Alberto Espinosa comes to Sioux City from Grand Prairie to complete a trade that sent pitcher Griffin Bailey to the Airhogs prior to the 2012 season.
The 26-year-old split the 2012 season with three teams in the American Association (Amarillo, Lincoln and Grand Prairie). Combined, he appeared in 82 games, hitting .250 and tallying 78 hits, 21 doubles, 8 home runs and driving in 41 runs.
In 2011, Espinosa shared time between the El Paso Diablos and Kansas City T-Bones. In 63 games, the Miami, FL native posted a .308 batting average with 68 hits, 18 doubles and 9 home runs. Defensively, Espinosa has been primarily used as a catcher and first baseman; however, has the capabilities to play outfield and third base. Over his four seasons as a catcher, the right hander has thrown out 21% of base runners.
The 2013 season will mark Espinosa’s fifth season in professional baseball. He was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in round 15 of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft out of Broward Community College in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
He spent two years in the Royals system before starting his trek in the American Association in 2011.