INF Corey Smith signs with Dodgers
Published on February 22, 2010 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
SPRINGDALE- Erstwhile slugger Corey Smith will have a new baseball address in 2010, one that doesn't include a stop in the Texas League.
The 27-year old infielder signed a minor league contract over the weekend with the Los Angeles Dodgers organization and will report to his new team next month at their spring complex in Glendale, AZ.
The Plainfield, NJ resident spent the 2009 season with the Naturals and led the team in both homers and RBI, batting .249 with 21 home runs and 90 runs batted in while logging most of his time defensively at first base. 2009 was the second consecutive campaign in the Texas League for the veteran, who spent 2008 with the Arkansas Travelers before signing a minor league contract with the Royals last offseason. Last year Smith also paced the club in hits (137), doubles (29), and games played, appearing in all 140 Naturals' contests.
A former first-round selection of the Cleveland Indians in the 2000 draft, Smith will compete for a spot with the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. If he draws a Double-A assignment, he'll suit up for the Chattanooga Lookouts, their affiliate in the Southern League. Smith has already spent two seasons playing in the Southern League for the Mobile BayBears (2005) and Birmingham Barons (2006).
Smith is one of a few former Naturals to change addresses this offseason. Catcher John Suomi (2009) returned to the Philadelphia Phillies' organization, while shortstop Angel Sanchez (2008) signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox. However, several other ex-Naturals, including outfielder/first baseman Brian McFall and right-hander Chad Orvella, remain free agents.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The 2010 season begins on Thursday, April 8th. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
Texas League Stories from February 22, 2010
- INF Corey Smith signs with Dodgers - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Travs Hold Job Fair March 6 At DSP - Arkansas Travelers
- Local Mascot Hornsby Searching For A New "Personality" - Tulsa Drillers
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