February 22, 2012

Former Smokies Pitcher to Red Sox to Complete Epstein Compensation

Chris Carpenter with the Smokies in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

By Jonathan Guess / Smokies Radio Network

Former Tennessee Smokies reliever Chris Carpenter was sent to the Boston Red Sox today in a trade that completed the compensation for Theo Epstein to join the Cubs as the team’s President of Baseball Operations.

The trade also included a player to be named later by both teams.

“I guess my name will go down in history,” Carpenter said, adding that it was “kind of surreal.”

The Cubs drafted Carpenter in the third round of the 2008 Draft.  In his four minor league seasons, Carpenter posted a record of 21-19 with a 3.62 ERA in 341.0 IP.

In 2011, Carpenter pitched ten relief innings for the Tennessee Smokies, posting a 1-1 record with a 4.38 ERA in 10 outings as a reliever.  2011 was also the first year Carpenter got some major league action, pitching ten games for the Chicago Cubs with a 2.79 ERA.

Though the Cubs organization had to give up a steady reliever, they are happy to end a compensation deal that began in October.  The Cubs gain a President of Baseball Operations that is young, charismatic, and proven after helping to orchestrate two World Series for the Red Sox organization.

Chris Carpenter in 2011 with the Chicago Cubs. Photo Courtesy: Rob Grabowski-US PRESSWIRE

“I am relieved that this process is over and particularly pleased that the teams were able to reach an agreement on their own without intervention from the MLB,” Epstein said.  “I truly hope and believe that this resolution will benefit both clubs, as well as Chris, who is an extremely talented reliever joining a great organization at a time when there’s some opportunity in the major league bullpen.”

Epstein was named as Cubs President of Baseball Operations on October 25, 2011.

The deal was completed on the brink of spring training where the Cubs begin play on Mar. 4 in Mesa, Ariz. against the Oakland A’s.

The Smokies home opener is April 10 against the Jackson Generals after a five game stint in Chattanooga against the Chattanooga Lookouts, with Opening Day on April 5.

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February 21, 2012

Justin Shackil joins Mobile BayBears as Radio Broadcaster

Justin Shackil with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

Former Smokies Radio Network broadcasting assistant Justin Shackil was named the new Director of Broadcasting/Media Relations for the Mobile BayBears earlier Tuesday.  Shackil will broadcast all 140 games this season for the BayBears, who are the Double-A, Southern League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

This will be Shackil’s fourth season of baseball broadcasting and his fourth straight with a Double-A team having worked for the Trenton Thunder in 2010 and the Smokies last season.

“We are all very excited for Justin,” said Smokies Director of Broadcasting Mick Gillispie.  “He earned this opportunity with his dedication, effort and attention to detail.”

Shackil with Tennessee's Blake Lalli in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

The Smokies Radio Network staff certainly wishes Justin the best in his new opportunity, and looks forward to seeing him around the Southern League this season with the BayBears. Tennessee fans can keep up with Shackil by visiting the BayBears website and following him on Twitter: @jvshackil.

Here is the official release from the Mobile BayBears:

MOBILE, AL –The Mobile BayBears Professional Baseball Club, Double-A Southern League affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, have announced the hiring of Justin Shackil as the team’s new Director of Broadcasting/Media Relations for the 2012 season.

Shackil enters his fourth season of professional baseball broadcasting, and his second in the Southern League. He spent the 2011 season as a member of the Tennessee Smokies broadcast team, hosting the team’s pre and post game shows and as a play-by-play announcer. In 2010, Shackil provided play-by-play for all 142 games for the Double-A Trenton Thunder of the Eastern League. Justin’s first season of professional baseball was in 2008 with the Gateway Grizzlies of the Frontier League.

“The BayBears organization is very excited to have Justin Shackil join our team for the 2012 season!” said Mobile BayBears President/COO Bill Shanahan, “Justin has a great love of our national pastime and brings to Mobile new energy and enthusiasm as “The Voice of the BayBears” on the BayBears Broadcast network- which includes BayBearsRadio.com, ESPN Radio107.3 FM HD2, and Comcast TV Channel 45 which reaches over 50,000 households.”

