Tag Archives: all-star game

With Spring Training right around the corner, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday leading up to the season. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Javier Baez, the Cubs number one pick in 2011 could start the season with the Smokies. Photo Courtesy: Flickr

Baez No. 3 on list of top shortstop prospects

3. Javier Baez, Cubs: Taken No. 9 overall in the 2011 Draft, just one spot after Lindor, Baez might be the more dynamic pure hitter of the two, even if Lindor is the better defender. Baez’s plus bat speed will allow him to hit for average and power, both of which have already been on display, and he will improve as he refines his approach. He’s not without defensive skills, with a strong arm and good hands, and more folks are thinking he can stay at shortstop than did when he was coming out of the Florida high school ranks. Even if Baez has to slide to third base, his bat will profile just fine there.

Fergie Jenkins and Rollie Fingers don’t see a place for Sammy Sosa in Baseball’s Hall

“I’m against [them getting in],” said Fingers, who was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1992. “I see records that are being set by guys that have been straight, that have done it on their own. Sportswriters want to keep the sanctity in the Hall of Fame. They don’t want guys using steroids to break records. I believe that, too.”

The fiery Earl Weaver was ejected 91 times as a Major League manager. Photo Courtesy: AP

O’s Weaver started career in Minors.  Looking back on Hall of Fame skipper who died at age 82

Weaver played second base for one of the best teams in Minor League history, the 1950 Winston-Salem Cards, six years before beginning his managerial career with the South Atlantic League’s Knoxville Smokies. His club finished in eighth place that season, but it proved to be an anomaly.

Scott Hairston hit a career-high 20 home runs with the Mets last season. Photo Courtesy: Tony Avelar/AP Photo

VIDEO: MLB.com says the Cubs addition of Scott Hairston gives team depth

Cubs add another placeholder in the outfield

Hairston, a Naperville native, would be an ideal pick-up for a contending team. He’s played all three outfield positions and can come off the bench to provide some pop. Getting a second year on his contract and potentially more playing time undoubtedly contributed to Hairston’s decision to sign with his hometown team. And maybe in that second year the Cubs actually do contend for a playoff spot and his value off the bench increases.

Colin Kaepernick might have been throwing baseballs instead of footballs if he signed with the Cubs. Photo Courtesy: Michael Zagaris/Getty Images

Cubs Couldn’t Sway Colin Kaepernick

“I looked at his arm action in a number of [football] games and talked to people who saw him play baseball in high school,” Cubs crosschecker Sam Hughes said Wednesday. “The way he competed as the Reno quarterback and his athleticism led us to the belief he could be a good professional pitcher.”

The Rooftops at Wrigley have an offer for the Cubs renovation plans

Essentially, their offer is this: if the Cubs agree not to block their views, so that they can keep operating on a revenue-sharing basis with the Cubs (under the current agreement, 17% of the revenue goes to the Cubs, the rooftops keeps the rest), the rooftops will pass on all revenue from new ad signage to the Cubs and the City. The new ads will largely be digital signage, and the rooftops estimate it could generate from $10 to $20 million annually, based on a study from the Platt Retail Institute.

Mayor: No public money for Wrigley

“The Mayor has said throughout the process that no taxpayer money will be involved,” a spokesperson for Emanuel said earlier this week. “The Mayor’s office is supportive of the Cubs coming up with ideas to maximize revenue from Wrigley Field, and have told the rooftop owners that it’s in their best interests as well. Staff-level meetings with the Cubs are ongoing.”

Thanks to the Braves acquisition of Justin Upton from the D-Backs, B.J. and Justin Upton will join the likes of Phil and Joe Niekro as Brother-Teammates. Photo Courtesy: Chris O’Meara/AP Photo

Upton brothers join the club

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, there have been 71 sets of brother teammates in major league baseball since 1900, including the Uptons. Prior to that, the first set was believed to be the aptly named Wright Brothers (George, Harry and Sam) for the 1876 Boston Red Caps. Almost 100 years later, the Alou brothers (Felipe, Matty and Jesus) played for the 1963 San Francisco Giants.

Jay Lifford is a Broadcast and Media Intern. Follow him on Twitter @JayLifford

With Spring Training right around the corner, the Smokies on Radio staff will be rolling out all the Cubs, Smokies, and baseball news each weekday leading up to the season. To stay current with all the latest news, follow Smokies on Radio on Twitter and like the Smokies on Radio Facebook page.

Sammy Sosa hopes to repair his relationship with the Cubs. Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

Sammy Sosa says that his jersey should have already been retired.

“I think that is something that I’m looking for. That is something I want to happen. I’m kind of surprised it didn’t happen before, but time will determine everything,” said Chicago Cub career home run leader Sammy Sosa in regards to his No. 21 jersey. Sosa hit a team-record 545 home runs in 13 seasons with the Cubs.

Wrigley Field may see some modern renovations over the next couple seasons if the team and the city can come to an agreement. Photo Courtesy: Cubs.com

Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel discusses renovation plans for Wrigley Field.

Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel says that the Cubs have made a proposal to may for the renovations to Wrigley Field for looser landmark restrictions.

Coopertown’s mayor says no player induction won’t hurt town’s economy

For the first time since 1996, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America did not inductee someone into the Baseball Hall of Fame, but Cooperstown, N.Y. major Jeff Katz does not believe that will affect the town’s economy or hopes.

Ken Rosenthal reports the Cubs have reached a deal with Scott Hairston

Hairston, 32, figures to platoon with another free-agent signee, Nate Schierholtz, in right field. David DeJesus is projected to be in center and Alfonso Soriano in left.

Bud Selig officially announces Cincinnati as site for 2015 All-Star Game

“The history of Major League Baseball cannot be told without the story of Cincinnati and all of those who have been part of this great Reds tradition,” Selig said. “From the sport’s beginning in 1869, to the Big Red Machine, to Barry Larkin, Ken Griffey Jr. and to the Reds of today, Brandon Phillips and Jay Bruce and Joey Votto, I believe that the 2015 All-Star Game will be a really profound way to celebrate Major League Baseball and our sport’s eldest franchise.”

Stan Musial has long been considered a legend in St. Louis, but his name may be added on something new in Cardinals country. Photo Courtesy: H. Darr Beiser, USA Today Sports

Stan Musial may have a bridge named after him.

Lawmakers in both Illinois and Missouri want to name a bridge in honor of former St. Louis Cardinal and Hall of Famer Stan “the Man” Musial. The bridge is slated to open in 2014.

MLB.com shows off the 5 best jerseys from the 1990′s

These Diamondbacks and Devil Rays jerseys were just two teams that experimented with looks during the 90′s. Photo Courtesy: MLB.com

2013 Under Armour Game players and date announced.

Potential future Tennessee Smokies may be on display at the 2013 Under Armour Game that will be played Aug. 24 at Wrigley Field. The date and some player selections were announced and include: pitchers Brady Aiken and Ryan Castellani and field players Stone Garrett and Jacob Gatewood.

Matthew Osborne is a Broadcast and Media Intern. Follow him on Twitter @OsborneMatthew