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 Tennessee Smokies

Massive Roster Moves For Smokies

July 17, 2007 - Southern League (SL1)
Tennessee Smokies News Release


Sevierville, Tennessee -- The Tennessee Smokies Professional Baseball Club, the Class AA Southern League Affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, announce several roster moves for July 17, 2007. The Smokies have added infielder Robinson Chirinos, infielder Nate Spears, catcher Alan Rick, and outfielder Chris Walker all from the single-A Daytona Cubs.

In a related roster move, Tennessee has send outfielder Jorge Cortes and infielder Carlos Rojas to the AAA Iowa Cubs. Pitcher Jerry Blevins was involved in a trade with the Chicago Cubs acquiring catcher Jason Kendall from the Oakland A's, and was sent to AA Midland of the Texas League.

Chirinos is a 23-year-old, born in and resident of Falcon, Venezuela. He is in his seventh season of professional baseball. The Chicago Cubs acquired Chirinos as a non-drafted free agent in 2000. Robinson comes to the Smokies from Class A Daytona.

Spears is a 22-year-old who resides in Port Charlotte, FL. Nate was born in Fort Myers, FL, graduating from Charlotte High School in 2003. He is in his fifth season of professional baseball. The Chicago Cubs acquired Spears in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles in January 2006 along with pitcher Carlos Perez for outfielder Corey Patterson. Nate was named to league All-Star teams in both 2004 and 2005, from the South Atlantic and Carolina Leagues respectively. Spears comes to the Smokies from Class A Daytona.

Rick is a 23-year-old who resides in Palatka, FL. Alan was born in Hattiesburg, MS, graduating from Palatka High School in 2002. He is in his sixth season of professional baseball. The Chicago Cubs selected Rick in the fourth round of the 2002 draft. Alan comes to the Smokies from Class A Daytona.

Walker rejoins the Smokies for the 2007 season after spending considerable time with the AAA Iowa Cubs and recently a week with the Daytona Cubs. Chris was batting .312 with the Smokies, with 13 RBI and 7 stolen bases before being called up to Iowa in late April.

Tennessee takes to the road today for a five-game set against the Huntsville Stars. The Smokies will return home on Monday July 23rd for a five-game series against the Carolina Mudcats through Friday July 27th. All games will begin at 7:15 pm. Call 286-2300 for tickets or order on-line at www.smokiesbaseball.com.


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