Shackil fills the vacancy left by Wayne Randazzo, who accepted a broadcasting position with the Kane County Cougars of the Midwest League.

“I am delighted to join a great organization like the BayBears,” said Shackil. “The Southern League is a very unique and special place in Minor League Baseball. I am so excited to be able to continue working in the league and hope to bring BayBears fans a very enjoyable listening experience as the team defends it’s title in 2012.”

In the off season, Justin works as a sports anchor on SiriusXM Satellite Radio in New York City. Additionally, he provides play-by-play for MSG Varsity, a 24/7 television network that covers high school athletics in the New York City area. In 2009, Shackil was a part of the official radio broadcast team for the US Tennis Open and provided tournament play-by-play to over 45,000 worldwide listeners a day on the internet.

His broadcasting experience extends outside of sports as well. He has anchored for a financial news website in New York and reported from the Red Carpet at the 2009 Academy Awards for mtvU. Shackil is a native of Wayne, New Jersey and a 2009 graduate of Fordham University.

The 2011 Southern League champion Mobile BayBears begin the 2012 season at Hank Aaron Stadium on Tuesday, April 10th against the newest Southern League franchise, Pensacola Blue Wahoos. For more ticket information, call 251.479.BEAR or visit www.mobilebaybears.com.

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February 13, 2012

Darren Headrick New Broadcaster for Carolina Mudcats and ECU Baseball

Darren Headrick in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

A former Smokies Radio Network broadcaster will have a new home for the 2012 season.

Darren Headrick, who worked for the Smokies as a broadcasting assistant from 2008-09, has recently been named the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Carolina Mudcats, the High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.

In addition to his work with the Mudcats, Headrick will spend the spring broadcasting East Carolina University baseball on the Pirate IMG Sports Network.

“They are both terrific opportunities,” Headrick said. “East Carolina has one of the premiere programs in Conference USA. They have tremendous fan support and are coming off their third regional berth under Coach Billy Godwin. The Mudcats will be one of, if not, the top franchise in the Carolina League with Raleigh nearby and a great facility at Five County Stadium.

“Getting to broadcast a Major League team in back-to-back years (Indians play an exhibition against the Mudcats April 3), and working with a big league manager in Edwin Rodriguez is like a dream come true! I look forward to learning a lot about the game from him this summer. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation.”

Headrick has worked in the greater Raleigh area before, as he served as the Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations for the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plains League in Wilson, N.C. during the 2010 season.

Following his season with Wilson, Headrick made the move to Triple-A in 2011, working as the Assistant Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting for the Oklahoma City Redhawks, the Triple-A affiliate of the Houston Astros in the Pacific Coast League.

Headrick interviewing Blake Lalli following a game in 2009. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Headrick’s association with the Smokies began in 2006 when he began assisting in the press box before joining the Smokies Radio Network in 2008, teaming up with current Smokies voice Mick Gillispie.

“Darren has worked very hard and made scarifies to earn these opportunities,” Gillispie said. “I’m excited about supporting him and our old rivals in Carolina. I know the Mudcats fans will enjoy his call.”

A native of Maryville, Headrick’s voice has been heard on East Tennessee radios for the past several years. He has served as the voice Morristown Hamblen-West High School football and boys and girls basketball since 2005.

Headrick began working for the Vol Network while he was a student at the University of Tennessee in 2006, producing a weekly internet segment on utsports.com. Since graduating from UT, Headrick has continued working for the Vol Network at their master control studios. His jobs have included editing in-game highlights, screening telephone calls, and during the past two seasons worked on air, delivering scores and news from high school football games across Tennessee.

