Smokies Announce Opening Day Roster

The Chicago Cubs' Double-A affiliate, the Tennessee Smokies, announced their Opening Day Roster on Monday. Ryne Sandberg's team opens the 2009 season on the road Thursday, April 9 against the Jacksonville Suns (Florida Marlins). The Smokies home opener is April 15 against the Birmingham Barons (Chicago White Sox).

Welington Castillo, Steve Clevenger, Darwin Barney, Brandon Guyer, Richie Robnett, Jay Jackson, Jeremy Papelbon, Brian Schlitter, Alex Maestri and John Gaub are a few of the names Sandberg will begin the year managing.

2009 Tennessee Smokies Opening Day Roster

Pitchers

Todd Blackford
Hung-Wen Chen
Casey Coleman
John Gaub
Jay Jackson
Casey Lambert
Alex Maestri
Jeremy Papelbon
Blake Parker
Vince Perkins
Jayson Ruhlman
James Russell
Brian Schlitter

Catchers

Welington Castillo
Steve Clevenger

Infielders

Darwin Barney
Matt Camp
Blake Lalli
Jonathan Mota
Kyle Reynolds
Tony Thomas

Outfielders

James Adduci
Brandon Guyer
Richie Robnett
Ty Wright

bobby p

he might have vitters later in the season if he continues to progress in his development.

JimK

Ryne has an interesting group--especially with position players. He has 6 or our Top 30 position-player prospects and 3 top 30 pitchers. Castillo (c) and Jackson (rhp) are top 10 prospects while Clevenger (c) Guyer (of) and Barney (if) are middle 10. Here's hoping that there are several AA All Stars in the group. It's a good test for Ryne too.