Biloxi Shuckers 2017: Roster loaded with five of top 30 Milwaukee Brewers prospects

On the eve of opening day for the Minor League Baseball season, media day expectations are high for the Biloxi Shuckers. Heading into 2017, the roster is loaded with five of the top 30 prospects in the Milwaukee Brewers organization. Although they’re trying to get that call to the next level, winning a Southern League title is still the top priority.
Tuesday night’s exhibition win over William Carey was a step in the right direction for the Biloxi Shuckers. Familiar faces like Jacob Nottingham already appear to be in mid-season form, just in time for opening day. “We can like all count on each other and not be individuals, so I think if we play together and we can help each other out then we have big things to come for this team and hopefully this organization.”
Biloxi Shuckers Manager Mike Guerrero said, “Performing. That’s what I look for, performing. Performing on the field, and performing turns into wins.”
Wins were in short supply for the Shuckers in the second half of last season where they finished four games under .500. This year, they’ll be in high demand once again as will a 2015-esque return trip to the playoffs. Biloxi Shuckers Pitcher Luis Ortiz said, “Once you cross this, the stadium, cross these lines, let’s go, you know? It’s family. That’s basically what it is, we’re family here. We’ve got each other’s backs, get after work and do what you need to do here.”
Biloxi Shuckers Shortstop Mauricio Dubon said, “It doesn’t take talent to run the bases hard, it doesn’t take talent to play the game the right way. I mean plays like that will come out playing the game the right way and then playing it hard.”
Dubon is one of the newcomers on the 2017 roster, but after channeling his inner Derek Jeter during spring training, there’s no questioning his work ethic. The same applies to the veteran leaders on the team. Biloxi Shuckers Outfielder Michael Reed said, “No matter what, I’ve got a jersey on my back. I’m able to play the game I love. So no matter where I’m at I’m going to play as hard as I can, and I’m going to help the guys beside me. And the goal here is to make it to the championship.”
But first things first as the Shuckers bid farewell to the offseason and embrace the nerves of opening day baseball. “(So, you still get those butterflies for opening day?) Every time, the day that I stop having that, well then I’ve got to make a change,” said Guerrero.
“No matter where you’re at you’re getting those butterflies cause you’re just ready to start the season, you know? And it’s a great feeling to be able to play this game that you love for a job,” said Reed.
First up for the Shuckers is a five game series versus the Montgomery Biscuits starting tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. They’re set to load up the buses and leave at 10 o’clock tomorrow morning.