Iowa Cubs announce Opening Day roster
Published on April 3, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Iowa Cubs News Release
The Iowa Cubs have released their 2006 Opening Day roster. The roster includes the Chicago Cubs' top minor league prospect in Felix Pie and left-hander Rich Hill, who struck out 215 batters in 2005.
The Cubs pitching staff will be led by Hill, who finished third in the minor leagues in strikeouts in 2005, and right-hander Angel Guzman, the Cubs' number four prospect according to Baseball America. Left-handers Raul Valdes, Les Walrond and right-hander Jae-Kuk Ryu will round out the starting rotation.
The Iowa bullpen will consist of David Aardsma, Bobby Brownlie, Brandon Emanuel, Roberto Novoa, Ryan O'Malley, Andy Shipman and Mark Watson.
Returning to handle catching duties for the Cubs in 2006 are Geovany Soto and Casey Kopitzke.
Around the infield, fans can expect to see Brandon Sing at first base and Ryan Theriot at second base. Augie Ojeda returns to play shortstop and Casey McGehee will play third base. The utility infielders will be Jeff Deardorff and Mike Fontenot.
The Cubs outfield will consist of Pie in centerfield and Buck Coats, Michael Restovich and Jamal Strong covering the corner outfield spots.
Manager Mike Quade returns for his fourth third season as the I-Cubs skipper, while hitting coach Von Joshua and pitching coach Alan Dunn join Quade from the Cubs' double-A affiliate in West Tennessee. Trainer Bob Grimes will be in his 10th year in Des Moines.
The Cubs open the 2006 season with an exhibition game against the University of Iowa Tuesday, April 4, at 7:05 p.m. The Cubs open the Pacific Coast League schedule Thursday, April 6 at 3:05 p.m. against the Albuquerque Isotopes.
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