2009 Season Review: South Carolina Fighting Wrens

The Wrens took over a disheveled franchise and they didn't help themselves by trading away soon to be star Tulo Tulowitzki and former MVP Dustin Pedroia without ever allowing them to make the trip to South Carolina, but management is confident they can turn this franchise around.



2009 Season Review: South Carolina Fighting Wrens
By: Matt Austin; South Carolina Fighting Wrens Owner



The South Carolina Fighting Wrens limped to an 11th place finish in their inaugural season. The Wrens made a big splash in the pre-season, trading away Troy Tulowitzki and Dustin Pedroia for Clayton Kershaw and Cameron Maybin. Maybin flopped in his first season in South Carolina, but Kershaw really shined. Along with free agent acquisition Kendry Morales, the duo led a young, energetic team. Old re-tread Kevin Millwood sported a solid season, as well as 2009 2nd round pick Jose Lopez. When their third basemen wasn’t on the DL with a bruised left testicle (Adrian Beltre), the team really struggled to hit for power, average, drive in runs, steal bases, and score. They also struggled mightily in K’s, WHIP and ERA.

The biggest news of the year came at the Minor League draft, were GM Matt Austin selected Justin Smoak and Brian Matusz with the first 2 picks of Round 1. The team also added OF Aaron Hicks and SS/P Casey Kelly. Once Austin saw how awful his staff was, he designated Kelly as a pitcher full-time. With several high draft picks, the team will look to continue to build on a young core.