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Blue Rocks take the field in Myrtle Beach for 2015 opener

Delaware Public Media

The Wilmington Blue Rocks open their 2015 season Thursday night at Myrtle Beach. 

 

The team struggled behind the plate in 2014 and trailed most Carolina League teams in nearly every hitting category.

Sodespite a pitching staff that had the lowest ERA in the league and allowed the fewest walks, hits, runs and homers - the Rocks finished last year with a 65-72 record.

First year manager Brian Buchanan says that trying to be more successful in the standings is important, but the top priority is ensuring his players can take their next step toward the majors.

 

“I don’t want to go out there and lose every game and feel like we had a good year. But at the end of the season if all 25 guys are in AA by the end of the year, and we play .500 baseball, it’s a pretty good year. It’s a pretty good year for development,” said Buchanan.

 

The Rocks, the Kansas City Royals High-A minor league affiliate, features 3 of KC’s top 30 prospects – catcher Cam Gallagher, centerfielder Bubba Starling and lefty pitcher Erik Skoglund.

Buchanan may be new to the team as well, but he’s in his sixth year with the Royals’ organization - and spent time with some current Rocks at Low-A Lexington. He says that familiarity will go a long way towards developing his players.

 

"A lot of them had great spring trainings," said Buchanan. "This game is - like I said - it's about development.  It's one of those things where you know what their ability is and their talent is, we're just trying to bring it to their ceiling and make sure they get to where they can get."

 

The Rocks play their first seven games on the road before returning to Wilmington for their home opener against Frederick April 16th.

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