Koptizke stays with Cubs in coaching capacity

The Chicago Cubs have announced that Mike Harkey will be Iowa's new pitching coach for the 2007 season. Harkey will replace Alan Dunn, who moved on to become the Chicago Cubs Minor League Pitching Coordinator after just one season with Iowa.

Harkey, a former pitcher with Chicago from 1988-1993, joined former Iowa pitching coach Rick Kranitz as a member of Joe Girardi's coaching staff, serving as bench coach for the Florida Marlins in 2006. From 2000-2005, he served as a pitching coach in the minor leagues for the San Diego Padres organization.

During his playing time with Chicago, Harkey compiled a 26-21 record and a 3.92 ERA while starting 71 games.

In other news, former Iowa Cubs catcher Casey Kopitzke has been hired as the Chicago Cubs Minor League Catching Coordinator.