Winter League Report for January 12
This is a short week for the Winter League Report - mostly because it took so long to get caught up on three weeks worth of numbers for last week's report. This week's report is brought to you by the number three. In transaction news this week, three former I-Cubs find new homes and the Cubs add three new minor league free agents. On the field, the top three RBI guys in the Mexican League playoffs are all former Iowa Cubs as the Caribbean leagues all march through their post-seasons. Let's get started…
TRANSACTIONS
The Cubs announced their signing of OF Chris Denorfia on January 9. Denorfia split last season between the Padres and Mariners and hit .230 (76-for-330) with three home runs and 21 RBI. San Diego traded him to Seattle on July 31 for a pair of minor leaguers. Denorfia has a lifetime .272 (530-for-1950) average with 38 home runs and 178 RBI in 705 big league games over the last nine seasons with Cincinnati (2005-06), Oakland (2008-09), San Diego (2010-14) and Seattle. To make room for Denorfia on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated LH Michael Kickham for assignment. Kickham had just been claimed off waivers from San Francisco on Dec. 23.
According to Baseball America, the Cubs have re-signed INF Chris Valaika to a minor league deal. Valaika was Iowa's best player at times last year and was a valuable member of Iowa's lineup, usually hitting between Javy Baez and Kris Bryant in the batting order when both players were at triple-A. Valaika hit .278 (98-for-352) with 10 home runs and 50 RBI in 102 games with Iowa before getting called up in August. He hit .231 (28-for-131) with three home runs and 13 RB In 44 games with Chicago.
The Cubs also signed C Taylor Teagarden and RHPs Jorge De Leon and Andres Santiago on minor league deals. The Cubs drafted Teagarden in the 22nd round of the 2002 draft out of Creekview High School in Carrollton, Texas, but he didn't sign and played three seasons at the University of Texas. The Rangers drafted him in the third round in 2005. He hit .303 (54-for-178) with 14 home runs and 39 RBI in 55 games for Las Vegas last season and was 4-for-28 (.143) with a home run and five RBI in nine games with the Mets. The 31-year-old Teagarden is a right-handed batter and could be a good complement, and veteran mentor, for the Cubs to team with left-handed hitting Rafael Lopez as Iowa's catching tandem in 2015. De Leon pitched at the top three levels of the Astros system last year. He had no record and a 4.91 ERA (4ER/7.1IP) in nine games in the big leagues. Most of his season was spent at triple-A Oklahoma City where he was 3-3 with a 2.63 ERA (14ER/48.0IP) for the RedHawks. In seven games against the Cubs, he was 0-1 with a 1.00 ERA (1ER/9.0IP), two walks, and 11 strikeouts. Santiago was 6-8 with a 4.47 ERA (64ER/129.0IP) in 26 games (24 starts) at double-A Chattanooga last year in the Dodgers' organization. In his final start of 2014, he pitched a no-hitter against Tennessee on August 28. He allowed just one walk and struck out 12 in the game.
OF Tyler Colvin (2011 with Iowa) signed with the Marlins. Colvin spent 2014 in the Giants' organization and hit .223 (31-for-139) with two home runs and 18 RBI in 57 games for the eventual World Champions. He also hit .227 (37-for-163) with two home runs and 18 RBI in 50 games for triple-A Fresno. RH Marcos Mateo (2010-11, '13-14) signed with the Padres. Mateo was 3-0 with a 3.86 ERA (16ER/37.1IP) and two saves in 33 games with Iowa last year and went 4-4 with a 4.46 ERA (42ER/84.2IP) and five saves in 70 games in his Iowa career. 1B Lars Anderson (2014) signed with the Dodgers. Anderson hit .287 (25-for-87) with four home runs and 19 RBI in 34 games for the I-Cubs last year, but missed a lot of time due to an illness that caused dizziness. He hit .357 (10-for-28) with two homers and seven RBI in eight games in July before finishing the year at double-A.
In coaching news, Mark Grudzielanek (rehab stints in 2003-04) was named the manager for Kane County in suburban Chicago, now an affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
DOMINICAN WINTER LEAGUE
The post-season round robin tournament started in the Dominican on December 27. Estrellas won the regular season with a 32-18 record. Aguilas (30-20), Gigantes (28-22), and Toros del Este (24-26) also made the tournament. Licey (19-31) and Escogido (17-33) were eliminated.
GIGANTES DEL CIBAO (10-3 IN ROUND ROBIN)
MIGUEL BATISTA, RHP (1997)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-0, 9.00 ERA (4ER/4.0IP), 4G, 5H, 2HR, 2BB, 3K
The 43-year-old Batista last pitched in the big leagues in 2012, appearing in 30 games with the New York Mets and five games with the Atlanta Braves. He pitched in eight games (seven starts) with triple-A Buffalo in the Toronto Blue Jays' organization in 2013. His last appearances was Nov. 15.
JAIRO ASENCIO, RHP
As is customary in the Caribbean Leagues, players from eliminated teams will join clubs that have advanced. Asencio pitched for Licey in the regular season, but has joined Gigantes for the tournament.
POST-SEASON: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 7G, 2SV, 6.2IP, 5H, 2BB, 3K
For the tournament, Asencio is tied for second in the league in saves (2).
CARLOS PIMENTEL, RHP
Pimentel pitched for Escogido in the regular season, but has joined Gigantes for the playoffs.
POST-SEASON: 1-0, 1.23 ERA (2ER/14.2IP), 3G, 3GS, 9H, 2ER, 7BB, 13K
BROOKS RALEY, LHP (2012-13)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-3, 2.60 ERA (8ER/27.2IP), 6GS, 30H, 11R, 2HR, 13BB, 12K
The Minnesota Twins claimed Raley off waivers from the Cubs in February and he started the season at Triple-A Rochester. On May 8, the Los Angeles Angels claimed him off waivers and assigned him to Salt Lake. Raley was limited to six games (five starts) due to injury and was outrighted off the Angels' 40-man roster in June. Raley's last start was Nov. 21 against Toros del Este.
DONN ROACH, RHP (CUBS PROSPECT)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-1, 6.08 ERA (9ER/13.1IP), 5G, 4GS, 14H, 14R, 7BB, 9K
The Cubs claimed Roach on waivers from the Padres on November 12. He made 16 appearances (one start) for San Diego last season and was 1-0 with a 4.75 ERA (16ER/30.1IP) while also appearing for triple-A El Paso. Roach's last appearance was Nov. 10.
ESTRELLAS de ORIENTE (7-6 IN ROUND ROBIN)
LUIS FLORES, C (2013-14)
REGULAR SEASON: 8G, .125 (2-for-16), 3R, 2BB, 5K
Flores was leading the I-Cubs in walks (27 in 31 games) before he was transferred to double-A Tennessee in July. He hit .253 (49-for-194) with five home runs, 41 walks, and 37 strikeouts in 67 games between the two stops. Flores didn't join Estrellas until Nov. 20. The Cubs lost Flores to the Astros in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 Draft during the Winter Meetings.
