MWL1 Kane County Cougars

Cubs 2012 First Round Pick Transferred To Kane County

Published on May 22, 2013 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release


GENEVA, IL - The Kane County Cougars, in conjunction with the Chicago Cubs, have announced that outfielder Albert Almora has joined the Cougars from the Cubs spring training complex in Arizona. Almora, who was sidelined to open the season with a broken hamate bone, was the sixth overall selection in the June 2012 draft. At press time, no corresponding roster move has been made to maintain the Cougars' active roster at 25 players. The team kicks off a brief three-game road trip at Peoria beginning Wednesday. Fans will have their first chance to see Almora at Fifth Third Bank Ballpark on Saturday as the Cougars open an extended holiday weekend homestand that concludes on Monday. Tickets are available for the upcoming homestand by calling (630) 232-8811 or ordering online at kccougars.com. Fans will also be treated to post-game fireworks shows, autograph sessions, special ballpark entertainment and much more throughout the three-game holiday homestand.

Entering the season, Almora was ranked the second-best prospect in the Cubs minor league system by Baseball America. The publication also lists Almora as the "best hitter for average" and the "best defensive outfielder" in the Cubs minor league system. The 19-year old, after signing with the Cubs last summer, split his first professional season with rookie-level Mesa and Short-A Boise, hitting a combined .321 with 2 home runs and 19 RBI.

Almora attended Mater Academy Charter HS in Florida, was named USA Baseball's 2011 Athlete of the Year and helped the 18-and-under squad go 9-0 and capture the gold medal at the Pan-Am Games.

The Cougars have now fielded two of the top six selections in last June's draft. Kyle Zimmer, who pitched for the Cougars last season, was the fifth overall selection last summer and currently pitches for Class-A Advanced Wilmington in the Kansas City Royals farm system.




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