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Chicago White Sox First Round Pick Walker Arrives In Great Falls

By NewsChannel 5 Sports

Story Created: Jul 8, 2011 at 6:31 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jul 8, 2011 at 8:52 PM MDT

The last place Great Falls Voyagers trail first place Billings by only two games heading into tonight's rubber match. But Great Falls Already registered a win today when 2011 Chicago White Sox first round pick Keenyn Walker rolled into town for his stint with the Sox rookie affiliate.

The 47th pick out of Central Arizona arrived as the ink dried on the $795,000 draft bonus he signed earlier this week.

The rangy outfielder batted .402 and stole 65 bases in 63 games for Central Arizona this past season, but despite the gaudy numbers, he wasn't expecting to be pick as high as he was.

"I wasn't expecting to go first round, I was just watching it with my family and a couple friends," said Walker. "My name popped up and the smile went from ear to ear and my mom started screaming."

It's a much needed boost to the Pioneer League's last place team.

"Keenyn was drafted in the first round for a reason," said Voyagers manager Ryan Newman. "He's got all kinds of tools and talent and it's only gonna help our ball club."

Walker will not be in Friday night's lineup for the Voyagers, but is expected to make his debut Saturday in Helena.

Great Falls & Helena Weather

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Great Falls Great Falls Intl Airport, MT
Current Temp 61.0 °F
A Few Clouds and Windy
Wind : from the Southwest at 31.1 gusting to 40.3 MPH (27 gusting to 35 KT)
Pressure : 1002.0 mb
Humidity : 31 %
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Helena Helena Regional, MT
Current Temp 61.0 °F
Partly Cloudy and Breezy
Wind : from the West at 21.9 gusting to 28.8 MPH (19 gusting to 25 KT)
Pressure : 1006.5 mb
Humidity : 29 %
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