WPDE Sports Director Rich Chrampanis has news and notes from the Pelicans Media Day:
The Transition
The Pelicans and Braves seemed to be the perfect marriage. The 2011 Braves have a long list of players who spent time on the Grand Strand, but now the shift is complete. The Texas Rangers future big leaguers are now making a stop in Myrtle Beach. The big question is how local fans will embrace the change. The Pelicans will always attract families and tourists who are attending the game for simple amibence and entertainment value surrounding the game. Will the local fans be eager to see the future Texas Rangers instead of Atlanta Braves? I think in the end, it won't be much of a difference. There are probably just as many Yankees and Red Sox fans in the Myrtle Beach area as Braves fans.
The Manager
Jason Wood is the Pelicans new manager getting his first shot at managing. He was a journeyman in the big league's playing as recently as 2008.
Baseball Reference: Jason Wood's Big League Career
Pelicans Preview: Confident Wood takes the reins
Palmetto Flavor
There are there South Carolina natives on the 2011 Pelicans roster. Infielder Travis Adair hails from Woodruff, while Hilton Head's Ryan Kelly is one of the Pelicans pitchers. First baseman Chris McGuiness is familiar with the Grand Strand. McGuiness grew up in James Island and played college baseball at the Citadel. Ironically, he was traded from the Boston Red Sox to Texas in a deal that gave the Sox former Pelican Jarrod Saltalamacchia. McGuiness hit 19 homers last year between Greenville and Bakersfield. He's happy to be back on the East Coast and is excited to have family and friends make the short journey up Highway 17 to watch him play.
Scouting the Birds
Two of the Rangers top 10 prospects are starting the season in Myrtle Beach. 3B Michael Olt and starting pitcher Robbie Erlin are the prospects with the best pro potential.
Baseball America: Rangers Top 10 Prospects
They Went to Jared
Three of the Pelicans four outfielders have a first name of Jared. Jared Bolden, Jared Hoying and Jared Prince are all part of the Birds outfield. Manager Jason Wood joked that he goes by last names anyway.
Pelicans 2011 Schedule
