2IP), 214K, 78BB
Samardzija made his first Opening Day start and topped 200 innings and 200 strikeouts for the first time in his career. He made 59 appearances (38 starts) with Iowa from 2008-10.
TRAVIS WOOD - 32GS, 9-12, 3.11 ERA (69ER/200.0IP), 144K, 66BB
Wood had a breakout season, was the Cubs' lone All-Star representative for the year, and appears to be locked into a spot in Chicago's rotation for 2014. Wood was 3-3 with a 4.57 ERA (21ER/41.1IP) in seven starts with Iowa in 2012.
ESTABLISHED POSITION PLAYERS:
JEFF BAKER (TEXAS RANGERS) - 74G, .279 (43-for-154), 11HR, 21RBI
Baker played three games with Iowa on Major League rehab in 2011.
HENRY BLANCO (TORONTO BLUE JAYS & SEATTLE MARINERS) - 15G, .184 (7-for-38) with Toronto and 35G, .125 (12-for-96), 3HR, 14RBI with Seattle
Blanco payed three games with Iowa on Major League rehab in 2007.
MARLON BYRD (NEW YORK METS & PITTSBURGH PIRATES) - 117G, .285 (121-for-425), 21HR, 71RBI with New York and 30G, .318 (34-for-107), 3HR, 17RBI with Pittsburgh
Byrd played four games with Iowa on Major League rehab in 2011. He was traded from the Mets to the Pirates on August 27 and batted .333 (6-for-18) with two doubles and three RBI for the Pirates in the NLDS.
RONNY CEDENO (HOUSTON ASTROS & SAN DIEGO PADRES) - 51G, .220 (31-for-141), HR, 12RBI with Houston and 38G, .268 (33-for-123), 2HR, 9RBI with San Diego
Cedeno began the season with the Astros, but was released and then picked up by the Padres on August 1. He played 140 games with Iowa between 2005 and 2007 and is the franchise's leader in career batting average (minimum 500 AB) at .357 (190-for-532).
RYAN FLAHERTY (BALTIMORE ORIOLES) - 85G, .224 (55-for-246), 10HR, 27RBI
The Cubs lost Flaherty to Baltimore in the 2011 Rule 5 Draft. He finished the 2011 season with Iowa and hit .237 (41-for-49) with five homers and 22 RBI in 49 games.
SAM FULD (TAMPA BAY RAYS) - 118G, .199 (35-for-176), 2HR, 17RBI, 8SB
Fuld was used most often as a pinch-hitter/runner or a defensive replacement for the Rays. He played in two playoff games and came off the bench to score the go-ahead run in the Rays' only victory in the ALDS. Fuld played in 230 games with Iowa from 2007-2010 and ranks third in franchise history with 20 career triples.
JERRY HAIRSTON, JR. (LOS ANGELES DODGERS) - 96G, .211 (43-for-204), 2HR, 22RBI
Hairston appeared in games at first, second, and third base as well as right and left field for the Dodgers this season, but was limited late in the year by back spasms and was left off the Dodgers' post-season roster. Hairston played five games with the Iowa on a rehab assignment in 2005. His father, Jerry, Sr., played for the Iowa Oaks from 1973-74 and '76. His brother, Scott, played for the Chicago Cubs in 2013 before getting traded to Washington.
ERIC HINSKE (ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS) - 52G, .173 (9-for-52), HR, 6RBI
Hinske was Arizona's primary left-handed pinch-hitter and played some first base during the season. Hinske played four games with Iowa in 1999 before getting reassigned to high-A Daytona for the rest of the year.
DJ LEMAHIEU (COLORADO ROCKIES) - 109G, .280 (113-for-404), 2HR, 28RBI, 18SB
LeMahieu began the season at Colorado Springs before becoming a regular with the Rockies. He played 58 games with Iowa in 2011 before making his big league debut with Chicago.
JOSE MOLINA (TAMPA BAY RAYS) - 99G, .233 (66-for-283), 11HR, 35RBI
Molina began his pro career in the Cubs' organization in 1993. He made his triple-A debut with Iowa in 1997 for one game and played a total of 151 games with the I-Cubs between '97 and 1999-2000. He made two starts in the ALDS this year and was 0-for-5 for the Rays.
