In December, Ransom inked a one-year Minor League deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second-straight season. His contract includes an invitation to Major League Spring Training, where he’ll compete for a spot on the D-backs’ 25-man roster.

In 2011, Ransom put together one of the most productive offensive seasons in Aces franchise history. He set new Aces single-season home run and RBI records in 2011, despite playing in just 101 games. Ransom hit 27 home runs, breaking the previous record of 25 (INF Brandon Allen, 2010). He also drove in 92 runs, besting the old mark of 86 RBIs (Allen, 2010). The D-backs Triple-A record for home runs is 30 (OF Ernie Young, 1999) and the record for RBIs is 110 (INF Josh Whitesell, 2008). Ransom had 432 plate appearances in 2011, compared with Allen’s 469 PA in 2010.

For his efforts, Ransom earned a Pacific Coast League Player of the Week honor and was named to the PCL’s mid-season and post-season all-star teams.

Ransom’s impressive numbers came in a season where he spent a month in the big leagues. You might remember this or even this.

He finished the 2011 season ranked among Minor League Baseball’s active career leaders in runs scored (811) and home runs (210), and he’ll start the 2012 season 10 RBIs shy of 800 in his professional career and 61 hits shy of 1,300 in his Minor League career. 

Ransom has spent parts of nine seasons in the big leagues with the Giants, Astros, Yankees, Phillies and Diamondbacks. In 2008, he became the 11th player in Yankees franchise history to homer in his first-career plate appearance with the storied franchise (in the expansion era). When he homered in his next plate appearance, he became the first Yankee player to accomplish the feat in club history. Later that season, on Sept. 21, Ransom made the final putout in the history of Yankee Stadium.

Sometimes, though, those players rise to stardom with a different Major League club–either through a trade or free agency.

Here’s a look at where some former Aces that have changed organizations will suit up for the 2012 season. This is not a complete list, and if your favorite player is missing, just comment below and we’ll do our best to track him down.

• INF Tony Abreu–Kansas City
• INF Brandon Allen–Oakland
• RHP Hector Ambriz–Cleveland
• RHP Bryan Augenstein–Tampa Bay
• RHP Luis Ayala–Baltimore
• INF Sean Burroughs–Minnesota
• RHP Daniel Cabrera–Pittsburgh
• C Luke Carlin–Cleveland
• LHP Alberto Castillo–Los Angeles (NL)
• INF Pedro Ciriaco–Boston
• RHP Ryan Cook–Oakland
• C Carlos Corporan–Houston
• OF Collin Cowgill–Oakland
• OF Doug Deeds–Los Angeles (AL)
• RHP Armando Galarraga–Baltimore
• C Robby Hammock–retired; coaching in D-backs system
• LHP Mike Hampton–retired
• RHP Gaby Hernandez–Washington
• C John Hester–Baltimore
• OF Ryan Langerhans–Los Angeles (AL)
• OF Drew Macias–Los Angeles (AL)
• LHP Scott Maine–Chicago (NL)
• C Lucas May–New York (NL)
• C Orlando Mercado–Miami
• RHP Kam Mickolio–Japan
• INF Juan Miranda–Tampa Bay
• RHP Kyler Newby–Baltimore
• LHP Jordan Norberto–Oakland
• OF Trent Oeltjen–Los Angeles (NL)
• RHP Micah Owings–San Diego
• OF Wily Mo Pena–Japan
• OF Chris Rahl–Washington
• LHP Daniel Schlereth–Detroit
• LHP Leyson Septimo–Chicago (AL)
• LHP Doug Slaten–Pittsburgh
• RHP Matt Torra–Tampa Bay
• INF Andy Tracy–retired; managing in Phillies system
• INF Josh Whitesell–Japan
• INF Josh Wilson–Atlanta
• LHP Clay Zavada–Cincinnati

The exhibition game, which will precede the Aces’ regular-season opener for the third-straight season, has grown into one of the most gratifying annual events at Aces Ballpark. For everyone involved, either directly or indirectly, it has served as a wonderful rite of spring.

The game has been such a rich success because it benefits so many people for so many different reasons. Consider the following:

1) For the Aces players, the game is a very meaningful tune-up. For a good portion of the Aces’ roster, it represents the first opportunity to play on their home field. Hitters familiarize themselves to the batter’s eye in centerfield, fielders adapt to the lights, and pitchers adjust to pitching at 4,500 feet.

2) For the student athletes from the University of Nevada, the game serves as an opportunity to play in a professional park against Triple-A talent. In many cases, they’re hitting against pitchers that have had success in the Major Leagues. The Wolf Pack players get a glimpse of life in the Minor Leagues–a place many of them strive to reach.

3) For the Aces franchise, this is another opportunity for us to meld ourselves into the fabric of the community. The club’s community-relations efforts and initiatives have been documented on this blog, and the committment to benefiting the community is clear.

