Brooks, who graduated from North Tonawanda High School in 2003, was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the third round of the 2005 draft. The 26-year old then spent six seasons in the White Sox, reaching as high as the Double-A Birmingham Barons for the 2009 and 2010 seasons. Last year, the 26-year old pitcher was 1-3 with a 4.54ERA and one save in 24 games and two starts. He struck out 38 batters in 41.2 innings of work for the Barons.

In 2009, Brooks was 3-1 with a 2.68ERA in 25 games with the Barons.

Brooks was a three-year player for the North Tonawanda Lumberjacks. The pitcher posted a 16-4 record and was named Western New York Player of the Year as the Lumberjack's senior captain in 2003. During the 2002-2003 scholastic year, Brooks helped NT to Section VI titles in football, hockey and baseball.

About the Rule V Draft: Triple-A phase
The Triple-A phase of baseball's Rule V Draft is not the same as the major league portion. At the MLB level, a selected player must be offered back to his original team if he does not remain on a major league roster for the duration of the next season. In the Triple-A phase, a team can select a player from the Double-A level or below for the cost of $12,000. That player does not have to be offered back to his original team at any time.