North Carolina baseball fans will have their first opportunity to listen to Headrick with ECU this weekend, as the Pirates open the season with a three-game series against UW-Milwaukee. Fans can listen to Headrick by visiting the ECU and Carolina Mudcats official websites and can follow him on Twitter.

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February 9, 2012

Seven Former Smokies Highlight MLB.com Top 20 Cubs Prospects

MLB.com no. 2 Cubs Prospect Brett Jackson with Tennessee in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

On Wednesday, MLB.com released its list of Top 20 2012 Prospects for each major league organization, including the parent club of the Tennessee Smokies, the Chicago Cubs.

On the list of Top 20 Cubs prospects, seven played with Tennessee in 2011, with several players also seeing action with the Smokies in 2010.

Here is the full list of Top 20 Cubs prospects by MLB.com, which you can find here online. Below, we’ve posted the scouting report from MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo on all seven former Tennessee Smokies in italics. While seven former Smokies mark this list, it is important to remember that many players on this list will find their way to Tennessee in the next several years as they climb up the organizational ladder.

Also, here is an article from MLB.com’s Ismail Soyugenc as he takes a deeper look at the Cubs farm system entering 2012.

For a full report as well as career statistics and video for all of these players, be sure to visit Mayo’s list of Top Cubs Prospects.

1. Anthony Rizzo
2. Brett Jackson
3. Javier Baez
4. Matt Szczur
5. Chris Carpenter
6. Dillon Maples
7. Trey McNutt
8. Rafael Dolis
9. Robert Whitenack
10. Reggie Golden
11. Junior Lake
12. Josh Vitters
13. Ronald Torreyes
14. Ben Wells
15. Dan Vogelbach
16. Jeimer Candelario
17. Gioskar Amaya
18. Marco Hernandez
19. Dave Sappelt
20. Pin-Chieh Chen

Brett Jackson with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

2. Brett Jackson

It’s hard to imagine a 20-20 player being undervalued, but because none of Jackson’s individual tools grade out as plus, he might. He hit better after he was promoted to Triple-A in 2011, always a good sign. His strikeout rate concerns some, but he also draws walks and his power-speed combination should play just fine at the highest level. He can play all three outfield spots, something that should allow him to reach Chicago at some point in 2012.

Chris Carpenter with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

5. Chris Carpenter

After three years as a starter in the Cubs’ system, he opened eyes when he hit triple digits pitching in relief in the Arizona Fall League in 2010, and he stayed in that role in 2011, making his Major League debut last June. The life on his fastball has long been a blessing and a curse, as he’s struggled with control and command, walking 84 batters over the past two seasons. He pitched better back in the AFL, and the Cubs hope that carries over into a long-term role in their big league bullpen.

Trey McNutt with Tennessee in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

7. Trey McNutt

A steal in the 32nd round of the 2009 Draft, McNutt’s career in pro ball thus far has been a tale of two seasons. After turning in a 10-1 record and the organization’s second-best ERA (2.48) and strikeout total (132) in his first full season, 2011 was hardly an encore for the hard-throwing righty. He has a power breaking ball and a plus fastball, which lives in the mid-90s, that he can dial up a notch when needed. An offspeed pitch could take him to the next level, but his changeup is still a work in progress. Consistency is what McNutt will look for this season to get back on track as the organization’s most promising starter. If all goes according to plan, he could see time in Chicago before the curtain closes on the upcoming season.

Rafael Dolis with Tennessee in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

8. Rafael Dolis

Following in the footsteps of Carlos Marmol and Randy Wells, Dolis is a converted position player. In 2011, he made another transition, from the rotation to the bullpen, and he finished second in the organization with 17 saves. Dolis has two plus pitches in his arsenal: a slider with late break and a heavy fastball that can hit triple digits and generate a ton of ground balls. With what most consider to be the best fastball in the Cubs’ system, he has closer potential but is more likely to be a setup man in the short term. He made his Major League debut late last September and should see a lot more of Chicago in the future.