ANGEL PAGAN (SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS) - 71G, .282 (79-for-280), 5HR, 23RBI
Pagan missed more than three months this season due to a hamstring injury, but finished strong with a .326 (28-for-86) average, two homers, and six RBI In 23 games in September. Pagan played in 37 games with Iowa in 2006-07.
ANTHONY RECKER (NEW YORK METS) - 50G, .215 (29-for-135), 6HR, 19RBI
Recker spent most of the season with the Mets as the back-up catcher to John Buck and then Travis d'Arnaud when Buck was traded in August. Recker played three games with Iowa in 2012 after getting acquired in a trade from Oakland for Blake Lalli at the end of the year.
GEOVANY SOTO (TEXAS RANGERS) - 54G, .245 (40-for-163), 9HR, 22RBI
Soto played behind A.J. Pierzynski in his first full season with the Rangers. Soto played in 314 games with Iowa between 2005-07 and four games on a rehab assignment in 2012. He was the PCL MVP in '07, batting .353 (136-for-385) with 26 HR, and 109 RBI.
ANDRES TORRES (SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS) - 103G, .250 (68-for-272), 2HR, 21RBI
Torres played all three outfield spots for the Giants this season while providing speed and flexibility off the bench as a switch-hitter. Torres hit .306 (125-for-409) with 27 doubles, 10 triples, 11 homers, 51RBI, and 29 steals in 118 games in his only season with Iowa in 2008.
CHAD TRACY (WASHINGTON NATIONALS) - 92G, .202 (26-for-129), 4HR, 11RBI
Tracy was a left-handed bat off the bench and a back-up corner infielder for the Nationals this season. His played 26 games with Iowa in 2010 and hit .396 (36-for-91) with five home runs and 18 RBI.
ESTABLISHED PITCHERS:
DAVID AARDSMA (NEW YORK METS) - 43G, 2-2, 4.31 ERA (19ER/39.2IP), 19BB, 36K
Aardsma split the first two months of the season between New Orleans and Las Vegas in the PCL before joining the Mets. His first game with the 51s was against the I-Cubs on May 22 at Principal Park. He walked three and struck out three in a scoreless inning. Aardsma made 29 appearances with Iowa in 2006 before getting called up for his big league debut with the Cubs.
ANDREW CASHNER (SAN DIEGO PADRES) - 31G, 26GS, 10-9, 3.09 ERA (60ER/175.0IP)
Cashner began the season in the Padres' bullpen before moving into the rotation on April 20. He had a no-hit bid spoiled in the seventh inning, but complete a one-hit shutout on September 16 at Pittsburgh and posted a 0.76 ERA (2ER/23.2IP) in three September starts overall. Cashner was 3-0 with a 0.78 ERA (2ER/23.0IP) in seven games (three starts) with Iowa in 2010-11.
MANNY CORPAS (COLORADO ROCKIES) - 31G, 1-2, 4.54 ERA (21ER/41.2IP), 30K, 16BB
Corpas began the season at triple-A Colorado Springs and had another brief stint in the PCL in August, but spent most of the year with the Rockies. He made 19 appearances with Iowa in 2012 before getting called up to Chicago.
NEAL COTTS (TEXAS RANGERS) - 58G, 8-3, 1.11 ERA (7ER/57.0IP), SV, 65K, 18BB
Cotts began the season with Round Rock before getting called up by Texas on May 21. He hadn't pitched in the big leagues since May of 2009 with the Cubs. Cotts made 55 appearances, including six starts, with Iowa from 2007-09.
RYAN DEMPSTER (BOSTON RED SOX) - 32G, 29GS, 8-9, 4.57 ERA (87ER/171.1IP)
Dempster's ERA inflated to 6.75 in five August starts and his three relief appearances came in his final three games of the year. He made one relief appearance and posted a scoreless inning in the ALDS. Dempster made eight appearances (five starts) over two rehab assignments with Iowa in 2004 and 2007.
KYLE FARNSWORTH (TAMPA BAY RAYS AND PITTSBURGH PIRATES) - 39G, 2-0, 5.76 ERA (19ER/29.2IP) with Tampa Bay and 9G, 1-1, 1.04 ERA (ER/8.2IP), 2SV with Pittsburgh
Farnsworth began the season with Tampa Bay before getting released on August 10. He signed with the Pirates and joined them in September to help with their Wild Card run. He was active, but didn't pitch in the post-season. Farnsworth made 48 appearances (24 starts) with Iowa from 1998-00 and 2002.