JAKE FOX, 1B (2007-09)
REGULAR SEASON: 17G, .224 (13-for-58), 5R, 6DBL, 5RBI, 4BB, 14K
The 31-year-old Fox began played five games for Somerset in the independent Atlantic League, and hit .307 (66-for-215) with 16 home runs and 46 RBI in 57 games with Laguna in the Mexican League, before signing with the Phillies and reporting to double-A Reading in June. He hit .308 (88-for-286) with 22 home runs and 70 RBI in 78 games for the Fightin' Phils. Fox just signed with the Blue Jays and has played exclusively at first base on defense for Estrellas while also serving as their designated hitter.
JUNIOR LAKE, OF (2013-14)
REGULAR SEASON: 42G, .243 (34-for-140), 27R, 6DBL, 2HR, 12RBI, 30BB, 51K, 21SB
Lake hit just .211 (65-for-308) in 108 games with Chicago this season and came back to Iowa for a couple of weeks in August. The 2015 season will be a critical year in his Cubs' career as his spot on the big league roster doesn't appear to be guaranteed. During the regular season, Lake led the league in stolen bases (21) and was obviously focused on working counts and having long at-bats as he tied for the league lead in both walks (30) and strikeouts (51). He tied for second in runs scored (27), tied for fourth in games (42), and ranked fifth in OBP (.399).
POST-SEASON: 13G, .260 (13-for-50), 4R, 3DBL, HR, 6RBI, 7BB, 14K, 2/3SB
BLAKE LALLI, C (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 8G, .118 (2-for-17), R, 2B, 4BB, 3K
Lalli re-signed to a minor league deal with the Diamondbacks after hitting .275 (78-for-284) with three home runs and 29 RBI in 93 games for triple-A Reno in 2014. His first game with Estrellas didn't come until Dec. 7.
RAFAEL DOLIS, RHP (2012-13)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-0, 1.17 ERA (2ER/15.1IP), 18G, 15.1IP, 10H, 4BB, 10K
Dolis was the Chicago Cubs' closer for a time in 2012, but couldn't throw enough strikes to stick in the big league bullpen. He signed with the San Francisco Giants before the 2014 season, but was released on May 22 after four appearances at triple-A Fresno. Dolis didn't allow a run in his first 16 appearances in the regular season for Estrellas and held his opponent scoreless in 17 of 18 regular season games. Dolis signed a minor league deal and will go to camp with the Tigers in the spring.
POST-SEASON: 2-0, 1.50 ERA (1ER/6.0IP), 5G, H, HR, HB, BB, 2K
In the tournament, Dolis is tied for the league-lead in wins (2).
MARCOS MATEO, RHP (2010-11, '13-14)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-1, 1.75 ERA (5ER/25.2IP), 25G, 21SV, 13H, 5BB, 45K
Mateo didn't allow a run in his last 14 regular season appearances for Estrellas, and didn't allow an earned run in his last 19 games. He led the DWL in saves (21) and games finished (24), while finishing second in appearances (25) and tied for second in strikeouts (45).
POST-SEASON: 0-1, 19.29 ERA (5ER/2.1IP), 3G, 1/2SV, 3H, HR, 3BB, 2IBB, 3K
RAMON ORTIZ, RHP
During the regular season, Ortiz played for Licey, but has joined Esterllas for the post-season.
POST-SEASON: 1-1, 4.63 ERA (6ER/11.2IP), 3G, 3GS, 13H, HR, 2HB, 4BB, 4K
STARLING PERALTA, RHP (CUBS PROSPECT)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 4G, 6.1IP, 6H, R, 0ER, BB, 4K
Peralta turned 24 on November 11 and celebrated by re-signing with the Cubs for another season. He spent all of the 2014 season with high-A Daytona. In 33 games (two starts), he was 6-3 with a 3.43 ERA (31ER/81.1IP) and earned two saves. He displayed a live arm, allowing just 64 hits while striking out 86. After one appearance for Estrellas on Oct. 25, he didn't pitch again until Dec. 9 when he posted three scoreless innings and struck out two at Escogido. He made two more appearances in the regular season without allowing an earned run.
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 7.71 ERA (2ER/2.1IP), 2H, BB
IVAN PINEYRO, RHP (CUBS PROSPECT)
REGULAR SEASON: 1-0, 1.32 ERA (2ER/13.2IP), 4G, 4GS, 13H, 6BB, 14K
Pineyro was one of several double-A pitchers limited by injury in 2014 and finished 0-4 with a 5.55 ERA (30ER/48.2IP) in 11 starts at Tennessee. After a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League (see below for stats), Pineyro continued to make up for lost time this off-season by working with Estrellas. He pitched five shutout innings, struck out six, and earned a win in his final start on Dec. 17 at Licey.
RYAN ROWLAND-SMITH, LHP (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 2-1, 3.55 ERA (10ER/25.1IP), 7G, 6GS, 31H, 8BB, 12K
Rowland-Smith was a great story to open the 2014 season, pitching both for and against the Arizona Diamondbacks in their season-opening trip to his native Australia. He mad a total of six big league appearances with Arizona this year before becoming a free agent on April 21. He was signed and released by both the Blue Jays and the Cincinnati Reds during the season after pitching at triple-A with both organizations. Rowland-Smith's last start with Estrellas was Nov. 22 vs. Aguilas.
AGUILAS CIBAENAS (5-8 IN ROUND ROBIN)
MANNY RAMIREZ, OF (2014)
REGULAR SEASON: 41G, .313 (46-for-147), 22R, 11DBL, 6HR, 28RBI, 19BB, 28K
In the regular season, Manny finished third in the league in RBI (28), tied for third in doubles (11), fourth in batting (.313) and OBP (.409), and tied for fifth in home runs (6). He finished on a nine-game hitting streak, including a four-hit game on Dec. 16.
POST-SEASON: 12G, .244 (10-for-41), 4R, 2B, 3HR, 6RBI, 6BB, 5K
In the tournament, Ramirez leads the league in home runs (3) and ranks fourth in slugging (.488).
FRANK BATISTA, RHP (2012, '14)
REGULAR SEASON: 3-1, 3.79 ERA (17ER/40.1IP), 11G, 8GS, 47H, 2HR, 16BB, 31K
Batista has been the primary closer at double-A Tennessee the last three seasons, but began the season in the starting rotation for Aguilas. He went to the bullpen to start the month of December, but his final regular season appearance was a start. In the regular season, Batista finished third in the league in walks (16) and sixth in ERA (3.79).
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 1.17 ERA (1ER/7.2IP), 4G, 7H, 2R, 2BB, 8K
JON LEICESTER, RHP (2004-05)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-1, 11.57 ERA (6ER/4.2IP), 2G, 1GS, 7H, 8R, 3BB, 3K
Leicester hasn't pitched in affiliated baseball since appearing in 27 games (25 starts) with triple-A Tucson in 2011. After two years off, he returned to the mound in 2014 for the Mexico City Red Devils and was 3-3 with a 5.74 ERA (20ER/31.1IP) in eight starts in the Mexican League. Leicester made his first appearance for Aguilas on Dec. 14 and allowed five runs on four hits in his start on Dec. 19.
TOROS del ESTE (4-9 IN ROUND ROBIN)
JEIMER CANDELARIO, 3B (CUBS PROSPECT)
REGULAR SEASON: 2G, .167 (1-for-6), BB, K
Candelario is one of the youngest of the Cubs' group of talented infield prospects. He split the 2014 season between single-A Kane County and high-A Daytona and struggled offensively, but is considered one of the top defensive third baseman in the system. He didn't make his season debut with Toros del Este until December 20.
