Where in the world is Daniel Norris? and other new MLB Lugnut locales
The answer to that title question? The Chicago Cubs. As a new Major League Baseball season dawns, it's time to catch up on which former Lugnut plays where, division by division. The American League West - The Los Angeles Angels of Lansing: out of nowhere, the Angels became Nutty, signing
The answer to that title question? The Chicago Cubs.
As a new Major League Baseball season dawns, it's time to catch up on which former Lugnut plays where, division by division.
The American League West
- The Los Angeles Angels of Lansing: out of nowhere, the Angels became Nutty, signing Noah Syndergaard and relievers Aaron Loup and Ryan Tepera this offseason.
- Oakland Athletics: the Nuts' current parent club will feature 2018 Lansing star infielder Kevin Smith in a regular role, plus potential MLB debuts for Zach Logue and Zach Jackson, growing relief roles for Kirby Snead and Dany Jiménez, and the chance for Max Schuemann and Colin Peluse to reach The Show. It didn't take long for the Lugnuts to make an impact on Oakland, did it?
- Seattle Mariners: lefty Danny Young should start the season in Triple-A with a chance at his MLB debut later this summer.
- Texas Rangers: this offseason, they signed Jesús Tinoco plus Nash Knight, the wonderfully-named, high-character utilityman.
*
The American League Central
- Chicago White Sox: Kendall Graveman serves an important role in the White Sox's pen.
- Detroit Tigers: there's a good chance that Drew Hutchison could see some time on the mound this year in Detroit.
- Kansas City Royals: this should be outfielder Edward Olivares's breakthrough season.
*
The American League East
- Baltimore Orioles: catcher Robinson Chirinos enters his 11th MLB season with his fifth different team in the last five years. Chirinos played the infield for the Lugnuts in 2003-2004.
- Boston Red Sox: veteran Rich Hill plays for his fifth different team in the last four seasons, though he's familiar with Fenway, having first pitched for Boston in 2010-2012 and 2015. Keep an eye out for potential reliever Taylor Cole and the up-and-coming Josh Winckowski.
- New York Yankees: magic man Tim Locastro re-signed with the Yanks after his acquisition last year from Arizona.
- Toronto Blue Jays: it would be shorter to talk about Blue Jays who aren't former Lugnuts. José Berríos, for instance. Going Nuts in Toronto: Ryan Borucki, Tim Mayza, Nate Pearson (kinda, pitched in Lansing in the Crosstown Showdown), Jordan Romano, Tayler Saucedo, Danny Jansen, Alejandro Kirk, Bo Bichette, Cavan Biggio, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and, very soon, Gabriel Moreno, Josh Palacios and Otto Lopez.
*
The National League West
- Colorado Rockies: catcher/outfielder Carlos Pérez turned in a splendid Triple-A season in the A's organization last year; his bat would be impactful should the Rockies give him a chance this year- Los Angeles Dodgers: Kevin Pillar reunites with 2012 Lugnuts teammate Andy Burns, while slugging Ryan Noda moves up to Triple-A.
- San Francisco Giants: building on their 107-win season of a year ago, the Giants' rotation this year will feature the returning Anthony DeSclafani and the newly acquired Matthew Boyd.
*
The National League Central
- Chicago Cubs: here's our good friend Daniel Norris, plus All-Star catcher Yan Gomes and a little-known 2015 rehabber by the name of Marcus Stroman.
- Milwaukee Brewers: Ángel Perdomo should see action out of the Milwaukee pen, while Rowdy Tellez's blasts send Bernie Brewer sliding all summer long.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: can this be the year that star-crossed Anthony Alford finally meets with good health?
- St. Louis Cardinals: the Blue Jays gave up on 2016 first-round sinkerballer T.J. Zeuch, so the Cardinals are going to give it a go.
*
The National League East
- Atlanta Braves: infielder Ryan Goins still plays excellent D, which helped him punch his ticket to Braves camp as a nonroster invitee.
- Miami Marlins: look below the Majors, where Griffin Conine, Jake Fishman and Rule 5 pick Cobie Vance head to Double-A or Triple-A. Yes, Jake Fishman, a man destined to be a Marlin even more than the son of Mr. Marlin.
- New York Mets: a bullpen featuring Miguel Castro and Sean Reid-Foley sounds pretty darn good.- Philadelphia Phillies: in addition to Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos, the Phils inked Kevin Vicuña to a minor-league contract. That's a strong offseason.