JIM HENDERSON (MILWAUKEE BREWERS) - 61G, 5-5, 2.70 ERA (18ER/60.0IP), 28SV
Henderson replaced John Axford as the Brewers' closer this season and had a solid year. He made 11 appearances with Iowa in 2007-08.
RICH HILL (CLEVELAND INDIANS) - 63G, 1-2, 6.28 ERA (27ER/38.2IP), 51K, 29BB
Hill was a left-handed specialist out of the Indians' bullpen this season, but didn't pitch in their Wild Card game against Tampa Bay. Hill was 15-6 with a 2.97 ERA (63ER/191.0IP) in 33 games (32 starts) with Iowa from 2005-06 and 2008.
TED LILLY (LOS ANGELES DODGERS) - 5GS, 0-2, 5.09 ERA (13ER/23.0IP), 18K, 10BB
Lilly had another season limited by injuries as he also made six minor league starts on rehab. He made one career start for Iowa on a rehab assignment in 2010.
SEAN MARSHALL (CINCINNATI REDS) - 16G, 0-1, 1.74 ERA (2ER/10.1IP), 10K, 2BB
Marshall was on the DL with a left should sprain and tendinitis from May 24 to September 16. He made 15 starts with Iowa from 2006-08.
RICKY NOLASO (MIAMI MARLINS AND LOS ANGELES DODGERS) - 18GS, 5-8, 3.85 ERA (48ER/112.1IP) with Miami and 16G, 15GS, 8-3, 3.52 ERA (34ER/87.0I) with Los Angeles
Nolasco was one of the big names to be dealt at the trade deadline in July and was part of the Dodgers' resurgence to win the NL West. Nolasco made nine starts with Iowa in 2004.
DARREN OLIVER (TORONTO BLUE JAYS) - 50G, 3-4, 3.86 ERA (21ER/49.0IP), 40K, 15BB
At 42 years old, Oliver is the oldest player on this list. He started his pro career in 1998 in the Rangers' organization. He made three starts with Iowa in 2005.
RAUL VALDES (PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES) - 17G, 1GS, 1-1, 746 ERA (29ER/35.0IP)
Valdes began the season with Philadelphia, had two stints with the Phillies and two stints with triple-A Lehigh Valley during the year. He had a 2.45 ERA (25ER/78.2IP) in 14 starts with the Iron Pigs. Valdes made 32 appearances (24 starts) with Iowa from 2005-06.
JEROME WILLIAMS (LOS ANGELES ANGELS) - 37G, 25GS, 9-10, 4.57 ERA (86ER/169.1IP)
Williams began the season in the bullpen, but made all 25 of his starts in a span of 29 appearances from May 5 - September 26. Williams made 33 appearances (20 starts) with Iowa from 2005-06.
BIG LEAGUE FILL-INS AND SEPTEMBER CALL-UPS:
TONY CAMPANA (ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS) - 29G, .261 (12-for-46), 8SB
Campana spent most of the season at triple-A Reno and hit .293 (103-for-351) with 32 stolen bases in 102 games with the Aces. He was called up for two games in July and then in mid-August to finish the year. Campana played in 67 games with Iowa from 2011-12.
ROBINSON CHIRINOS (TEXAS RANGERS) - 13G, .179 (5-for-28), 3DBLChirinos started the year in the Rays' organization, but was traded to the Rangers in April and reported to triple-A Round Rock. Chirinos had three stints with the Rangers during the year. He played 15 games for Iowa in 2010 and hit .364 (20-for-55) with three homers and 10 RBI.
TYLER COLVIN (COLORADO ROCKIES) - 27G, .160 (12-for-75), 21DBL, 3HR, 10RBI
Colvin was with the Rockies from June 8-July 9 while spending most of the season with triple-A Colorado Springs. He missed the entire month of August on the disabled list. Colvin played 50 games for Iowa in 2011.
MARWIN GONZALEZ (HOUSTON ASTROS) - 72G, .262 (45-for-172), HR, 15RBI
Gonzalez began and ended the season with Houston and also had a 44-game stint at triple-A Oklahoma City from June 8-August 13. The Cubs lost Gonzalez to the Astros in the Rule 5 Draft in 2011. He finished the '11 season with Iowa and hit .274 (54-for-197) in 60 games.