Robert Whitenack with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

9. Robert Whitenack

The first player ever drafted out of SUNY-Old Westbury, the 2009 pick had a solid first full season in pro ball. It looked like he was taking off in year two when he was shut down two months into the 2011 season and needed to have Tommy John surgery. Before the injury, he had dominated at two levels. Whitenack features a low-to-mid-90s fastball with heavy sink that you can count on to generate a ton of ground balls. He complements the fastball with a nasty slider, and to top it all off he throws strikes.

Junior Lake with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

11. Junior Lake

Lake is as toolsy as they come, with a Shawon Dunston-esque arm in the infield, power to all fields and more than enough speed to be a basestealing threat. He needs to smooth out a lot of rough edges, including improving his plate discipline and cutting down on his errors in the field. His first taste of Double-A was so-so, but he performed well in the Arizona Fall League and was added to the Cubs’ 40-man roster this offseason.

Josh Vitters with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

12. Josh Vitters

Just when people may have been wanting to write Vitters off as a first-round bust, he started to look like he was figuring some things out in 2011. He still has a picture-perfect swing with plus bat speed and a ton of raw power. He doesn’t strike out, but he also doesn’t walk, swinging at virtually everything, though he did start to drive the ball more in games. He had a very strong Arizona Fall League, where he played some first and some outfield, though he still could end up being the Cubs’ long-term answer at the hot corner.

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February 8, 2012

Roger Hoover returns to Smokies Radio Network

Roger Hoover with the Smokies in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

By Justin Shackil / Smokies Radio Network

East Tennessee baseball fans will hear a familiar voice on the Smokies Radio Network this season as Roger Hoover returns to the Tennessee Smokies as a broadcasting assistant.

Hoover, who spent last season as the radio broadcaster for Southern League’s Jacksonville Suns, is back for his third season with Tennessee after serving as a broadcasting assistant in 2009 and 2010.

“I’m excited to return to Tennessee,” said Hoover. “I’m proud to once again to be a part of one of the best broadcasts in all of minor league baseball.”

Hoover has also provided play-by-play for Tennessee in each of the past three Southern League playoffs, and his experience in the Southern League includes: working with baseball Hall-of-Famer and 2009 Smokies manager Ryne Sandberg, being part of the Smokies Radio Network’s coverage of the 2010 Rickwood Classic, and he also provided play-by-play on the Huntsville Stars Radio Network for three innings of the 2010 Southern League All-Star Game.

Hoover along with Chris Archer, Steve Clevenger, and Russ Canzler during Tennessee's celebration following the 2010 North Division Championship Series. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

“We’re thrilled that Roger is back with us in Tennessee,” said Smokies Director of Broadcasting Mick Gillispie. “He does an excellent job, and I know our fans will enjoy having him back on the broadcast.”

In addition to his work with the Smokies, Hoover will spend the spring as the color analyst for University of Tennessee baseball on the Vol Network. In the baseball offseason, he is the voice of Maryville College football and basketball on knoxivi.com.

This will be Hoover’s fifth season of professional baseball broadcasting after beginning his career with the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League in 2008. A University of Tennessee alumnus and Kingsport, Tenn. native, Hoover began his broadcasting career in 2006 with the Vol Network.

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February 6, 2012

Mick Gillispie visits with Cubs VP of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

Earlier today the Tennessee Smokies hosted its annual preseason luncheon for fans, season ticket holders, and corporate partners inside the Double Play Cafe at Smokies Park. Chicago Cubs Vice President of Player Personnel Oneri Fleita was the guest speaker for the event that was hosted by Smokies voice Mick Gillispie.

Following the luncheon, Gillispie caught up with Fleita to discuss how the Chicago Cubs are doing in the offseason, and what Smokies fans can look forward to in 2012 in the video posted above.

Continue to check back to smokiesonradio.com as the season gets closer for more content as we get ready for another great year of Tennessee Smokies baseball at Smokies Park.