- Washington Nationals: at the Major League level, there's outfielder Lane Thomas and pitcher Patrick Murphy; pitcher Aaron Sanchez was signed as a reclamation project, looking to regain his old All-Star form; infielder Richard Ureña will knock on the door in Triple-A; and then there's the trio of traded Lugnuts, catcher Drew Millas and pitchers Richard Guasch and Seth Shuman, who head to Double-A and beyond this summer.
*
The Lugnuts open against Michigan State University in the Crosstown Showdown presented by Delta Dental on Wednesday, April 6. Then the Nuts raise the curtain on the Midwest League season at home against the Lake County Captains on Friday, April 8. Click here to purchase your tickets now.
For more information on the Lugnuts, call (517) 485-4500.
# # #
Buy Your Parking Pass Online To Save!
Buy your parking pass in advance to save! Click here to buy!
Knoxville Smokies Announce Job Fair in Conjunction with Goldenseal Cleaning Company & Professional Sports Catering on April 25
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the club will hold a job fair on Friday, April 25 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm. The job fair will have positions open with the Knoxville Smokies, Goldenseal Cleaning Company, and Professional Sports Catering. All positions will be located at Covenant Health Park,
Covenant Health Park Unveils Seven Statues to Honor Black History of Baseball in Knoxville
Elected officials and community and business leaders unveiled seven statues Tuesday at Covenant Health Park in recognition of both the Knoxville Giants and the multi-racial history of baseball in the city. The statues honor Jerry Benjamin, William M. Brooks, Claude “Steel Arm” Dickey, Forrest “One Wing” Maddox, William Nathaniel “Nat”
Knoxville Smokies Announce Iron Forge Brewing Co. as the Official Craft Beer of the Smokies
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced that Iron Forge Brewing Co, will be the official craft beer of the Knoxville Smokies. Iron Forge will also create a custom light lager beer named, Knoxville Smokies Light that will be sold at the home of the Smokies, Covenant Health Park,
Knoxville Smokies Announce 92.5 WKCE as the Official Radio Home of the Smokies
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced that 92.5 WKCE will serve as the flagship station of the Knoxville Smokies. The station will air the majority of Smokies games and potential playoff games for the 2025 season on 92.5 FM and/or on the WKCE stream/app. WKCE is a radio
Knoxville Smokies announce 2025 Opening Day roster
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies, in conjunction with the Chicago Cubs, have announced their initial 2025 season roster. The team features Chicago Cubs top 30 prospects, and returning faces to East Tennessee. The infield flaunts Cubs’ #18 prospect Pedro Ramirez. A switch-hitter, Ramirez clubbed a .284 batting average and
Knoxville Smokies Announce 2025 Promotions and Giveaway Schedule
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies today announced the club’s 2025 promotions and giveaway schedule for home games at Covenant Health Park, the new multi-use stadium in Knoxville’s Old City. The promotional schedule includes 12 giveaway dates, and a team-record 27 fireworks shows. Individual game tickets for all Knoxville Smokies
Knoxville Smokies Announce Five Year Deal with FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Knoxville Smokies
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced that FirstBank will be the official bank of the Knoxville Smokies. FirstBank will also sponsor the FirstBank Bridge inside Covenant Health Park, connecting the concourse beyond left-centerfield. “FirstBank is proud to be the official bank of the Knoxville Smokies, and honored to
Knoxville Smokies Announce Job Fairs in Conjunction with One Knox SC and Professional Sports Catering on March 1, 8, & 15
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the club will hold job fairs on March 1, 8, and 15. The job fairs will have positions open with the Knoxville Smokies, One Knox Soccer Club, and Professional Sports Catering. All positions will be located at Covenant Health Park, the new
Knoxville Smokies Announce Naming Contests for New Mascots
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the team will host public naming contests for the club’s two new mascots. A new father and son bear duo are coming to Covenant Health Park and East Tennessee this spring. Posters like the one listed below (right) were placed around Downtown
Cubs Announce 2025 Minor League Coaching Staffs
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today announced their minor league managers and coaching staffs for the 2025 season. A detailed list of each club’s managers and coaching staffs are included below. The Cubs minor league clubs include Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Knoxville, High-A South Bend, Low-A Myrtle Beach, the Arizona Complex
Knoxville Smokies Partner with Professional Sports Catering to Provide Food Service at Covenant Health Park
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have partnered with Professional Sports Catering (PSC) to manage concessions and catering at Covenant Health Park when the multi-use facility opens next spring. The Smokies will make their home at the stadium and manage its operations, and the venue will host One Knoxville SC
