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SIOUX CITY, IA - The Sioux City Explorers have further bolstered their pitching staff by signing two experienced arms to join the starting rotation. Today, the X’s announced the addition of Storm Lake, IA native RHP Eric Wordekemper and former 1^st round draft pick, RHP Jeff Marquez to their 2015 roster. Both will report to Spring Training in hopes to join John Straka and Patrick Johnson in the X’s 5-Man rotation.

Wordekemper, a native of nearby Storm lake, Iowa, was drafted in the 46th round of the 2005 MLB Amateur Draft by the New York Yankees out of Creighton University in Omaha, NE.  During his three seasons as a Bluejay (2003-05), Wordkemper posted a combined 14-8 record over 173.1 innings. His best season came in 2005 as he delivered a flawless 6-0 record in 43.1 innings where he started 10 games, allowing just five walks and recording 36 strikeouts.

Wordekemper spent seven seasons in the Yankee’s farm system (2005-2011) while pitching at the AA or AAA level in six of the seven seasons, while also playing parts of 3 seasons abroad (2009,2010 and 2012).  Eric also pitched briefly in the Independent Atlantic league in 2013, before injuring his elbow. Over his nine-year professional career, Eric amassed a combined 22-13 record, tossing 418.1 innings with a career 2.73 ERA, while recording 331 strikeouts and allowing just 140 walks.  Eric is currently in his second season as undergraduate assistant coach at Creighton University, while expecting to complete his degree this spring.

Marquez comes to the X’s after being drafted in the 1^st round (41^st overall) by the New York Yankees out of Sacramento City College in the 2004 MLB June Amateur draft. Marquez spent (5) seasons in the Yankees organization (2004-2008) before joining the Chicago White Sox AAA affiliate (Charlotte Knights) in the International League for the 2009 season.  Marquez made his Major League debut with the Sox on July, 9, 2010. Jeff spent the 2011 season with the Yankees and White Sox, while appearing in 3 games at the MLB level with the Yankees. In Jeff’s final season in 2012, he pitched at the AAA level for the Seattle Mariners and Colorado Rockies.  Over his 9 year career, the Dixon, CA native has posted a 64-70 record, pitching 5 complete games in 173 starts and owning a 4.33 earned run average.

 “Getting two great arms is a huge boost to our pitching staff, as we have received great scouting reports on both of these guys,” comments manager Steve Montgomery. “Both of these guys have a great deal of experience pitching at a very high level and throw a lot of strikes and I cannot wait to see both of them compete during spring training.” 

The X’s now have 15 players signed for the 2015 season, including 8 pitchers and 7 position players.

The X’s 2015 Home Opener will be Thursday, May 21^st versus the Sioux Falls Canaries in a 7:05pm contest. Reserve your 2015 season tickets or company group outing now by calling (712) 277-WINS.