JEFF ANTIGUA, LHP (2013-14)
REGULAR SEASON: 1-0, 4.22 ERA (5ER/10.2IP), 11G, 8H, 6R, 2HR, 3BB, 6K
Antigua has already re-signed on a minor league deal with the Cubs for the 2015 season. Four of the five earned runs he allowed in the regular season for Toros del Este came as the result of the two homers he surrendered.
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2G, 1.0IP, K
AUSTIN BIBENS-DIRKX, RHP (2010-11)
REGULAR SEASON: 1-3, 4.43 ERA (11ER/22.1IP), 6G, 5GS, 24H, 5HR, 4BB, 20K
Bibens-Dirkx split the 2014 season between double-A New Hampshire and triple-A Buffalo in the Toronto Blue Jays organization. He was 8-6 with a 3.41 ERA (43ER/113.1IP) in 34 games (16 starts) between the two levels and he has already re-signed on a minor league deal to return to the Jays' organization for 2015. Bibens-Dirkx pitched five shutout innings and struck out a season-high seven in his final regular season start for the Toros. He tied for the league lead with five home runs allowed.
POST-SEASON: 1-1, 1.54 ERA (2ER/11.2IP), 4G, 2GS, 12H, 3BB, 10K
For the tournament, Bibens-Dirkx is fifth in the league in ERA (1.54).
ALBERTO CABRERA, RHP (2011-14)
REGULAR SEASON: 3-0, 1.52 ERA (4ER/23.2IP), 21G, 9H, 6R, 7BB, 23K
Cabrera was out of options when he lost his 40-man roster spot at the end of spring training last year and spent the entire 2014 season with Iowa. He finished strong during the regular season and has added a solid Dominican season to earn a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers for 2015.
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 10.13 ERA (6ER/5.1IP), 6H, 2BB, 3K
Cabrera leads the league with eight appearances during the tournament.
RAUL VALDES, LHP (2005-06)
REGULAR SEASON: 3-4, 2.95 ERA (18ER/55.0IP), 9G, 9GS, 1CG, 1SHO, 44H, 5HR, 10BB, 45K
Valdes began the 2014 season in the big leagues with the Houston Astros, but was traded to the Blue Jays on May 19. He finished the season at triple-A Buffalo was was 5-5 with a 4.00 ERA (36ER/81.0IP) in 23 games (12 starts) for the Bisons. After a great start in the DWL, Valdes lost his last four starts of the regular season. He did lead the league in innings pitched (55.0), tied for the league lead in home runs allowed (5), ranked second in ERA (2.95) and WHIP (0.98), tied for second in strikeouts (45), and tied for third in losses (4).
POST-SEASON: 0-1, 3.18 ERA (6ER/17.0IP), 15H, 2HR, HB, 6BB, 11K
Valdes leads the league in innings pitched (17.1), is tied for the league-lead in home runs allowed (2), and is tied for third in walks (6) during the tournament.
TIGRES del LICEY (ELIMINATED)
ARISMENDY ALCANTARA, INF/OF (2014)
REGULAR SEASON: 19G, .324 (22-for-68), 10R, 2B, 3B, 4HR, 8RBI, 7BB, 15K, 3/4SB
Alcantara was one of the Cubs' best stories in 2014. He was the first of the position player prospects to get called up to Chicago and earned mid-season and All-PCL honors with Iowa. Alcantara went 3-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in his final regular season game for Licey on Dec. 16. That game pushed his average up over the .300 mark for the year.
DIORY HERNANDEAZ, INF (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 43G, .307 (50-for-163), 13R, 9DBL, 3B, 3HR, 18RBI, 6BB, 15K
Hernandez didn't play affiliated baseball during the 2014 regular season. He spent the 2013 season with Campeche in the Mexican League. Hernandez made a strong bid statistically to get another look from a major league organization. He finished the regular season ranked second in the DWL in hits (50), third in games (43) and total bases (70), fourth in at-bats (163), and sixth in batting (.307).
JAIRO ASENCIO, RHP (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-0, 1.17 ERA (2ER/15.1IP), 14G, 8SV, 11H, 7BB, 21K
Asencio pitched for the Kia Tigers in Korea in 2014 and was 4-1 with a 4.23 ERA (24ER/44.2IP) and 19 saves. In 2013, he spent most of his season at triple-A Norfolk, but also made four appearances with Baltimore. Asencio finished the regular season ranked third in the DWL in saves (8) and games finished (12).
MITCH ATKINS, RHP (2008-10)
REGULAR SEASON: 2-6, 5.67 ERA (29ER/46.0IP), 11GS, 46H, 34R, 2HR, 5HB, 9BB, 42K
After being released by the Washington Nationals in 2012, Atkins signed with the independent Somerset Patriots to open the 2013 season before signing with the Atlanta Braves. He split the 2014 season between triple-A Gwinnett and double-A Mississippi. Atkins led the DWL with 11 starts in the regular season. He also tied for the league lead in losses (6), ranked fourth in strikeouts (42), tied for fourth in WHIP (1.20), fifth in innings pitched (46.0), and eighth in ERA (5.67). He recently signed a minor league deal with the Texas Rangers.
CARLOS MARMOL, RHP (2006-07, '12)
REGULAR SEASON: 1-0, 2.08 ERA (3ER/13.0IP), 14G, 12H, HR, 2HB, 6BB, 24K
Marmol began the 2014 season with the Miami Marlins and was 0-3 with an 8.10 ERA (12ER/13.1IP) in 15 appearances before getting released on May 19. On May 28, he signed with the Cincinnati Reds on a free agent deal and made three appearances at triple-A Louisville. Marmol held his opponent scoreless in 12 of his 14 regular season appearances for Licey.
RAMON ORTIZ, RHP (2011)
REGULAR SEASON: 2-4, 3.76 ERA (17ER/40.2IP), 9GS, 40H, 20R, 3HR, 10BB, 28K
The 41-year-old Ortiz pitched for Tijuana in the Mexican League this past season and was 7-2 with a 4.38 ERA (38ER/78.0IP) in 14 starts. On June 2, 2013, Ortiz suffered a partial tear in the tendon of his right elbow while pitching for the Toronto Blue Jays in San Diego. The injury luckily didn't require Tommy John surgery and Ortiz was back to throwing in August of that year. It appears they'll have the tear the uniform off of him someday. Ortiz finished the regular season tied for third in the DWL in losses (4) and fourth in ERA (3.76).
LEONES del ESCOGIDO (ELIMINATED)
FRANKIE DE LA CRUZ, RHP (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-0, 8.10 ERA (3ER/3.1IP), 4G, 5H, BB, 2K
De La Cruz pitched for Monterrey in the Mexican League in 2014 and was 4-3 with a 3.67 ERA (25ER/61.1IP) in 12 starts. De La Cruz' last appearance for Escogido was Nov. 25.
CARLOS PIMENTEL, RHP (2014)
REGULAR SEASON: 2-2, 6.00 ERA (12ER/18.0IP), 14G, 2GS, 28H, 15R, 5BB, 18K
Pimentel was 4-9 with a 5.35 ERA (60ER/101.0IP) in 29 games (15 starts) with Iowa in 2014. He produced better results in his relief outings, going 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA (11ER/26.2IP) in those 14 games. During the regular season with Escogido, his two starts came in the second and final appearances of the year. He struck out a season-high six in four innings in his final game.
