Update on former gamecock Justin Smoak

Former University of South Carolina first baseman Justin Smoak was optioned to minor league camp yesterday. You may remember he went to the Rangers as their #11 overall pick. He will begin the season at the AA level - Frisco. Word is the Rangers have big plans to replace Hank Blalock's bat with Smoak's by the spring of 2010. He is ranked 22nd by Baseball Prospectus in their Top 100 Prospects for 2009.