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SL1 Knoxville Smokies

2008 Smokies Opening Day Roster Released

March 31, 2008 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. - The Tennessee Smokies proudly announce the 2008 Opening Day roster, with seventeen players from the 2007 roster returning to the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. The Smokies will host the Walters State Senators in an exhibition game at Smokies Park on Tuesday April 1st at 7:15 pm, then begin the regular season on the road Thursday April 3rd in Birmingham. Opening Night at Smokies Park will be on Wednesday April 9th at 7:15 pm vs. the Jacksonville Suns.

This season's Smokies roster highlights several top prospects in the Cubs organization. Outfielder Tyler Colvin rejoins the Smokies listed as the #3 Cubs prospect by Baseball America. Starting pitcher Donnie Veal is listed as the #6 prospect in the Cubs organization according to Baseball America, with starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija listed as the #8 prospect. Rocky Roquet looks to be the closer for the Smokies to begin the season. Also rejoining the Smokies roster this year will be pitchers Mitch Atkins, Matt Avery, Justin Berg, Jesse Estrada, and Greg Reinhard. Position players returning to Tennessee are catcher Chris Robinson, infielders Robinson Chirinos, Matt Craig, Kyle Reynolds, Issmael Salas, Joe Simokaitis, and Nate Spears. Joining Colvin in the outfield are Matt Camp and newcomers Corey Coles and Ryan Harvey.

Opening Night at Smokies Park is April 9, 2008 at 7:15 pm! Call (865) 286-2300 for more information.

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