You already know about established former Arkansas players in the major leagues such as Dallas Keuchel, Drew Smyly, Logan Forsythe and James McCann.
What about those former Razorbacks still grinding in the minor leagues? For a full list, see Andrew Hutchinson's article at Wholehogsports.com. For a partial list of former Hogs on the cusp of the big leagues, keep reading.
BLAKE PARKER, P, TACOMA (TRIPLE-A)
It's not always bad news to get called into the office and told you're being sent to the minors.
It was good news for Parker, 30, who signed with Seattle after being released by the Chicago Cubs last year. At least he wasn't let go by the Mariners, who'll keep him in their back pocket at Triple-A Tacoma, where he earned his first save Friday.
Parker was mostly shuffled back-and-forth between Chicago and Triple-A Iowa when he was with the Cubs. Parker (2-3, 3.68 ERA) has pitched in 74 games at the big-league level, which is more than anyone could have predicted after he played outfield, catcher and third base with the Razorbacks.
ANDY WILKINS, 1B, COLORADO SPRINGS (TRIPLE-A)
Wilkins has a real shot to return to the big leagues after failing to make the 40-man roster with the Milwaukee Brewers.
Milwaukee's starting first baseman is Chris Carter, who batted .199 with 24 home runs in 129 games for the Houston Astros last season. Wilkins hit .389 with two home runs in limited action with the Brewers in the spring and he could be recalled if Carter fizzles at first base.
Few deserve another chance at the majors more than Wilkins, 27, who's been with seven major league organizations since leaving Arkansas in 2010. He hit 18 home runs and batted .249 with Triple-A Oklahoma City last season. His best season came in 2014 when Wilkins hit 30 home runs and made the all-star team with Triple-A Charlotte. That led to a promotion with the Chicago White Sox, where he went 6 for 43 with two doubles and two RBI.
BRETT EIBNER, OF, OMAHA (TRIPLE-A)
Eibner is back in Omaha, where he hit .303 with 23 doubles, 19 home runs and 81 RBI in 103 games. Eibner is still a prospect, but he plays in an organization that has an abundance of outfielders.
The Royals stack outfielders like people in Mississippi claim they redshirt Miss Americas. Hey, I've been to Mississippi and they're not bragging.
Eibner, 27, is healthy again and ready for his chance in the big leagues, whether it's with the World Champions at Kansas City or somewhere else.
MATT REYNOLDS, INF, LAS VEGAS (TRIPLE-A)
Reynolds had an opportunity to make history when he was added to the New York Mets' playoff roster because of an injury, but he didn't make his pro debut.
Now, he's back at Las Vegas, where he spent most of last season. Reynolds, 25, needs to show improvement at the plate after he hit .267 in 115 games last season at Las Vegas. Reynolds hit a home run in his first game, so he's off to a good start.
I'm optimistic Reynolds will make his major league debut sometime this season, but what do I know? I had Michigan State to win the national championship in basketball, and the Spartans lost in the first round to Middle Tennessee State.
ZACK COX, INF, FREE AGENT
Cox is out of baseball after being released last week by Syracuse, the Triple-A farm team of the Washington Nationals.
This is stunning.
I would've bet all the money and credit cards in your wallet Cox would be in the majors by now. At Arkansas, Cox was a left-handed batter who was particularly good at hitting to the opposite field. Cox was drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals after he made All-American and hit .429 with the Razorbacks.
The Cardinals traded Cox after two seasons, and he is now looking for work after hitting .285 in six years in the minor leagues. Cox is still only 26 but his professional baseball career is obviously in jeopardy right now.
JESS TODD, P, RETIRED
I was hopeful Todd would get another chance in the major leagues, but that ended in February when Todd announced his retirement.
The move is certainly understandable, especially for a veteran player with a young family. Todd, 30, played briefly in the major leagues with the Cardinals and Cleveland Indians. But his career stalled in the minor leagues despite solid seasons the last two years in Triple-A.
Todd was one of my favorite Razorbacks, and he'll always be remembered for his performance at the SEC Tournament in 2007, when he struck out 17, including the first nine batters, in a win over South Carolina.
If Todd threw a pitch above a batter's waist that day, I didn't see it. He was that good.
Sports on 04/10/2016