VENEZUELAN WINTER LEAGUE
The post-season is also underway in Venezuela with the round robin getting started on January 3. Caribes (39-24) won the regular season title. Aragua (35-27), Zulia (35-28), Magallanes (32-31), and La Guaira (31-34) also qualified for the tournament. Lara (29-35), Caracas (29-35), and Margarita (23-39) were eliminated.
CARIBES de ANZOATEGUI (6-2 IN ROUND ROBIN)
JACKSON MELIAN, OF (2003)
REGULAR SEASON: 16G, .250 (13-for-52), 5R, 2DBL, 3B, HR, 6RBI, 5BB, 11K, 1/2SB
Melian hasn't played affiliated baseball since 2010, but he is still seining a big bat for his home town team in winter ball. Melian was out of action from Nov. 1-26, but returned and ant 1-for-12 in four games. He didn't play in the regular season after Nov. 30.
NAVEGANTES del MAGALLANES (4-3 IN ROUND ROBIN)
JUAN APODACA, C (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 34G, .315 (28-for-89), 19R, 8DBL, 2HR, 17RBI, 9BB, 14K
Apodaca played for Lancaster in the independent Atlantic League this season and hit .277 (72-for-260) with 18 doubles, five home runs, and 32 RBI in 79 games. Apodaca finished the regular season on an 11-game hitting streak that included five multi-hit games. He homered in back-to-back games, Dec. 21-22 and had five RBI in his last four games.
POST-SEASON: 7G, .130 (3-for-23), 2R, HR 2RBI, 3BB, 6K
ANDRES BLANCO, INF (2008-09)
REGULAR SEASON: 35G, .293 (36-for-123), 21R, 11DBL, 2TRPL, 17RBI, 14BB, 23K, 2/4SB
Blanco hit .277 (13-for-47) with a homer and three RBI in 25 games with Philadelphia this season and re-signed with the Phillies on a minor league deal with an invitation to spring training. Blanco came up as a top-rated defensive shortstop, but played mostly third base for Magallanes this year.
RONNY CEDENO, INF (2004-05, '07):
REGULAR SEASON: 54G, .284 (59-for-208), 31R, 6DBL, 2TRPL, 3HR, 17RBI, 24BB, 41K, 2/4SB
Cedeno began the 2014 season with triple-A Lehigh Valley in the Phillies organization and was called up to Philadelphia on June 6. He was 0-for-9 in seven games before getting traded to the Diamondbacks on June 29. He hit .343 (46-for-134) with three home runs and 23 RBI in 41 games with Reno to finish the year and is currently a free agent. Cedeno finished the regular season on an eight-game hitting streak and hit safely in 14 of his last 15 while leading Magallanes with 24 walks.
POST-SEASON: 7G, .308 (8-for-26), 3R, 2B, 3RBI, 2BB, 2K. 2SB
Cedeno leads the league in stolen bases (2) for the tournament.
JONATHAN HERRERA, INF (MiLB FA SIGNEE)
REGULAR SEASON: 18G, .254 (15-for-59), 8R, 2B, 4RBI, 3BB, 10K
The Cubs have signed Herrera as a minor league free agent and will compete for a big league utility job or possibly be with Iowa to begin the 2015 season. Last year, he hit .309 (17-for-55) in 35 games with triple-A Pawtucket and .233 (21-for-90) in 42 games with Boston. He spent time in the big leagues with Colorado from 2008-13 and hit .265 (261-for-984) with eight home runs and 66 RBI in 375 games with the Rockies in that stretch. He finished with nine hits over his last six games in the regular season.
POST-SEASON: 7G, .333 (9-for-27), 8R, 2B, HR, 2RBI, 2BB, 3K, SB
During the tournament, Herrera is tied for second in the league in runs scored (8) and tied for ninth in batting (.333).
ALEX BURNETT, RHP (2013)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-1, 9.95 ERA (7ER/6.1IP), 11H, 4HR, 2BB, 10K
Burnett pitched for the independent Sioux City Explorers in 2014 and was 6-1 with a 2.17 ERA (13ER/54.0IP) in 28 relief appearances. The Cubs claimed him off waivers from Baltimore in 2013 and he pitched three games with Iowa before being sidelined with an injury. Burnett last pitched on Dec. 7.
TIBURONES de La GUAIRA (3-4 IN ROUND ROBIN)
Former Iowa manager Buddy Bailey (2007) is the manager for La Guaira this season.
ALBERTO GONZALEZ, IF
Gonzalez played for Margarita in the regular season, but has joined LaGuaria for the tournament.
POST-SEASON: 7G, .387 (12-for-31), 2R, 2DBL, RBI, 3K, SB
He ranks tied for second in hits (12) and fifth in batting (.387) in the post-season.
JOE ORTIZ, LHP (CURRENT CUB)
REGULAR SEASON: 3-0, 2.57 ERA (6ER/21.0IP), 23G, SV, 22H, 4BB, 10K
The Cubs claimed Ortiz off waivers from the Rangers on October 6. Ortiz began the 2014 season in the disabled list. He was hit by a motorcycle in Venezuela last January and suffered a fractured left foot. He returned to the mound in July and finished the season at double-A Frisco, going 0-2 with a 4.50 ERA (8ER/16.0IP) with one save in 13 games. Ortiz finished fifth in the VWL with 10 holds in the regular season.
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 4G, 2.0IP, 3H
RENYEL PINTO, LHP (2004-05)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-0, 5.09 ERA (10ER/17.2IP), 9G, 3GS, 21H, 12R, 2HR, 12BB, 15K
Pinto was 1-0 with a 6.94 ERA (9ER/11.2IP) in three starts for Mexico City this season. It was his first summer action in North America since 2010. Pinto allowed eight runs (seven earned) in 9.1 innings in his last three regular season appearances for La Guaira.
AGUILAS de ZULIA (3-4 IN ROUND ROBIN)
No players or coaches Iowa Cubs ties played for Zulia this year.
TIGRES de ARAGUA (2-5 IN ROUND ROBIN)
WILLSON CONTRERAS, C (CUBS PROSPECT)
REGULAR SEASON: 26G, .273 (18-for-66), 13R, 2B, 3B, 5HR, 17RBI, 6BB, 20K
Contreras played 80 games for Daytona in 2014 and hit .242 (68-for-281), with 14 doubles, five home runs, 37 RBI, and 40 runs scored. Contreras showed some intriguing power potential with five homers in 66 at-bats in a part-time role with Aragua.
RUBI SILVA, OF (CUBS PROSPECT)
REGULAR SEASON: 6G, .091 (2-for-22), 2R, RBI, 2BB, 7K
Silva has played at double-A Tennessee for most of the last three seasons, but was limited to 81 games with the Smokies in 2014 due to injury. He hit .246 (74-for-301) with six home runs and 38 RBI in those games. Silva didn't join Aragua until December 21.
POST-SEASON: 6G, .250 (1-for-4), R, K
CARLOS, MARMOL, RHP
Marmol pitched for Licey in the Dominican Republic during the regular season, but left those Tigres to join the Tigres de Aragua for the playoffs in Venezuela.
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 6.23 ERA (3ER/4.1IP), 5G, 4H, HR, 5BB, 5K
In the tournament, Marmol is tied for second in the league in walks (5).
