The Beach Bums will announce today the signing of infielder Kenny Smith to a 2008 contract.
Smith was a NCAA DI Second-Team All-American in 2007 for Western Carolina after hitting .390 with 24 doubles, 4 triples, 20 home runs, 84 RBI, 14 SB, 30 BB, and just 28 K. Following the season he was drafted in the 20th round by the Texas Rangers and assigned to the Spokane Indians of the Northwest League. In Spokane, Smith hit .240 in 121 at-bats with 5 doubles, 2 home runs, 16 runs, 12 RBI, 3 stolen bases, and a .319 OBP. Smith's performance earned him a late season call-up to the Clinton Lumberjacks of the Midwest League.
A versatile defender, Smith played all infield positions during his college career, but will probably be used mostly at 3rd base for the Beach Bums. Last year in the Rangers organization, Smith played all 36 games at 3rd base, committing just 4 errors.
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2 comments:
Nice signing Jason. Is Smith going to compete with Imwalle for time at 3rd? Also will one maybe be full time DH?
Smith will primarily play 3rd base, but he is versatile enough to give Brad Miller a day off at shortstop or Steve Young a day off at second base. Imwalle will primarily be a DH/1B, but should see time at 3rd base, too, depending on what he can show us defensively in spring training.
Needless to say, we have a lot more depth and a lot more defensive options than we ever have here in Traverse City - meaning that we can handle the bumps and bruises that comes with playing 96 games much easier than in past years. We also have some buffer room in case someone happens to get a contract from an MLB organization before opening day, which is a real possibility with all the talent we have on our roster.
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