SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Cardinals Bolster Smokies Roster With Free Agent Signings

Published on November 20, 2003 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


Sevierville, Tenn.- The St. Louis Cardinals today announced 37 minor league free agent signings for the 2004 season, 12 of which were signed to Double A contracts with the Smokies.

The Cardinals re-signed former Smokies Papo Bolivar and Corey Erickson, both of whom played for Tennessee in 2003. They also signed a pair former Smokies from the Blue Jays era - pitchers Jarod Kingery and Diego Markwell - to Tennessee contracts. First baseman Kevin Witt, who played for the Smokies in 1997, was signed to Triple A Memphis.

Erickson and Bolivar helped the Smokies to a playoff berth in 2003. Erickson belted 16 home runs over 100 games with Tennessee at third base, while Bolivar hit .278 with 30 stolen bases in 133 games in left field.

Markwell and Kingery each played for Tennessee as Blue Jays farmhands. Markwell's 13 wins in 2002 tied for the Southern League lead. A native of Curacao and cousin of the Braves' Andruw Jones, Markwell pitched for New Haven of the Eastern League in 2003, putting together a 5-7 record. Kingery's 27 saves in 2001 stood as a Smokies record until Mike Lyons bested it in 2003. The former Alabama standout was released by the Blue Jays last season and finished the year with Camden of the Atlantic League.

Other highlights from the free agent list include center fielder Chad Durham, who helped Birmingham to a Southern League title in 2002. The younger brother of major leaguer Ray Durham, Chad led the SL in stolen bases during the Barons championship run and was an integral part of their playoff run in 2003 as a lead-off man. Jon Hamilton, a 25-year-old outfielder with 4 years of Double A experience, also helped Birmingham to a post-season berth last season after opening the year as a Cubs farmhand with West Tennessee.

St. Louis signed 5 pitchers, 4 outfielders, one infielder, and one catcher to Tennessee contracts for 2004.

The Smokies enter their second season as the Cardinals Double A affiliate with a road game at Jacksonville April 8.

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Southern League Stories from November 20, 2003


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