YOANNER NEGRIN, RHP
Negrin pitched for Caracas in the regular season, but joined Aragua for the playoffs.
POST-SEASON: 0-1, 10.38 ERA (5ER/4.1IP), 7H, HR, 3BB, 3K
EDUARDO SANCHEZ, RHP (2013)
REGULAR SEASON: 1-0, 6.14 ERA (5ER/7.1IP), 12G, 10H, 2BB, 6K
The Tigers signed Sanchez as a free agent last November, but he suffered a stress fracture in his right elbow in February and was out until June. After three appearances at high-A Lakeland, the Tigers released Sanchez on June 11 and he finished the season with Laguna in the Mexican League. Sanchez didn't pitch in the regular season after Nov. 27.
CARDENALES de LARA (ELIMINATED)
LUIS VALBUENA, INF (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 20G, .247 (18-for-73), 12R, 4DBL, 3B, 5HR, 16RBI, 7BB, 18K
Valbuena hit .249 (119-for-478) and set career-highs with 16 home runs and 51 RBI in 149 games with Chicago last season. Valbuena joined Lara on Nov. 29 and hit safely in 14 of 20 regular season games.
EDUARDO FIGUEROA, RHP (2014)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-0, 2.19 ERA (6ER/24.2IP), 9G, 4GS, 17H, 10R, HR, 12BB, 15K
Figueroa made eight appearances (one start) with Iowa this season and was 1-1 with a 3.46 ERA (5ER/13.0IP). He spent most of the season at double-A Tennessee and also one start at Daytona. Figueroa missed nearly a month from Nov. 7 to Dec. 4. In his five relief appearances, he posted a 1.69 ERA (2ER/10.2IP).
LEONES del CARACAS (ELIMINATED)
JOSE ASCANIO, RHP (2008-09)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-2, 2.49 ERA (6ER/21.2IP), 21G, 14H, 3HR, HB, 6BB, 23K
Ascanio just finished his second season in the Mexican League. He hasn't pitched in affiliated baseball since 2011 when he was in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Ascanio held his opponent scoreless in 18 of his 21 appearances in the regular season for Caracas.
MANNY CORPAS, RHP (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-1, 5.40 ERA (4ER/6.2IP), 7G, 11H, 2BB, 3K
Corpas spent the entire 2014 season at triple-A Colorado Springs in the Rockies organization and was 1-2 with a 5.29 ERA (28ER/47.2IP) in 28 games, including one start. Corpas didn't pitch again in the regular season for Caracas after suffering his only loss on Dec. 5.
YOANNER NEGRIN, RHP (2012-14)
REGULAR SEASON: 3-4, 3.56 ERA (19ER/48.0IP), 11G, 10GS, 57H, 24R, HR, 7HB, 11BB, 40K
Negrin struggled to begin the VWL season and was inactive from Oct. 26-Nov. 21 to work on his mechanics. After his return, Negrin went on a run and earned three wins in four starts from Nov. 27 through Dec. 18. He struck out a season-high 11 in 7.2 innings in the final game of that stretch.
HENRY RODRIGUEZ, RHP (2013)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-1, 9.64 ERA (5ER/4.2IP), 4H, 5BB, 6K
Rodriguez pitched for the Marlins and White Sox organizations in 2014. He pitched two games in the big leagues for Miami and made 17 appearances for triple-A New Orleans before getting released on June 11. He signed with Chicago on June 13 and was released a month later after a total of eight appearances between the Arizona rookie league and triple-A Charlotte. He made his last appearance for Caracas on Dec. 7.
MIGUEL SOCOLOVICH, RHP (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 1-0, 2.00 ERA (4ER/18.0IP), 17G, 10H, HR, 2BB, 21K
Socolovich was only with Iowa briefly at the end of 2012 after the Cubs claimed him off waivers from Baltimore. He spent all of 2014 with Las Vegas and finished 2-2 with a 3.64 ERA (24ER/59.1IP) and three saves in 51 games for the 51s. He had three scoreless appearances and earned a save in a four-game series against the I-Cubs at Principal Park in August. Socolovich signed a minor league deal with the Cardinals this off-season and made his last appearance with Caracas on Nov. 30.
BRAVOS de MARGARITA (ELIMINATED)
Former Cub Henry Blanco managed Margarita this year after playing for the Bravos last season. The former catcher joined the Chicago Cubs as the major league quality assurance coach in November.
J.C. BOSCAN, C (2013)
REGULAR SEASON: 10G, .043 (1-for-23), 4K
Boscan spent the 2-14 season at double-A Chattanooga in the Dodgers' organization and hit .168 (22-for-131) with one home run and seven RBI in 52 games. After getting a hit in his first game, Boscan finished 0-for-21 in his last nine regular season games with Margarita.
ALBERTO GONZALEZ, INF (2013):
REGULAR SEASON: 60G, .321 (76-for-237), 27R, 8DBL, HR, 23RBI, 12BB, 23K, 5/8SB
Gonzalez began the 2014 season at triple-A El Paso in the San Diego Padres' organization, but was released on April 23 after hitting .208 (11-for-53) in 19 games. He joined Reynosa in the Mexican League in July and finished the season there. Gonzalez finished the regular season ranked second in the VWL in at-bats (237), third in OBP (.407), fourth in games (60), and sixth in batting (.321).
JOSH KROEGER, OF (2007-08): 11G, .237 (9-for-38), 3R, 3DBL, RBI, 3BB, 10K
Kroeger last saw action in 2013 with the Somerset Patriots in the independent Atlantic League and last played affiliated pro ball in 2012, splitting time between Pawtucket and Gwinnett in the Red Sox and Braves' organizations respectively. After a fast start, Kroeger was 3-for-24 in his last seven games and didn't play for Margarita after Nov. 22.
MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE
Mexico started post-season play on January 1. In round one, Jalisco swept Mazatlan 4-0, Mexicali beat Obregon 4-3 after Obregon had a 3-1 lead, and Culiacan beat Mochis 4-2 in best-of-seven series.
In round two, Jalisco leads Obregon 1-0 and Culiacan leads Mexicali 1-0 in best-of-seven sets.
CHARROS de JALISCO (21-12, 1st Place in 2nd Half; 21-14, 2nd Place, 0.5 GB in 1st Half; 42-26, 1st Place in Overall Standings)
BRENDAN HARRIS, INF (2004)
REGULAR SEASON: 14G, .326 (15-for-46), 6R, 2B, 3B, 3RBI, 5BB, 14K
The Cubs drafted Harris in the fifth round of the 2001 draft and traded him to Montreal in 2004 as part of the four-team deal that brought Nomar Garciaparra to Chicago. He has played parts of eight seasons in the big leagues with his last action coming with the Angels in 2013. He played six games with Albuquerque last year, but was released on April 12 after six games. He spent most of last season with the Long Island Ducks of the independent Atlantic League. Harris left Mexico on December 6 and joined Carolina in Puerto Rico.
MARQUEZ SMITH, INF (2010-11)
REGULAR SEASON: 65G, .254 (61-for-240), 34R, 18DBL, 3B, 10HR, 36RBI, 27BB, 44K, 3/7SB
Smith spent most of his season at high-A Bakersfield in the Reds organization, but also played 14 games at double-A Pensacola in the Southern League. Smith hit .323 (137-for-424) with 29 home runs and 126 RBI in 120 games at Bakersfield. His 131 total RBI led all of minor league baseball. During the regular season, Smith finished fourth in the league in total bases (111), tied for fourth in extra-base hits (29), fifth in doubles (18), and tied for fifth in home runs (10).