4) For the University of Nevada, the game is a tremendous opportunity to raise funds. In each of the last two seasons, the Aces have made a $15,000 donation to the Nevada Dugout Club, an organization that serves as the main fundraising body of the University of Nevada baseball team.

Call it the signal of the official start of the baseball season in Reno or even a win-win-win-win proposition. Whatever you call it, join us at the ballpark on April 3 for what promises to be another special night.

Tracy spent parts of five seasons in the big leagues with Montreal, Colorado and Philadelphia. He earned a World Series ring with the Phillies in 2008.

Last season–his final in a 16-year professional career–Tracy batted .288 with 18 home runs and 51 RBIs. He hit .350 in the Pacific Coast League playoffs. He ended 2011 as the active career Minor League leader in home runs (296), RBIs (1,064) and total bases (2,766).

In august, Chris Gabel of the Reno Gazette-Journal wrote an excellent profile of Tracy’s life in professional baseball: RGJ Story

Tracy has now transitioned to the manager’s office, where he’ll begin his second career as the skipper for the Williamsport Crosscutters, Single-A Affiliate of the Phillies.

You can find Mitch Rupert’s story about Tracy’s new career path here: http://bit.ly/wMqCMe

To one of the guys that makes this game so much fun to be involved with, the entire Aces organization wishes Andy the best of luck in his newest venture.

All photographs are courtesy David Calvert of Calvert Photography.

Rickey, Cashell, Katzoff, Baum, Mobley

Pacific Coast League President Branch Rickey

Rickey and Mobley Reveal Triple-A All-Star Logo

Aces Managing Partner Stuart Katzoff

Frey made the most of his first taste at the Triple-A level, batting .275 with 25 extra-base hits, 66 runs scored and a .369 on-base percentage.

We asked Frey about roaming the Aces Ballpark outfield, playing winter ball in the Mexican League and learning the art of bunting from one of the game’s greatest bunters–Aces Manager Brett Butler.

Not Just Baseball…Aceball: You struggled in Double-A early in the season, but it seemed like you found your stroke after your promotion. What changed for you?

Evan Frey: To tell you the truth, I felt really good at the plate in Mobile, but the numbers didn’t really reflect that. When I got the chance to come to Reno I looked at it as a fresh start in a new setting, and I think it just made me relax a little bit and start fresh.

NJBA: What is it like playing in a big center field like the one at Aces Ballpark? How does it differ from playing left field here?

EF: I actually like it because there is a lot of room to roam around, and it makes things interesting. It is a challenge every day to know where you need to play certain hitters, but if you aren’t protecting the right-center gap it could be trouble! As far as left field goes, I really like it in Reno for the fact that the huge wall behind me makes things interesting. It increases the opportunity to make some great plays out there.

NJBA: We saw you getting to the park early seemingly every day to work on bunting with manager Brett Butler. How did that extra work improve your game?

EF: Bugsy is a great asset for me for the fact that we are very similar players. I went into a funk there for a little while with bunting and after we got out there and started working on some things I became very comfortable. It is at the point now where I look to bunt every time I step to the plate, looking to get on that way to have the big guys behind me drive me in and get some quick runs.

NJBA: You spent about a month in the Mexican League this winter. Tell us a little bit about that experience, and how it compares with playing in the States?

EF: The Mexican League was quite the experience. The fans are very passionate about their teams there and they expect production. That was my first time playing winter ball, and I really enjoyed playing along side those guys in their homeland.  I have a new understanding for how the foreign players feel playing in the United States during our season. I would love to get the chance to play somewhere like that again.

 NJBA:You grew up and went to school in the midwest. How does Reno compare to where you grew up as well as other places you’ve played?

EF: I really enjoy Reno. The weather is amazing, and the ballpark is the best place to play in the minor leagues. From the fan support to the way that the players are treated on a day-to-day basis is unreal. It is truly a first-class set up, and I’m fortunate to be able to be a part of it.

NJBA: There’s a lot of outfield depth in the Arizona system. What are you doing this offseason to help you stand out in spring training?

EF: There is and that is a good situation to be in.  It makes you stay focused all the time knowing that there is plenty of players to do the same job, and you don’t want to be the odd man out. I have been working out and staying in shape to put myself in the best possible shape to have a good spring training and another successful season.

NJBA: Are you doing any exciting non-baseball things this offseason?

EF: After getting home from Mexico, I really have just been sticking around home and spending time with my family and friends.  Being away so long throughout the year it is good to see them as much as possible. I have done a little bit of traveling around to help with baseball camps at a few places. But really nothing all that exciting.

NJBA: How did you enjoy the experience of participating in the PCL playoffs?

EF: The playoffs were awesome! I had a lot of fun with that. I wish that things could have turned out a little bit different obviously, but thats just the way that the game works.  I hope we are in that situation again next year and have the chance to change the outcome.

