Veteran Cortes Returns, Wingnuts Add Big Pitcher
Published on April 22, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts added two more players to their roster on Friday, re-signing outfielder Jorge Cortes and signing right-handed pitcher John Holdzkom.
Cortes was one of the steadiest bats in the Wingnuts' lineup during the second half of 2010. After joining Wichita in early-July, Cortes hit .320 with five home runs and 46 RBI in just 51 games played. The veteran outfielder displayed great patience at the plate, posting a .402 on-base percentage, and drawing 31 walks against 21 strikeouts. The 30-year old Cortes hit safely in 43 of 51 games with the Wingnuts, and was especially dangerous at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium where he hit .373. In 59 at bats with runners in scoring position, Cortes hit .424.
"Jorge was a huge piece of the puzzle last year and I'm expecting more of the same for 2011," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper. "He is one of our veterans and will be a leader on and off the field for us. He is a great defender and gives himself a great chance at the plate by putting the ball in play as much as he does. He is a true run producer."
Cortes enters his 13th season of professional baseball with a lifetime .286 batting average and .377 on-base percentage. A left-handed hitter and fielder, Cortes is just eight hits shy of 1,000 for his career, and has amassed 992 base hits in 1,015 professional games. A native of Baranquilla, Colombia, Cortes was originally signed as an international free agent by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1997. Cortes has seen time with three different Major League organizations, and reached the Triple-A level in both 2007 (Cubs) and 2008 (Pirates). Cortes was the Low-A South Atlantic League's MVP in 2003 where he hit .325 with eight home runs and 66 RBI in 98 games for the Hickory Crawdads. Cortes has hit .288 or better in eight of 12 pro seasons.
Holdzkom also adds a wealth of affiliated experience having pitched four seasons in the New York Mets' organization. The Pasadena, CA native battled injury in 2010, but still dominated when on the mound, striking out 10 in just 5.0 innings of work. Holdzkom's best work came in 2008 where he split time between the Rookie Appalachian and Low-A South Atlantic leagues. Holdzkom recorded a career-high 86.2 IP that season with 100 strikeouts, seeing time in both the rotation and the bullpen.
"John will come to camp battling for a spot in our rotation," said Hooper. "He has a big frame at 6-foot-9, which comes with a live fastball. John wants a chance to start to see what he can do, and hopefully he can pound the zone and get back to affiliated ball sooner than later. I'm excited to see his electric stuff in action."
An imposing figure on the mound, Holdzkom stands at 6-foot-9, 250-pounds. During his four-year career, Holdzkom has racked up 143 strikeouts in 126.0 IP with an 8-10 record and three saves. Holdzkom has made 57 professional appearances, 14 as a starting pitcher. The 23-year old righty was drafted by the Mets in the fourth round in 2006 out of Salt Lake City Community College.
The Wingnuts also traded right-handed pitcher Sean Teague to the Frontier League's Southern Illinois Miners.
The Wingnuts now have 28 players under contract for the 2011 season. American Association teams can carry up to 28 players during Spring Training which begins on May 2nd. Rosters must be cut down to at least 23 by Opening Day, and then trimmed to 22 after the first two weeks of the regular season.
2011 Wingnuts Signings
RHP Cole Akins
C Edwin Bellorin
LHP Josh Berry
OF Evan Button
OF Jorge Cortes
1B Jorge Delgado
RHP Josh Dew
2B Jason Diaz
IF D.J. Dixon
RHP Reyes Dorado
IF Thomas Fitzgerald
LHP Eric Gilliland
RHP Dan Grybash
RHP Junior Guerra
C Ben Harty
LHP Ryan Hinson
RHP John Holdzkom
SS Josh Horn
RHP Cephas Howard
LHP Trent Lare
RHP Brandon Mathes
RHP David Miller
OF Ryan Patterson
3B Juan Richardson
RHP Anthony Shawler
RHP Jared Simon
RHP Nick Singleton
C Jeff Stevens
The Wingnuts open the 2011 season on May 12th at Amarillo. Wichita's 2011 home opener is Friday, May 20th versus the El Paso Diablos. Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or by visiting the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
American Association Stories from April 22, 2011
- April 22 High School Challenge Game Postponed - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Veteran Cortes Returns, Wingnuts Add Big Pitcher - Wichita Wingnuts
- X's Acquire Big Arm From Rockford - Sioux City Explorers
- Carey Named Captains General Manager - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
