The Tennessee Smokies released its initial roster for the 2016 season Monday and it features nine of the top prospects in the system, including OF Billy McKinney, 3B Jeimer Candelario, OF Mark Zagunis and INF/OF Chesny Young.
The Smokies’ first roster consists of 14 pitchers, three catchers, five infielders and five outfielders.
Mark Johnson takes over in the dugout for his first season with Double-A Tennessee. Johnson is coming off back-to-back league championships with Low-A Kane County (2014) and High-A Myrtle Beach (2015). Johnson is considered one of the top young managers in minor league baseball.
The Smokies staff will be without Duane Underwood Jr. at the beginning of the season. Underwood Jr. was slowed by allergies and stiffness in his right elbow during Spring Training. Reports from Mesa have indicated Underwood Jr. has thrown live batting practice. The Cubs have not said when he will report to one of the affiliates.
Rob Zastryzny, Paul Blackburn, Brad Markey, Tyler Skulina and Jen-Ho Tseng are expected to begin the season in the Smokies’ rotation.
Double-A Tennessee begins the season Thursday, April 7 at Smokies Park with the first of five against the Mobile BayBears (Arizona Diamondbacks).
The Smokies first roster of the season includes 27 players. The active roster will have to be trimmed by two players by Thursday.
Coaching Staff
- Manager: Mark Johnson
- Pitching Coach: Terry Clark
- Hitting Coach: Desi Wilson
- Assistant Hitting Coach: Osmin Melendez
- Athletic Trainer: Jon Fierro
- Strength Coach: Mike Megrew
Tennessee Smokies 2016 Opening Day Roster
Pitchers (14)
- Andury Acevedo, RHP
- Corey Black, RHP
- Paul Blackburn, RHP
- Gerardo Concepcion, LHP
- Josh Conway, RHP
- David Garner, RHP
- Brad Markey, RHP
- Michael Jensen, RHP
- Juan Carlos Paniagua, RHP
- Stephen Perakslis, RHP
- Starling Peralta, RHP
- Tyler Skulina, RHP
- Jen-Ho Tseng, RHP
- Rob Zastryzny, LHP
Catchers (3)
- Victor Caratini
- Taylor Davis
- David Freitas
Infielders (5)
- Stephen Bruno
- Jeimer Candelario
- Ryan Dent
- Carlos Penalver
- Chesny Young
Outfielders (5)
- Anthony Giansanti
- Jacob Hannemann
- Billy McKinney
- Bijan Rademacher
- Mark Zagunis
• Official Tennessee Smokies Official Roster
Double-A clubs can have a 37-man reserve roster and a 25-man active roster.