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February 5, 2012

Smokies Manager Buddy Bailey in Caribbean World Series

Buddy Bailey with the Smokies in 2008. Photo Courtesy: Tennessee Smokies

Hey Smokies Fans!

Tennessee manager Buddy Bailey is once again having success in professional baseball. After leading the Daytona Cubs to the Florida State League championship last fall, Bailey is now managing the Venezuela team in the 2012 Caribbean World Series.

Bailey has had success before in Venezuela, having managed the Los Tigres de Aragua to a Venezuelan title in 2009 and again this past year. After losing its first three games, Venezuela defeated Puerto Rico 7-0 on Sunday afternoon.

Bailey with Aragua in 2009. Photo Courtesy: Meridith Kohut for The New York Times

For full coverage of the Caribbean World Series, check out the official page on MLB.com here. Also, here is a link to a Phil Rogers story in the Chicago Tribune that notes Bailey’s success and how the Cubs are expanding their presence in the Dominican Republic.

Also, here is an in-depth look at Bailey’s 2009 campaign with Aragua as he was profiled in The New York Times.

The Smokies Radio Network extends its best wishes to Buddy in the remaining games of the Caribbean World Series, and hopefully his success will continue to Tennessee in 2012!

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February 3, 2012

Around the Southern League (2/3)

Artist rendering of Regions Field in Birmingham, which will open in April 2013. Photo Courtesy: Birmingham Barons

Hey Smokies Fans!

The start of February means that baseball season is only getting closer. Minor league baseball teams across the country are gearing up for the 2012 season, and many of our friends in the Southern League have had some exciting news over this past week.

This post marks the first of many “Around the Southern League” features this season where the Smokies Radio Network will highlight stories of interest from around the league. We hope you enjoy this look at what’s going on in the Southern League, and continue to check back for more information on the upcoming 2012 season!

- MLB.com: Barons’ new park coined Regions Field
- AL.com: Hundreds gather for Birmingham baseball park groundbreaking (slideshow and videos)
- AL.com: Ex-Braves star Dale Murphy to serve as VIP of 17th Annual Rickwood Classic
- Pensacola Blue Wahoos: Building a Ballpark: The Field (Video)
- Pensacola News Journal: Wahoos stadium lights up
- Jackson Generals: Compton Named Generals New GM

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January 31, 2012

Russ Canzler Traded to Cleveland

Russ Canzler with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

Earlier this morning, the Tampa Bay Rays traded former Smokies utilityman Russ Canzler to the Cleveland Indians for cash considerations.

The Indians will be Canzler’s third organization in the past three seasons. Canzler was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 30th round of the 2004 out of high school. After toiling in the low minors for his first five years as a professional, Canzler was promoted to Double-A Tennessee in May 2009.

Canzler finished the season with the Smokies, hitting .258 with six homers playing primarily at first base and in left field as Tennessee won the first of its three straight division titles.

Canzler spent all of 2010 with Tennessee, although his role changed as the season went along. In the first half, Canzler was a valuable pinch-hitter and defensive replacement for the Smokies, providing big hits and towering homers at Smokies Park. With his strong hitting, Canzler began to see more playing time and would become Tennessee’s starting third baseman after regular starter Josh Vitters went down with injury in late July.

Here is a postgame on-field interview with Canzler in 2010, along with a highlight video from August 28, 2010 when Canzler hit a walkoff homer against Birmingham in manager Bill Dancy’s 1600th win.

Canzler smashed six homers during the month of July, on his way to some of the best numbers of his career. He finished the season hitting .287 with 21 homers and 66 RBI. His 21 homers were tied for second in the Southern League, matching what Jacksonville’s Mike Stanton blasted before his call-up to the Florida Marlins, and two behind West Tenn’s Carlos Peguero.

Following his career season, Canzler signed as a free agent with Tampa Bay, and began the 2011 season with Triple-A Durham. Canzler improved on his strong numbers with Tennessee from a year before, and was named an International League All-Star. As the starting third baseman for the International League in the Triple-A All-Star Game, it was Canzler’s three-run homer that was the difference in the 3-0 victory, and he was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.

