Smoak on the Water: first-rounder Joins Kings

Clinton, IA - Not even a day after signing and touring Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, Texas Rangers' first-round pick Justin Smoak already has his first assignment: class A Clinton. The switch-hitting first-baseman and 11th overall selection in the 2008 draft, Smoak will make his professional debut with the LumberKings.

The 21-year-old Smoak hit .383 with 23 home runs, 19 doubles, 63 runs scored and 72 RBI in his junior season at the University of South Carolina prior to being drafted by the Rangers. He started every one of the Gamecocks' 194 games since his freshman season of 2006, hitting .333 with 62 home runs and 207 RBI. Smoak left as the school's all-time leader in home runs, RBI, total bases and walks.

Smoak will join the LumberKings tomorrow afternoon as they take on the Peoria Chiefs. A counter-move is expected in order to activate him on the already full 25-man roster, no such move has yet been announced. A roster including Smoak's uniform number will be released tomorrow.

Listen to Smoak's expected debut tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 PM on AM 1340 KROS in Clinton or live on the web at www.lumberkings.com.