Cubs, Double-A Smokies Agree To 4-Year Extension
(CBS) The Cubs have and the Tennessee Smokies have agreed to a four-year player development contraction extension, which will keep the organization's Double-A affiliate in Kodak, Tenn., through the 2018 season.
"Our front office has enjoyed our relationship with the Smokies and the players who have come through Tennessee have spoken very highly of the Smokies and their fans," said Jason McLeod, the Cubs' senior vice president of scouting and player development. "We thank Randy Boyd, Doug Kirchhofer, Brian Cox and the entire Smokies family for their commitment to providing a great experience for our Double-A players."
The Cubs and Smokies started their affiliation in 2007. The Smokies have advanced to the Southern League Championship series three times in that time span.
Jeff Samardzija, Starlin Castro, Darwin Barney and Welington Castillo are a few current Cubs who spent time in Kodak.