CarL1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans

Pleicans Open Season Tonight in Wilmington

Published on April 4, 2008 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release


OPENING DAY BLUE(S) ROCKS: 2008 marks the seventh consecutive season that the Pelicans and Blue Rocks will meet to start the season. Wilmington has had the better of it on opening day, posting a 4-2 record. Included are victories for the Blue Rocks the past two seasons, winning last year, 2-0, at BB&T Coastal Field, and claiming an 8-2 victory in Myrtle Beach in 2006. 2008 marks the first time in five seasons that the Pelicans will open the season on the road after beginning the season each of the last four years at BB&T Coastal Field.

OPENING DAY RAMBLINGS: The Pelicans are 5-4 all-time on opening day, but have dropped four-of-the-last-six after winning their first three franchise season lid lifters (1999-01).

Seven-of-nine Pelicans' hurlers who have served as the Myrtle Beach opening day starter have gone on to appear in the Major Leagues. The seven are: Jason Marquis (1999); Jimmy Osting (2000); Jung Bong (2001); Ben Kozlowski (2002); Macay McBride (2003); Anthony Lerew (2004) and Chuck James (2005). The two who have not appeared in the big leagues are Jake Stevens (2006) and James Parr (2007).

The Pelicans lone victory on the road on opening day was the very first game in franchise history when they defeated the Frederick Keys, 8-0, on April 10th, 1999.

PELICANS PROSPECTS: The Pelicans open the season with a prospect-laden roster that includes five of the top-30 prospects in the Braves' system as rated by Baseball America. Headlining the Myrtle Beach roster to open the season is #5 on that list, CF Gorkys Hernandez. Hernandez was obtained by the Braves in an off-season swap with the Detroit Tigers. Atlanta acquired Hernandez along with RHP Jair Jurrjens, who has opened the season as the number-three starter in the Atlanta rotation. Hernandez was named the most valuable player in the Midwest League while playing for the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2007. He led the loop in stolen bases, swiping 54 while being caught just 11 times.

The Pelicans opening day starter, RHP Tommy Hanson, checks in at #9, while catchers Tyler Flowers and Phillip Britton rank #12 and #30 respectively. SS Brandon Hicks is rated as the #14 prospect in the Braves' chain.

GRAND STRAND LEGEND: Bruce "DC" Dal Canton remains the only pitching coach in Pelicans' franchise history, returning to the Myrtle Beach dugout for a 10th season. A giant of the game, more than 30 Pelicans hurlers have made the leap to the big leagues under his tutelage.

RECENT TRANSACTIONS: LHP Lee Hyde, RHP Jose Santiago, LHP Jon Venters; LHP Tyler Wilson and OF Quentin Davis will open the season on the Disabled List, and were placed there today (4/4).

FOR ENTIRE GAME NOTES SEE ATTACHMENT OR LOG ON TO MYRTLEBEACHPELICANS.COM

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Carolina League Stories from April 4, 2008


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