POST-SEASON: 5G, .438 (7-for-16), 5R, 2B, 2HR, 6RBI, 3BB, 2K, SB
After a big regular season, Smith has kept hitting in the post-season. He leads the league in post-season batting (.438) and slugging (.875). He ranks second in OBP (.526), and third in RBI (6).
TOMATEROS de CULIACAN (19-14, 2nd Place, 2.0GB in 2nd Half; 19-16, T-3rd Place, 2.5 GB in 1st Half; 38-30, 2nd Place in Overall Standings)
ROBERT COELLO, RHP (2011)
REGULAR SEASON: 2-0, 2.70 ERA (9ER/30.0IP), 12G, 4GS, 23H, 20BB, 24K
Coello opened the 2014 season with triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the New York Yankees organization, but was released on July 2. On July 11, he was signed by the Baltimore Orioles and spent the rest of the season with their triple-A club in Norfolk. After eight strong relief outings to begin the season (1ER/8.2IP), Coello moved into a starting role for Culiacan on Nov. 2. He was 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA (3ER/5.0IP) in his four starts, but didn't pitch after Nov. 21.
RODRIGO LOPEZ, RHP (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 1-2, 5.29 ERA (10ER/17.0IP), 4GS, 23H,13R, 5BB, 14K
Lopez will turn 39 years old in December. He hasn't pitched since winter ball last season and last appeared in the regular season in 2013 with Mexico City in the Mexican League. Lopez didn't pitch after Nov. 11.
AGUILAS de MEXICALI 18-15, 3rd Place, 3.0GB in 2nd Half; 19-16, T-3rd Place, 2.5 GB in 1st Half; 37-31, 3rd Place in Overall Standings)
DAVE SAPPELT, OF (2012-13)
REGULAR SEASON: 50G, .286 (56-for-198), 32R, 15DBL, 3B, 6HR, 30RBI, 27BB, 24K, 6/8SB
Sappelt was released by the Philadelphia Phillies in spring training and ended up spending the 2014 season in Mexico. He hit .400 (20-for-50) with six RBI in 13 games for Acereros del Norte to start the year and .275 (36-for-131) with 10 RBI in 33 games with Veracruz to finish the year. Sappelt's winter league production tailed off at the end of the regular season, but he did hit .388 (19-for-49) against left-handed pitching.
POST-SEASON: 8G, .296 (8-for-27), 5R, 4HR, 9RBI, 5BB, K
In the playoffs, Sappelt leads the league in homers (4) and RBI (9), is tied for second in slugging (.741) and extra-base hits (4), and ranks ninth in batting (.296).
ESMAILIN CARIDAD, RHP (2009-13)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2G, 2.0IP, 2H, BB, K
Caridad spent the 2014 season in the Mexican League. He made 42 appearances for Monclova and pitched in 17 games for Quintana Roo. He joined Mexicali for his first appearance on Dec. 27.
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 5G, 7.2IP, 5H, 3BB,6K
HORACIO RAMIREZ, LHP (2012)
REGULAR SEASON: 2-2, 1.50 ERA (7ER/42.0IP), 8GS, 37H, 11R, 11BB, 17K
Iowa was Ramirez' last team in affiliated pro ball. Since his time with the I-Cubs in 2012, Ramirez has pitched in Korea (2012), for Lancaster in the independent Atlantic League (2013), and Mexico (2013). Ramirez allowed one run in 21.1 innings in his last four regular season starts for Mexicali.
POST-SEASON: 1-1, 8.22 ERA (7ER/7.2IP), 2GS, 14H, 2HR, 2BB
Ramirez is tied for second in the league with two homers allowed in the post-season.
YAQUIS de OBREGON (14-19, 8th Place, 7.0 GB in 2nd Half; 21-13, 1st Place in 1st Half; 35-32, 4th Place in Overall Standings)
BRAD NELSON, 1B/DH (2013)
REGULAR SEASON: 18G, .261 (18-for-69), 9R, 6DBL, 4HR, 10RBI, 4BB, 11K
The Algona, Iowa native played for triple-A Rochester in the Minnesota Twins organization last year and hit .229 (52-for-227) with five home runs and 30 RBI in 71 games. He hit 20 home runs for Iowa in 2013. Nelson had a two-homer game on Dec. 17 against Mochis and hit safely in five of his last six regular season games.
POST-SEASON: 8G, .276 (8-for-29) 2R, 3DBL, 7RBI, 4BB, 5K, SB
Nelson ranks second in the league in RBI (7) and tied for second in doubles (3) in the post-season.
CHRISTIAN VILLANUEVA, 3B (2014)
REGULAR SEASON: 49G, .241 (41-for-170), 22R, 4DBL, 10HR, 25RBI, 19BB, 27K, 1/2SB
Villanueva hit .211 (47-for-223) with 18 doubles, six home runs, and 26 RBI in 64 games with Iowa to begin the 2014 season. He went to double-A Tennessee after the All-Star Break when Kris Bryant came up to join the I-Cubs. Villanueva hit .248 (58-for-234) with 20 doubles, four home runs, and 32 RBI in 62 games with the Smokies to finish the year. Villanueva improved his versatility by getting some experience in left field and had a huge finish to the regular season for Obregon. He went 9-for-17 with a home run and five RBI in his final four games.
POST-SEASON: 8G, .143 (4-for-28), 2R, 2B, 2HR, 5RBI, 2BB, 5K
MARCO CARRILLO, RHP (2010-11)
REGULAR SEASON: 1-0, 6.48 ERA (6ER/8.1IP), 7G, 12H, 5BB, 5K, 4WP
The Cubs cut ties with Carrillo after the 2011 season and he has pitched for Monterrey in the Mexican League each of the last two years. He held the opponent scoreless in five of seven appearances in the regular season for Obregon.
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 3.86 ERA (1ER/2.1IP), 3G, 2H, HR, 4BB, K
JAY JACKSON, RHP (2009-12)
REGULAR SEASON: 1-1, 1.64 ERA (4ER/22.0IP), 18G, 14H, HR, 7BB, 18K
Jackson combined to go 5-7 with a 4.93 ERA (61ER/111.1IP) in 31 games (18 starts) between triple-A Indianapolis and Nashville in the Pittsburgh and Milwaukee organizations this past season. He is currently a minor league free agent. Jackson's regular season ERA jumped nearly a full point when he allowed a run in each of his last two appearances for Obregon.
POST-SEASON: 1-0, 4.50 ERA (2ER/4.0IP), 3G, 1SV, 6H, BB, 4K
CANEROS de los MOCHIS (15-18, T-4th Place, 6.0 GB in 2nd Half; 19-16, T-3rd Place, 2.5 GB in 1st Half; 34-34, 5th Place in Overall Standings)
No players or coaches in the regular season had Iowa Cubs ties.