Winfree finished 2011–his first in the Diamondbacks organization–with a .321 batting average, nine home runs and 37 RBIs in just 39 games. In October, the D-backs added the Virginia Beach native to the 40-man roster.

We talked to Winfree about his first season in Reno, Duke basketball and reaching the big leagues.

Not Just Baseball…Aceball: You were having a great 2011 season before injuries really set you back. How tough was that for you to deal with, both physically and mentally?

David Winfree: It was definitely a long year. I think I was more mentally tired after the 2011 season more than any other season. There was just a lot of sitting around watching games and being frustrated that I wasn’t out there. Nobody likes not playing, and when you’re hurt, you feel like you’re not very important to the team. Physically I felt great after my injuries were healed. I didn’t play a whole lot of games so my body felt pretty fresh. To me, my injuries and rehab were minor compared to what so many players face. I just tried to use the time to study the game and watch how other guys handle themselves in situations and go about their business.

NJBA: Do you approach your offseason differently after having an injury-plagued 2011?

DW: To a certain extent I think it has. I haven’t made any major changes to my workout routines or anything. I am just really eager for next year so I think that makes me get after things a little more. The injuries that happened to me were out of my hands; it wasn’t like I could stretch better or take care of my body better for them to be avoided. I’m just really looking looking forward to staying healthy this year, and seeing what this year has to bring.

NJBA: What did you think of Reno in your limited time here?

DW: I loved Reno. I liked it when I was with Tacoma in 2010 and we came there to play. From the city, to the field, the staff, it is all first class. It is a great atmosphere to play in no matter if its a week day and a weekend. The park is one of the best you will find in the minor leagues. Probably the best field crew also–the field is by far the best playing surface in the PCL. When it comes to how you are treated as a player, there isn’t a better place. Like I said, everything is first class in Reno.

Winfree registered 15 extra-base hits in just 39 games for Reno in 2011.

NJBA: The D-backs are your fourth organization, and third in the last two seasons. How do the D-backs compare to other organizations you’ve played for?

DW: I have enjoyed and am thankful for my time with all of the teams that I have played for, because they gave me an opportunity just as the D-backs did. The D-backs organization is second to none. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the D-backs and was very excited when I learned that I was going to be back with them this year. From the time that I spent in big league camp, to minor league camp, to my time in Reno. The attitude and goals were all the same. They expect to win and they expect you to play the game the right way. It may sound cliche but they didn’t leave anything on the field this year. Watching the games, I don’t think there was a team that played harder and for whole nine innings night in and night out like the D-backs did. With me being injured the whole year, I was rehabbing a lot and the staff down there was awesome. They wanted to get you back on the field and worked hard every day to do that. I couldn’t ask for a better organization to be with. I’m really looking forward to the 2012 season.

NJBA: You’re only 26, and were so close to breaking through in the big leagues this season before getting hurt. Is 2012 the year you get your shot at the next level?

DW: Obviously, I am hoping it is. All I can do is prepare myself the best that I can mentally and physically and go out and play hard, and the rest will take care of itself. I can only worry about the stuff that I can control. You get yourself in trouble when you start to worry about the all the moves and stuff that happen throughout the season.  I’m not going to look at this year any differently. I am going to prepare myself and play like I always have, and the rest is out of my hands. If that time comes, I know I will be at a loss for words, but would be very excited to do whatever they need me to up there.

NJBA: What kind of non-baseball activities are you involved with this offseason?

DW: In the off-season I work for my dad for a couple of months. He is in the solid surface business, granite and corian countertops. My brother law and I normally go to a couple mud bogs, which our wives aren’t too thrilled about attending. A lot of college basketball is watched in my house. I am a huge Duke Basketball fan. My wife and I try to go down to a couple games a year. I am very close with my family so mainly the offseason for me consists of a lot of family time. No matter what we are doing, if we are all together it’s going to be fun.

The D-backs have invited 20 non-roster players to Major League camp, including former Aces RHP Mike DeMark, C Ed Easley, INF Cody Ransom and INF Rusty Ryal.

Including 40-man roster players and non-roster invitees, 16 players in 2012 D-backs Major League camp have appeared for the Aces over the club’s first three seasons (excluding Major League rehabilitation assignees).

The Homer, Mich. native with the now-famous over-the-top delivery began the 2011 campaign in Reno, but was promoted to the D-backs after just one Triple-A start. He proceeded to win 10 games for Arizona and finished fifth in the NL Rookie of the Year voting.

Here’s what Josh had to say about his terrific rookie season, his time in Reno, and what it’s like to come from a small northern city and “make it” in the bigs.

Not Just Baseball…Aceball: You started the year in Reno, making one start, before getting called up. What was your mentality coming into this season at the Triple-A level?