Canzler finished the year hitting .314 with 18 home runs and 83 RBI and was named the Most Valuable Player of the International League. Following the minor league season, Canzler received his first big league call-up, and made his major league debut with Tampa Bay on September 15 at Fenway Park.

Canzler would only see action in three games with the Rays during their dramatic run to the American League Wild Card, although Canzler was joined in the Tampa Bay clubhouse with two other former Smokies teammates: Brandon Guyer and Robinson Chirinos.

On January 27, the Rays designated Canzler for assignment before trading him to the Indians for cash four days later. Canzler has been placed on the Indians 40-man roster, and will have a chance to compete for the Indians’ first base job and could be a valuable member of the Cleveland bench due to his versatility in the infield and outfield.

We wish Russ the best of luck with his new opportunity with the Indians, and here are some stories from around the web on the trade.

- MLB.com: Tribe acquires Canzler from Tampa Bay
-Cleveland Plain Dealer: Cleveland Indians acquired INF/OF Russ Canzler from Rays for cash
-Waiting for Next Year: MLB Trade News: Indians Acquire Russ Canzler from Rays
-CBSSports.com: Indians trade for Russ Canzler


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January 30, 2012

Former Smokies Highlight Cubs Non-Roster Invitees for Major League Spring Training

Infielder Blake Lalli among former Smokies invited to Cubs Major League Spring Training. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

By Roger Hoover / Smokies Radio Network

Earlier today, the Chicago Cubs announced that 21 non-roster players have been invited to 2012′s major league spring training. Of the 21 players, 10 are former Smokies, many of whom are headed to big league spring training for the first time in their careers. Here is the official release from Chicago Cubs media relations, with former Smokies highlighted in bold, along with a report on each player that has performed with Tennessee.

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs have invited 21 non-roster players to major league spring training, which begins Saturday, February 18 when pitchers and catchers are invited to report in Mesa, Ariz.  Their first workout will take place on Sunday, February 19.  Position players are invited to report to camp Thursday, February 23 with the team’s first full workout Friday, February 24.

Nine pitchers – righthanders Marco Carrillo, Manuel Corpas, Jay Jackson, Rodrigo Lopez, Trey McNutt, Blake Parker and Dae-Eun Rhee and lefthanders Trever Miller and Chris Rusin – have been invited to major league camp, as well as catchers Michael Brenly, Jason Jaramillo and Blake Lalli.

Five infielders – Alfredo Amezaga, Edgar Gonzalez, Jonathan Mota, Bobby Scales and Matt Tolbert – have also been invited, along with four outfielders – Jim Adduci, Jae-Hoon Ha, Brett Jackson and Joe Mather.

Jim Adduci with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Jim Adduci, 26, returns to major league spring training for his third year in a row.  The left-handed batter and thrower hit .308 (73-for-237) with 13 doubles, two triples, four home runs, 20 RBI and 21 stolen bases in 71 games at Double-A Tennessee last season.  Adduci enters his sixth season in the Cubs organization after being acquired by the Cubs following the 2006 minor league season to complete the Todd Wellemeyer trade.

Marco Carrillo with Tennessee in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Marco Carrillo, who turns 25 on Wednesday, went 7-5 with three saves and a 3.44 ERA (41 ER/107.1 IP) in 40 appearances (nine starts) with Triple-A Iowa and Double-A Tennessee in 2011.  He spent most of the year with Tennessee, posting a 2.36 ERA (20 ER/76.1 IP) in 29 outings (seven starts).  Carrillo signed with Chicago as a non-drafted free agent March 18, 2005 and is 38-21 with eight saves and a 3.60 ERA (224 ER/560.2 IP) in six seasons.