VENADOS de MAZATLAN (15-18, T-4th Place, 6.0 GB in 2nd Half; 16-18, 6th Place, 5.0 GB in 1st Half; 31-36, 6th Place in Overall Standings)
DARYLE WARD, DH/1B (2007-08)
REGULAR SEASON: 26G, .257 (26-for-101), 12R, 3DBL, 4HR, 21RBI, 8BB, 17K
The 39-year-old Ward played 52 games with Somerset in the independent Atlantic League last summer and 14 games combined between Mexico City and Quintana Roo in the Mexican League. His last appearance in affiliated ball was 28 games with double-A Mobile in 2011. Ward played three games at first base, but was used primarily as a designated hitter for Mazatlan in the regular season.
NARANJEROS de HERMOSILLO (15-18, T-4th Place, 6.0 GB in 2nd Half; 13-22, 7th Place, 8.5 GB in 1st Half; 28-40, 7th Place in Overall Standings)
JESSE ESTRADA, RHP (2008-09)
REGULAR SEASON: 3-4, 3.05 ERA (14ER/41.1IP), 16G, 4GS, 39H, 15R, 4HR, 8BB, 11K
The 6'8 Estrada is the tallest pitcher in Iowa franchise history. Estrada didn't pitch over the summer. He last appeared in El Paso when his hometown had an independent team in the American Association. Estrada had a stretch of four straight starts in November, but did most of his work out of the bullpen and posted a 1.93 ERA (5ER/23.1IP) in relief with Hermosillo.
MAYOS de NAVOJOA (15-18, T-4th Place, 6.0 GB in 2nd Half; 11-24, 8th Place, 10.5 GB in 1st Half; 26-42, 8th Place in Overall Standings)
No players or coaches in the regular season had Iowa Cubs ties.
PUERTO RICAN LEAGUE
Puerto Rico began their post-season round robin on January 2. Caguas (25-14) won the regular season title. Mayaguez (22-16), Santurce (19-19), and Carolina (19-20) also qualified for the tournament. San Juan (12-28) was eliminated.
CANGREJEROS de SANTURCE (5-2 IN ROUND ROBIN)
JAVY BAEZ, INF (2014)
REGULAR SEASON: 11G, .233 (10-for-43), 4R, 3DBL, 2HR, 7RBI, 5BB, 21K
Baez joined Santurce on Dec. 11 and split time between second base (six games) and shortstop (three games). He was 1-for-21 in his last five games of the regular season, including four strikeouts in the regular season finale.
POST-SEASON: 7G, .233 (7-for-30), 5R, 2B, 2RBI, 2BB, 6K, 2SB
Baez is tied for the league lead in steals (2) and is tied for second in runs scored (5) in the round robin.
FERNANDO CRUZ, RHP (CUBS SIGNEE)
REGULAR SEASON: 2-1, 1.52 ERA (4ER/23.2IP), 14G, 13H, 5R, 9BB, 22K
The Cubs just signed Cruz as a minor league free agent. He was released by the Royals in October. During the regular season with Santurce, opponents hit just .159 against him.
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 0.00 ERA, 2G, 2.0IP, 2H, K
INDIOS de MAYAGUEZ (4-3 IN ROUND ROBIN)
LUIS FIGUEROA, INF (2008)
REGULAR SEASON: 37G, .274 (37-for-135), 18R, 11DBL, 3B, HR, 11RBI, 13BB, 10K, SB
Figueroa hasn't played in the regular summer season since he split time between independent ball and the Mexican League in 2012. He hasn't played affiliated ball since 2011 with Buffalo and Nashville. Figueroa finished tied for third in the regular season with 11 doubles.
POST-SEASON: 7G, .391 (9-for-23), 3R, 2B, 3B, HR, 6RBI, BB, K, CS
Figueroa ranks second in the league in batting (.391) and slugging (.652), tied for third in RBI (6) and hits (9), and tied for fourth in OBP (.417).
EDWIN MAYSONET, INF (2013)
REGULAR SEASON: 2G, .286 (2-for-7), R, 2B
Maysonet played for Somerset in the independent Atlantic League in 2014 and hit .226 (76-for-336) with four home runs and 26 RBI. He joined Mayaguez on Dec. 26 just in time to get a couple of games in before the start of the playoffs.
POST-SEASON: 5G, .167 (1-for-6), 2K
LOU MONTANEZ, OF (2006, '11)
REGULAR SEASON: 25G, .250 (22-for-88), 6R, 5DBL, HR, 8RBI, 5BB, 11K
The Cubs drafted Montanez with the third overall pick in the 2000 draft and he played 129 games in the big leagues between the Orioles and the Cubs from 2008-11. The 2014 season was his first outside affiliated ball in his pro career as he played for the Somerset Patriots in the independent Atlantic League and hit .289 (142-for-491) with 30 double, 17 home runs, and 74 RBI in 130 games. Montanez hit .310 (9-for-29) against left-handed pitching for Mayaguez in the regular season.
POST-SEASON: 7G, .214 (3-for-14), 3R, 2DBL, 3RBI
ANDRES TORRES, OF (2008)
REGULAR SEASON: 1G, 0-for-3
Torres won a World Series ring with the Giants in 2010 and hit .318 (7-for-22) with four doubles, a home run, and three RBI in five games in the Fall Classic. Torres didn't play in 2013, but returned to the diamond for a brief time with Pawtucket this summer. The Red Sox signed him on June 11, but released him on July 26 after give games at rookie Lowell and 18 games at triple-A. He played his first (and only) game with Mayaguez on Nov. 8.
SCOTT MAINE, LHP (2010-12)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-0, 4.15 ERA (4ER/8.2IP), 9G, 7H, 2HB, 4BB, 9K
Maine began the 2014 season with Bridgeport in the independent Atlantic League before signing with the Reds on June 30. He was 1-0 with a 6.10 ERA (7ER/10.1IP) in 13 games at double-A Pensacola before getting released on August 7. Maine held his opponent scoreless in seven of his nine regular season appearances for Mayaguez.
POST-SEASON: 0-0, 6.75 ERA (1ER/1.1IP), 3G, 0H, HB, BB
JONATHAN SANCHEZ, LHP (2014)
REGULAR SEASON: 0-1, 6.48 ERA (6ER/8.1IP), 3GS, 5H, HR, 2HB, 8BB, 9K
Sanchez opened the 2014 season with Iowa, but pitched in just one game before going on the disabled list with a shoulder strain. He rehabbed the injury at the Cubs' complex in Arizona, but was released on July 2 and is currently a free agent. His last regular season appearance was Dec. 12.
POST-SEASON: 1-0, 0.00 ERA, 5G, 5.0IP, BB, 5K
GIGANTES de CAROLINA (3-4 IN ROUND ROBIN)
BRENDAN HARRIS, INF (2004)
REGULAR SEASON: 12G, .378 (17-for-45), 4R, 3B, 6RBI, 5BB, 7K
After 14 games in Mexico to begin his winter league season (see above), Harris joined Carolina and played his first game on Dec. 13. He hit safely in 10 of his 12 regular season games, including a four-hit game on Dec. 29 at Mayaguez.
POST-SEASON: 6G, .238 (5-for-21), 3R, 2B, HR, RBI, 3BB, 3K
CRIOLLOS de CAGUAS (2-5 IN ROUND ROBIN)
No players or coaches have Iowa Cubs ties.