BRENDAN HARRIS (LOS ANGELES ANGELS) - 44G, .206 (22-for-107), 4HR, 9RBI
Harris began the season with the Angels, but was designated for assignment on July 21 and became a free agent. He finished the year with stops at triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barres (Yankees) and Round Rock (Rangers). Harris played 69 games with Iowa in 2004, the same season he made his big league debut with Chicago.
KOYIE HILL (MIAMI MARLINS) - 18G, .155 (9-for-58), 2DBL
Hill was called up by Miami on August 9 after spending most of the season with triple-A New Orleans. He played in 160 games with Iowa from 2007-08 and had a career-high 17 home runs with the I-Cubs during the '08 season.
BLAKE LALLI (MILWAUKEE BREWERS) - 16G, .125 (3-for-24), 2RBILalli's time with Milwaukee came early in the year from April 12-May 14. He was used as a pinch-hitter or at first base and only caught in one game. Lalli hit .282 (80-for-124) with 11 homers and 35 RBI in 82 games with triple-A Nashville. Lalli played in 93 games with Iowa during the 2012 season.
FELIX PIE (PITTSBURGH PIRATES) - 27G, .138 (4-for-29), 2RBI
Pie was called up by the Pirates on August 21 and was used primarily as a pinch-runner and defensive replacement in September. He spent most of the year at triple-A Indianapolis and batted .251 (89-for-354) with eight homers, 40 RBI, and 38 stolen bases. Pie played in 281 games with the Cubs from 2006-08 and had a .300 (337-for-1123) career average for Iowa.
JAIRO ASENCIO (BALTIMORE ORIOLES) - 4G, 0-0, 7.71 ERA (2ER/2.1IP), 4K, 2BB
Asencio made all of his appearances with the Orioles from July 12-27 and spent the rest of the season at triple-A Norfolk, going 5-0 with a 2.66 ERA (15ER/50.2IP) and 28 saves in 47 games for the Tides. Asencio appeared in 13 games with Iowa in 2012.
JEFF BELIVEAU (TAMPA BAY RAYS) - 1G, 0.2IP, 1H, 1BBBeliveau began the season with Round Rock, but was designated for assignment by the Rangers and claimed off waivers by the Rays. He spent most of the season at triple-A Durham and was 2-3 with a 2.62 ERA (13ER/44.2IP) and one save in 38 games. His only appearance with the Rays was on September 27 at Toronto. Beliveau made 37 appearances for Iowa in 2012 before making his major league debut with Chicago.
DAVE BUSH (TORONTO BLUE JAYS) - 1G, 3.0IP, 5H, 5R, 4BB, K
Bush's only appearance with the Jays was on April 7 vs. Boston. He spent the rest of the year at triple-A Buffalo and was 8-7 with a 4.20 ERA (42ER/92.0IP) in 19 games (15 starts) for the Bisons. Bush made five starts with Iowa in 2011.
ROBERT COELLO (LOS ANGELES ANGELS) - 2-2, 3.71 ERA (7ER/17.0IP), 23K, 8BB
Coello began the season at triple-A Salt Lake, but burst onto the scene with the Angels in June as he allowed one run in 13.1 innings in his first 11 games. An injury put him on the shelf in June, but he did return to make three scoreless appearances in September. Coello made 30 appearances (11 starts) with Iowa in 2011.
RAMON ORTIZ (TORONTO BLUE JAYS) - 7G, 4GS, 1-2, 6.04 ERA (17ER/25.1IP)Ortiz made one spot start for the Jays in April and returned for five starts in May before blowing out his elbow in a game on June 2 at San Diego. The injury came 10 days after his 40th birthday. Ortiz made 16 starts for Iowa in 2011.
CLAY RAPADA (CLEVELAND INDIANS) - 4G, 2.0IP, H, 2BB
Rapada began the season at triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the Yankees organization before getting released on June 4. He signed with the Indians and reported to triple-A Columbus where he pitched before getting a September call-up. Rapada made 83 appearances with Iowa from 2006-07.
CHRIS VOLSTAD (COLORADO ROCKIES) - 6G, 0-0, 10.80 ERA (10ER/8.1IP)
Volstad opened the season in the Rockies' bullpen before getting optioned to triple-A Colorado Springs after four games. He was recalled for two more appearances in June, but allowed four runs in two innings. With the Sky Sox, Volstad was 7-6 with a 4.56 ERA (65ER/127.2IP) in 23 games (22 starts). Volstad made 12 starts with Iowa in 2012.