Ja-Hoon Ha with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Jae-Hoon Ha, 21, combined to hit .279 (145-for-520) with 31 doubles, 11 homers, 72 RBI and 13 stolen bases in 132 games with Single-A Daytona and Tennessee, reaching Double-A at the age of 20.  After starting the year at Daytona, Ha batted .283 (64-for-226) with 16 doubles, three homers and 25 RBI in 61 games with Tennessee to close the year. The right-handed batter and thrower originally signed with the Cubs as a non-drafted free agent on September 19, 2008.  Ha is a career .281 hitter (298-for-1,061) with 20 homers and 155 RBI in three pro seasons.

Brett Jackson with Tennessee in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Brett Jackson, 23, posted a .274 batting average (118-for-431) with 23 doubles, five triples, 20 homers, 58 RBI, 21 stolen bases and a .379 on-base percentage in 115 games between Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa in 2011.  The left-handed hitter began the season with Tennessee before a July promotion to Triple-A, his first, and finished the campaign by hitting .297 (55-for-215) with a .388 on-base percentage and .939 OPS in 48 games with Iowa.  Jackson was selected by the Cubs in the first round (31st overall) of the 2009 First-Year Player Draft.

Jay Jackson with Tennessee in 2009. Photo Courtesy: Amy Smotherman Burgess - Knoxville News-Sentinel

Jay Jackson, 24, went 8-14 with a 5.34 ERA (87 ER/146.2 IP) in 26 starts with Iowa last season, his fourth year in the Cubs organization and his second full campaign at Triple-A.  The 2012 season marks his second non-roster invite to major league spring training.  The righthander is 31-31 with a 4.23 ERA (87 ER/146.2 IP) in 95 appearances (80 starts) since being selected by the Cubs in the ninth round of the 2008 Draft.

Blake Lalli with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Blake Lalli, 28, batted .287 (100-for-349) with 22 doubles, nine home runs and 52 RBI in 108 games with Tennessee, his third full season at Double-A.  The left-handed batter enters his seventh season in the Cubs organization after signing as a non-drafted free agent on May 22, 2006 and is a career .303 hitter (580-for-1,917) with 124 doubles, 33 homers and 263 RBI in 571 professional games.

Trey McNutt with Tennessee in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Trey McNutt, 22, went 5-6 with a 4.55 ERA (48 ER/95.0 IP) in 23 appearances (22 starts) last season with Tennessee, his first full year at Double-A.  The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder was selected by the Cubs in the 32nd round of the 2009 Draft and is 18-8 with a 3.13 ERA (83 ER/239.0 IP) in 61 appearances (53 starts) during his three-season professional career.

Jonathan Mota with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Jonathan Mota, 24, combined to hit .270 (76-for-281) with 19 doubles, seven home runs and 38 RBI in 98 games between Tennessee and Iowa last year.  The right-handed batter and thrower has played more than 100 games at second base, third base and shortstop in his pro career since signing with the Cubs as a non-drafted free agent on August 23, 2003.

Blake Parker with Tennessee in 2010. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Blake Parker, 26, went 4-5 with seven saves and a 3.23 ERA (27 ER/75.1 IP) in 53 relief appearances last season between Tennessee and Iowa, combining to strike out 80 batters in 75.1 innings.  He was promoted to Triple-A in May and went 3-3 with four saves and a 2.81 ERA (16 ER/51.1 IP) in 37 outings.  Parker was selected by the Cubs in the 16th round of the 2006 Draft.

Chris Rusin with Tennessee in 2011. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover

Chris Rusin, 25, went 8-4 with a 3.96 ERA (61 ER/138.2 IP) in 26 outings, all but two as a starter, with Tennessee and Iowa last year, reaching the Triple-A level in only his third pro campaign.  The southpaw walked only 30 batters in 138.2 innings, an average of 1.9 walks per nine innings.  Selected by the Cubs in the fourth round of the 2009 Draft, Rusin is 14-12 with a 3.51 ERA (111 ER/284.2 IP) in 60 career minor league outings (54 starts).

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