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