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.