SENADORES de SAN JUAN (ELIMINATED)
JOHN ANDREOLI, OF (CUBS PROSPECT)
REGULAR SEASON: 26G, .216 (19-for-88), 12R, 5DBL, 3B, HR, 3RBI, 8BB, 21K, 9/11SB
Andreoli is using winter ball as a way to make up for lost time due to injury at double-A Tennessee this past season. In 61 games for the Smokies, he hit .211 (44-for-209) and stole 28 bases before a wrist injury ended his season on June 9. Andreoli tied for the league lead with nine stolen bases in the regular season for San Juan.
JONATHAN MOTA, INF (2010-12, '14)
REGULAR SEASON: 28G, .218 (22-for-101), 13R, 5DBL, HR, 7RBI, 4BB, 14K, SB
Mota has played in 861 games in the Cubs' minor league system over the last 10 seasons, including 142 with the Iowa Cubs. He hit .261 (37-for-142) with three home runs and 18 RBI in 47 games with Iowa this past season. Mota's last regular season game with San Juan was Dec. 14.
ARIZONA FALL LEAGUE
The Arizona Fall League came to a close on Nov. 15 with Salt River defeating the Peoria Javelinas 14-7 to win the title this year.
MESA SOLAR SOX (15-14, 2nd Place, 2.5 GB)
JACOB HANNEMANN: 17G, .279 (17-for-61), 5R, 4DBL, 2TRPL, 7RBI, 5BB, 12K, 0/2SB
The left-handed hitting Hannemann batted .300 (15-for-50) against right-handed pitching and .182 (2-for-11) against southpaws while playing both corner outfield spots and a few games at designated hitter. The Cubs drafted Hannemann in the third round of the 2013 draft out of BYU and Baseball America rated him as the organization's 17th-best prospect entering the 2014 season. He hit .254 (87-for-342) with 14 doubles, six home runs, and 39 RBI in 88 games with Kane County before getting promoted to Daytona in July. He hit .241 (35-for-145) with nine doubles, two home runs and 12 RBI in 36 games in the Florida State League.
DANNY LOCKHART, INF: 6G, .250 (5-for-20), 3R, 3RBI, 2BB, SB
Lockhart made his debut with the Solar Sox on Oct. 31 after Addison Russell left the team, and started games at second base, third base, and shortstop. Lockhart hit .284 (93-for-327) with 18 doubles and 28 RBI in 89 games for single-A Kane County this season. He had a brief stint with the I-Cubs in 2013 for two games in Tacoma as a fill-in from short-season Boise.
BIJAN RADEMACHER, OF: 11G, .350 (14-for-40), 11R, 2DBL, 3B, HR, 9RBI, 5BB, 3K, 4SB
Rademacher is on the "taxi-squad" and is only eligible to play twice a week for Mesa. He made the most of those opportunities, hitting safely in nine of his 10 starts. His biggest game came in his final start on Nov. 12 as he went 2-for-4 with a home runs and four RBI. The Cubs drafted Rademacher in the 13th round in 2012 out of Orange Coast Community College in California. He batted .281 (108-for-384) with 22 doubles, six triples, 10 home runs, and 56 RBI in 111 games with Daytona in 2014.
ADDISON RUSSELL, SS: 11G, .196 (9-for-46), 8R, 2B, 2HR, 10RBI, 3BB, 13K, SB
Russell is rated among the top five prospects in all of minor league baseball and left the Solar Sox after a two-week stint. He missed time before the Cubs acquired him from Oakland in July due to hamstring injuries, so he was in the AFL for a second year just to make up on for some lost at-bats. He finished strong with two home runs, including one in his last at-bat, and seven RBI over his final three games. Russell hit .294 (57-for-194) with 12 home runs and 36 RBI in 50 games with Tennessee in the regular season after joining the Cubs.
DAN VOGELBACH, 1B: 21G, .261 (18-for-69), 8R, 4DBL, 8RBI, 17BB, 11K, SB
Vogelbach finished the AFL season on a five-game hitting streak that included three multi-hit games. He didn't hit for power, but he did finish tied for second in the league in walks and made a lot of contact. The Cubs drafted Vogelbach in the second round of the 2011 draft and Baseball America rated him as the organization's ninth-best prospect entering the 2014 season. Vogelbach hit .268 (129-for-482) with 28 doubles, 16 home runs, and 76 RBI in 132 games with Daytona this year.
ZACH CATES, RHP: 0-0, 9.28 ERA (11ER/10.2IP), 9G, 17H, 2HR, 6BB, 8K
Cates had two really tough outings to distort his numbers in an overall solid performance. He allowed five runs in 1.1 innings on Oct. 21 at Surprise and four runs on four hits, including a home run, on Oct. 30 against Scottsdale. He allowed just two earned runs in 8.1 innings in his other seven games. The Cubs acquired Cates from the Padres in the same deal that brought Anthony Rizzo to Chicago in 2012 and Baseball America rated him the organization's 27th-best prospect entering 2014. Cates combined to go 3-2 with a 4.08 ERA (24ER/53.0IP) in 36 games between Daytona and Tennessee this year.
GERARDO CONCEPCION, LHP: 1-1, 5.87 ERA (10ER/15.1IP), 9G, 16H, 11R, HR, 9BB, 7K
Concepcion had an up-and-down run through the AFL. Hard to evaluate how he did without seeing any of his performances, but nine walks and just seven strikeouts in 15.1 innings is a cause for concern. The Cubs signed the 22-year-old Concepcion to a five-year major league contract after he defected from Cuba in 2012. He has battled injuries and command issues in his brief time in the organizations. He had his most productive season in 2014, going 4-2 with a 3.32 ERA (22ER/59.2IP) in 29 relief appearances between rookie Mesa, Kane County, and Daytona. He walked 23 and struck out 55 on the year.
C.J. EDWARDS, RHP: 1-0, 2.25 ERA (3ER/12.0IP), 5GS, 7H, 7BB, 11K
After shoulder issues forced him to the disabled list during much of the regular season, the best news was Edwards took all of his turns with no injury issues. He also pitched a scoreless inning for the East All-Star Team on Nov. 1. He finished fourth in the league, and first among starters, with a .154 opponents' batting average and was second among starters with a 9.60 strikeouts per nine innings ratio. Edwards is widely considered the top pitching prospect in the Cubs' organization. Baseball America ranked him third overall in the organization entering the year. Edwards was sidelined by a shoulder injury after just three starts at Tennessee, but did return to make six starts in August. He was 1-2 with a 2.44 ERA (13ER/48.0IP) in 10 starts with the Smokies overall. With a strong showing in the AFL and a healthy run through spring training, Edwards would be a candidate to start 2015 in Iowa's starting rotation.
IVAN PINEYRO, RHP: 1-0, 1.98 ERA (3ER/13.2IP), 7G, 4GS, 11H, HR, 4BB, 16K
Pineyro didn't allow a run in 6.2 innings over his final four appearances, including two in relief. Like Edwards, Pineyro spent a considerable amount of time on Tennessee's disabled list in 2014 and finished 0-4 with a 5.55 ERA (30ER/48.2IP) in 11 starts for the Smokies. The Cubs acquired Pineyro from the Washington Nationals in exchange for Scott Hairston in July of 2013.
All stats on this report were current as of games on January 12. Stats are courtesy of Major League Baseball Advanced Media. For comments, questions, and links on the Winter League Report, contact Iowa Cubs Broadcaster/Director of Media Relations on Twitter @RandyWehofer or via email at [email protected]