2005-06 Smokies C Miguel Montero was one of two Smokies alums dealt Tuesday.
It was a busy day for Smokies alums, with two being traded on the same day in separate transactions. 2007-08 Smokies RHP Jeff Samardzija was acquired by the Chicago White Sox from the Oakland Athletics early on Tuesday, while 2005-06 C Miguel Montero was traded to the Chicago Cubs from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The trade marked the second time in this calendar year Samardzija has been swapped, including the July 5 trade that sent him and RHP Jason Hammel to the A’s in a deal that included 2014 Smokies SS Addison Russell and possible 2015 Smokies OF Billy McKinney. Over those two seasons with Tennessee in 2007 & 2008, the 2014 MLB All-Star combined for a 6-8 record and 4.40 ERA (54 ER in 110.1 IP) in 22 games, all but one of which were starts.
Later in the day, it was Montero’s turn to be dealt, joining the Cubs in exchange for two lower-level Cubs Minor League pitching prospects. Montero caught for the Smokies during the only two years in which the club was affiliated with the Diamondbacks, combining for a .264 average (105-397) with 12 homers and 59 RBI in 111 contests. Montero was also voted an MLB All-Star in 2014, in addition to a nod in 2011. Over nine seasons and 906 games with Arizona, the switch-hitting backstop collected a .264 average (795-301) with 97 homers and 448 RBI.
Montero and Samardzija are two of several Smokies alums who have been involved in trades over this calendar year. Other names include Jake Fox, Tony Campana, Brett Jackson, Sam Fuld, James Russell, Stephen Drew, Darwin Barney, and Emilio Bonifacio. Bonifacio wore a Smokies uniform as part of a Major League Rehab Assignment with the club.
James Rowe
smokiesradio
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