Keith Smith Likely to Sign With Tigers

NEWBURY PARK —  Keith Smith, leading passer in California high school history, is expected to forgo a football scholarship to Arizona to play professional baseball for the Detroit Tigers.

Smith, a fifth-round draft pick of the Tigers out of Newbury Park High, denied he has reached a decision but said he will make an announcement later this week. But Crescenta Valley infielder Kirk Hagge, who signed with the Tigers this week, said he expects to fly with Smith on Monday to Bristol, Va., site of the Tigers’ rookie-league affiliate in the Appalachian League.

Smith’s bonus package, which includes college scholarship money, is believed to be worth about $250,000. A shortstop, Smith batted .352 with three home runs and 19 stolen bases this season.