Josh Collmenter: My focus was on putting together a great season in Triple-A and trying to prove that I deserved a call-up in September. I wanted to improve on how I had performed there last season and to help the team get to the playoffs. I knew we would have the potential to be a great team based on the players on the roster.

NJBA: You continue to silence your critics, who say that you’re only successful because of your unique delivery. What do you have to say to them after proving them wrong for the second-straight season?

JC: That has never been my main goal. In the back of my mind, it is nice to be able to prove people wrong who may not believe in what you do or say you won’t have success. I’ve just always wanted to take advantage of all the opportunities I’ve been given and continue to help our teams win and try to move up each year. I’ve always believed in what I could do on the field and wanted the chance to prove it to myself at the major league level and to everyone else.

Josh Collmenter won 10 games for the D-backs after spending parts of 2010 and 2011 with Reno.

NJBA: You finished 5th in the NL Rookie of the Year vote. Although you didn’t win, how did that recognition make you feel?

JC: Just to be included in that group of talented athletes was a tremendous honor. To not only make an impact for our team, but also to be recognized by the writers and voters of that award makes you feel good about what you were able to do. Ultimately, if you do what you can to help the team win, and give your best each time, individual accolades will follow.

NJBA: How did growing up and playing college ball in Michigan affect your chances to make the bigs? Do you think it was tougher for you than players who grew up in warm-weather cities?

JC: Growing up in a small town does make it harder to get your name out in the right baseball circles for recruiting purposes. However, playing travel baseball and being on successful teams helped me to get recognized by coaches at the collegiate level.  From there, if you have talent, scouts will find it. There are stories of people from all different levels of collegiate athletics or high school that make it. Those who have the opportunity to play year round do have an advantage, but it’s not nearly as skewed as it used to be. There is good baseball played all over the midwest and Michigan and the Mid-American Conference are no exception.

NJBA: Speaking of Michigan, tell us a little about your experience at Comerica Park this past season, when it seemed like half of Michigan came out to support you.

JC: When I was called up, the only thing that seemed to be on everyone from my hometown’s mind was that we were eventually going to be playing in Detroit. As the date approached and it became clear that I was going to start one of the games, I think the entire town [of Homer, Mich.] bought tickets. With it falling on a Saturday, it allowed more people to come. Just taking the field and walking to the bullpen and seeing and hearing people cheering from all corners of the stadium gave me goosebumps. Then seeing everyone lined up above the bullpen while I warmed up was special because it was just like they did in high school. The support from my hometown and surrounding areas and from my friends and family especially, has been and always will be exceptional. I’m never lacking encouragement or support and even when I’m down or haven’t played well, they’re always behind me. That night will always be one of my favorite experiences on a baseball diamond.

NJBA: How have your personal expectations changed after experiencing so much success last season?

JC: My goal is to always improve from season to season and never settle or be satisfied with successes in the past. Unless you continue to have success, there are always people behind you who are working just as hard for your spot. I want to make sure that I earn every opportunity that I’m given and that I take advantage of it. My goal going in to this season is to improve on what I did last year and do all that I can to help our team win and get back to the playoffs.

NJBA: How about the team? What are the D-backs’ expectations for 2012 after winning the NL West in 2011?

JC: Our expectations, both as a team and an organization, are to win a World Series title. Everything we work on in spring training and the mentality we have, is geared towards that goal. Having a taste of the playoffs last year, will just increase the hunger and passion to get back there again. That’s what the people on the field everyday will be focusing on, one game at a time.

NJBA: What kinds of non-baseball activities have you been involved with this offseason?

JC: Growing up in Michigan, I grew up as a hunter and fisher. I’ve been doing some deer hunting and when it gets colder, some ice fishing. I’ve also spent time with my family and friends that are still back in the Homer area and with my girlfriend as well. I’ve visited some friends from high school, catching up with them and people from the community. Of course, there have been numerous questions about what this season was like and stories of those experiences. I also had the chance to be in a Christmas Parade and talk to middle school students about my life and spread a message about the importance of school and education. In addition, I’m a huge Michigan Wolverine fan, so I made sure I made it to Ann Arbor for a few games.

Gillespie came to the D-backs organization in a 2009 trade with Milwaukee, and has split time between Reno and Arizona since then. In parts of three seasons with the Aces, he hit a combined .297 with 25 home runs and 155 RBIs. He also set a D-backs Triple-A record with 16 triples in 2011.

In 50 games with the D-backs in the 2010 and 2011 seasons, Gillespie hit a respectable .236 with three homers and 16 RBIs. He capped his 2011 big-league stint with a ninth-inning grand slam against the Dodgers on Sept. 28 at Chase Field.

We caught up with Cole and asked him about the fans in Reno, his time in the Mexican winter league, and his plans for this offseason.

Gillespie drove in 155 runs over parts of three seasons with the Aces (2009-11).