The return of Biloxi Shuckers baseball
The fourth year of Biloxi Shuckers baseball is nearly upon us as they hit the road for a five-game swing against the Montgomery Biscuits starting tomorrow. Last night, they got spring training out of their system with a 9-4 exhibition game victory over William Carey, setting the stage for what should be a promising 2018 campaign on the Gulf Coast.
It’s been seven month to the day since Biloxi’s last game and with Mike Guerrero back for his third season as manager of the Shuckers, it’s time to play ball. Manager Mike Guerrero said, “You know, our ball club is set for assignment. I think it’s a level that asks a lot. And this is a level that if you’re able to play like you’re in the Big Leagues, then you have an opportunity to play in the Big Leagues and perform well.”
Ten players that saw time with the Shuckers last season did perform well enough to land an opening day roster spot with Triple AAA Colorado Springs. So who is next? “You never know in this game. I believe they’re all prepared to do that, let’s see who takes the bull by the horn.”
According to Bleacher Report, The Milwaukee Brewers have the 14th ranked farm system in all the Bigs. The Shuckers are flooded with ten out of their top 30 minor league prospects as told by MLBPipeline.com, but they all have different roles to play in Biloxi. Outfielder Trent Grisham said, “There’s a good group, mix of veterans and younger guys. So the veterans are going to help us young guys out, and help us out and show us the way and we’re going to play hard and do everything we can.”
RHP Luis Ortiz said, “For me, I’m young, I’m a young guy so I consider myself a veteran guy now. Been in AA for about three years now, so I know the ropes and I had what, injury problems last year due to a hamstring. But this year it’s just mainly coming out and setting the tone.”
Southern League championship was the tone that was set at Monday’s media day and Guerrero is sticking to that as the Shuckers embark on their 142 game regular season slate. “Hopefully we can bring a championship to Biloxi. But it’s just a good feeling when we come here, we feel at home.”
The Shuckers lead off 2018 in Montgomery where they’ll take on the Biscuits tomorrow at 6:35 p.m.
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