Knoxville Smokies Announce Grand Opening of New Team Store Inside West Town Mall on Saturday, November 23
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the official grand opening of a team retail store inside the West Town Mall for Saturday, November 23. The Smokies are also proud to partner with Covenant Health, creating a round-up program, giving shoppers the opportunity to round-up their total purchase to
Tennessee Smokies Announce Rebrand to Knoxville Smokies with New Logos and Jerseys
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the official rebrand of the team name to the Knoxville Smokies, along with new team logos and jerseys. The rebrand comes with the club moving to Downtown Knoxville. The team will play at Covenant Health Park, located at 500 East Jackson Avenue
Tennessee Smokies Announce Partnership with ORNL Federal Credit Union as Luxury Level Club and Home Plate Club Sponsor
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will partner with ORNL Federal Credit Union as the Luxury Level Club and Home Plate Club sponsor beginning next year at the new Covenant Health Park in Knoxville. ORNL Federal Credit Union and the Tennessee Smokies have worked together for
Tennessee Smokies Announce University of Tennessee 'Orange & White Fall World Series' to Take Place at Smokies Stadium November 8
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced that the University of Tennessee baseball team will host their annual ‘Orange & White Fall World Series’ at Smokies Stadium on Friday, November 8. This game will be the ‘Final Baseball Game in Smokies Stadium.’ First pitch will take place on Friday,
Tennessee Smokies Announce Donation Drive at Smokies Stadium to Support Flood Relief Victims
SEVIERVILLE, TN - In response to the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene, the Tennessee Smokies have announced that they are holding a donation drive to support flood relief victims. Donations can be dropped off at Smokies Stadium near the entrance of The Batter’s Box Bar + Grill restaurant on
Boyd Sports, One Knoxville Soccer Club Announce Arrangement for First Season
Boyd Sports and One Knoxville SC today announced that beginning next season the soccer club will play its home games in the new Knoxville multi-use stadium that will also be home to the Knoxville Smokies baseball team. “Boyd Sports and the Knoxville Smokies are very proud to partner with One
Tennessee Smokies Announce Free Parking Partnership with Sevier County & City of Sevierville for Remainder of 2024 Season
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will partner with Sevier County and the City of Sevierville for free parking for fans during the remainder of the 2024 baseball season at Smokies Stadium. The free parking gesture is a representation of celebrating 25 great seasons of baseball
Tennessee Smokies Announce 2025 Season Schedule
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies today announced their 2025 baseball schedule. The Smokies will begin the season on the road at the Birmingham Barons on Friday, April 4 for a three-game series, and then a six-game series in Huntsville, Alabama against the Rocket City Trash Pandas. On Tuesday, April
Hall of Fame Manager Tony La Russa and members of the 1978 Knox Sox Championship Team are coming to Smokies Stadium Sunday, July 28
\\As of the morning of Sunday, July 28th: Due to unforeseen health issues, Tony La Russa will not be in attendance for this event. If you purchased an upgraded ticket or brunch ticket, an email will be sent directly to you with further information.\
We are proud to welcome Hall
Tennessee Smokies Announce Fifth Annual Smokies BeerFest on August 17th
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies are happy to announce their annual BeerFest is returning to Smokies Stadium on August 17, 2024. The event will take place from 4:00pm-8:00pm, with early entry beginning at 3:00pm for VIP ticket holders and will feature many local breweries and their unique brews. Each
Tennessee Smokies Announce 2025 Season Tickets On Sale Starting August 1, 2024
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced that season tickets for the 2025 season will go on sale beginning Thursday, August 1 at 10:00am. Tickets available include Luxury Level Club seating, padded seating, home plate seating, and full-season field level seating. “This is a big step towards an exciting
Free MLB Youth Pitch, Hit, & Run Competition to be held at Smokies Stadium on June 11
SEVIERVILLE, TN - On Deck Athletics will host its annual MLB Pitch, Hit, and Run competition for area youth baseball and softball players on June 11, 2024 at Smokies Stadium. Athletes 7-14 years old will compete in three events measuring throwing accuracy, hitting distance, and running speed. This event is
Cubs Announce 2024 Minor League Coaching Staffs
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today announced their minor league managers and coaching staffs for the 2024 season. The Cubs minor league clubs include Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee, High-A South Bend, Low-A Myrtle Beach, the Arizona Complex League Mesa Cubs and the Dominican Summer League Cubs. Marty Pevey returns as