The LEB Sports
Dallas Sports News & OpinionsRangers Draft Results
The Texas Rangers signed both Justin Smoak and Robbie Ross yesterday, with Smoak signing just before the deadline. Both were represented by the same agent Dustin Bledsoe and were the top two picks in this summer’s draft. Signing both players was a huge success for Texas. Originally, Ross was the labeled as the more difficult sign because it was believed he was requesting more money than usual for his draft position and he had already committed to the University of Kentucky. Most draft picks out of high school tend to have more leverage since they are younger and have the option of going to school instead of playing professionally. Ross, a left-hander that went 5-2 with a 1.51 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 51 innings pitched this year ended up agreeing to a signing bonus of 1,575,000.
“I’m very excited,” Ross said. “It was a long wait, seems like it has been forever. It’s exciting to get an opportunity to play for the Rangers. It’s unbelievable to me. I’m just excited to get the opportunity to go and play baseball again. It will be great to get out there and play ball. I really want to get up here and play in Arlington. That would be amazing. This is a great ballpark.”
As for Smoak, I have to admit I was beginning to get frustrated the longer it took to get him signed. At 21 years old, he is not in the same position that Ross is. He holds numerous school records at the University of South Carolina and has nothing left to prove at the collegiate level. If he is wanted to pursue his career professionally, there is no reason to return for his senior season, and as the 11th pick in the draft there is little opportunity to improve his draft position for next year. Smoak batted .333 in 739 at-bats with 62 home runs, 53 doubles, 207 RBIs and 88 runs scored in his three-year career at the University of South Carolina. He is the all-time leader at South Carolina in home runs and RBIs. He agreed just 15 minutes before the deadline to a signing bonus of 3.5 million.
“I’m very excited, very excited right now,” Smoak said from his home in South Carolina. “I’m going 100 miles per hour.”
Texas also signed 33rd round pick Ben Petralli out of Oral Roberts University. Petralli is the son of former Ranger great Geno Petralli, who was the starting Ranger catcher before Pudge Rodriguez took over.
Jose Oquendo said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 14:20
I wonder what the Rangers will do if with Smoak since Chris Davis has claimed first base? He should probably be up in 2010.
Bob said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 14:33
The Davis move to third could be permanent because they still need an everyday third baseman. They want Vasquez for more of a utility role, so 1st base could open back up.
George said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 14:35
I dont think Blalock will stay healthy long enough, and Davis will go back to 1st. Lets trade Smoak for some pitching! That guy wanted a 40 man roster spot, but thank goodness Texas didnt give it to them.
Chris said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 14:36
I am excited about Ross, gosh we need a good left-handed pitcher at the ballpark. I keep hoping Harrison will get straightened out.
Bob said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 14:42
Why didnt the Rangers take a pitcher with that pick instead of Smoak? I know Smoak is a good hitter, but what this team needs is pitching.
Daniel said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 14:48
The Rangers have gone with the philosophy of taking the best player possible in the draft, not based on what their needs are. Smoak was a steal at #11 and the Rangers did good by drafting and signing him.
Bob said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 15:28
Daniel, this franchise has been without pitching since it came to DFW. If you get a chance to draft, you draft pitching. I dont care who the best player is, we NEED PITCHING! Talk to Jon Daniel’s and tell him this philosophy is ridiculous. At least they got a lefty in the second round.
Stew said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 18:03
Well…..the Rangers have pitching coming up Bob. Feliz and Holland are tearing up AA. Patience.
George said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 18:05
The Rangers were hoping to make a serious run at the division in 2009 but I think it will be longer. The future of the rotation will consist of younger guys instead of Padilla and Millwood.
Bob said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 18:07
I want Texas to go after Ben Sheets or C.C. Sabathia this offseason. Lets see if Hicks will spend some money to get an ace.
Daniel said on Tuesday, August 19, 2008, 18:11
Hicks has already said that he it is unlikely he will spend big money since it is such a gamble. He thinks it is best for Texas to develop their own pitching. Look at Barry Zito, do you think the Giants would like a do over? Besides, the Rangers have already gone out and got Millwood who was the ERA champion the year before they signed him. People tend not to call a pitcher an ace until he has performed like one for their team, regardless of how he performed in the past. Problem is, you are paying for what a player has done in the past.
Bob said on Wednesday, August 20, 2008, 8:59
The Rangers have not had a legitimate ace since Kevin Brown. I get what you are saying Daniel, but Millwood was not an ace when he signed. He had a couple really good seasons, but was never consistent enough to be labeled an ace.