MWL1 Kane County Cougars

Spring Training Update: Former Kane County Cougars Part of Many Camps

Published on February 20, 2012 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Kane County Cougars News Release


GENEVA, IL - With warm thoughts of Major League Baseball spring training now underway, many former Kane County Cougars are gearing up for the 2012 season. Here's a brief snapshot of Cougars alumni at various big league spring training sites. The 2012 Cougars squad is part of the Kansas City Royals' spring training in Arizona and will be arriving in Geneva in advance of the April 5 season opener.

Andrew Bailey (Red Sox, '07 Cougar) - Bailey, the '09 American League Rookie of the Year, was dealt from Oakland to Boston this off-season. The right-hander and two-time All-Star will get an opportunity to fill the closer's role that was occupied by Jonathan Papelbon.

A.J. Burnett (Pirates, '98 Cougar) - Burnett was dealt from the Yankees to Pittsburgh in conjunction with many spring training camps opening. The right-hander has won 10 or more games in every season dating back to 2005, and is Kane County's single-season strikeout leader with 186 punchouts in 1998.

Trevor Cahill (Diamondbacks, '07 Cougar) - Cahill switched uniforms after moving from Oakland to Arizona as part of a December trade. Still young at 23 years old, Cahill won 12 games after going 18-8 with a 2.97 ERA in 2010. The right-hander has won 10 or more games in each of his first three big league seasons.

Josh Willingham (Twins, '01 Cougar) - One of the more underrated players in the big leagues, Willingham was signed to a three-year deal by Minnesota. Willingham set career highs in home runs (29) and RBI (98) last season with Oakland. He owns a career on-base percentage of .361 over eight seasons.

Huston Street (Padres, '04 Cougar) - Street was the '05 American League Rookie of the Year with Oakland, was moved from Colorado to San Diego last December. Street will likely inherit the closer's role with the vacancy left behind by Heath Bell. Street has 178 big league saves in seven seasons.

Nelson Cruz (Rangers, '03 Cougar) - Cruz was rewarded with a two-year contract to keep the talented outfielder in Texas through his arbitration years. Cruz is coming off a 2011 season in which he hit .263 with 29 homers and 87 RBIs. He was the ALCS MVP after putting up huge offensive numbers, including a postseason-series record six home runs and 13 RBIs in helping the Rangers beat Detroit in six games.

Miguel Cabrera (Tigers, '01 Cougar) - Cabrera was part of the 2001 Cougars Midwest League championship squad, and is coming off a monster 2011 season in which he batted .344 to lead the American League. Cabrera and free agent signing Prince Fielder will give Detroit a powerful duo in the batting order. Cabrera, a six-time All-Star, is expected to play at third base with Fielder's arrival.

Short hops...

Phillies pitcher Joe Blanton ('03) was limited to just 11 games last season with elbow trouble. While they weren't teammates at Kane County, there's a chance for Blanton and Dontrelle Willis ('02) to play alongside each other in Philly this season. Willis was signed by the Phillies and has an opportunity to succeed in their bullpen, provided he has a good camp. Can Red Sox first baseman Adrian Gonzalez ('01) top his star-studded season with Boston in 2011? Gonzalez (.338, 27, 117) set career highs in batting average and RBI and received Silver Slugger and Gold Glove awards.

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Midwest League Stories from February 20, 2012


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