We’ve given plenty of attention to the former Wildcat baseball players in the Majors over the past few weeks (except for reliever Scott Downs, who we will make it up to, I promise), but there are a few former Cats who are looking to make a name for themselves in the minors. 

Ladies and gentleman, I give you your two new favorite minor league teams just in time to buy some gear before tonight’s opening game:

Lakeland Flying Tigers (MLB affiliate: Detroit)- The Flying Tigers, an Advanced A team, take the field for their opening day with a pair of former Wildcats at the corner infield positions.  Michael Bertram, a 39th round pick in 2006, will be their third baseman and Ryan Strieby, a 4th round pick in the same year will be manning first base.  Last year, Strieby was named an All-Star for the Midwest League and currently rates as the Tigers 28th best-prospect according to Baseball America.  Bertram found his stroke in the Midwest League playoffs in 2007, batting .462 with a triple and three RBIs.  The Flying Tigers start their season tonight in Tampa against the Yankee’s affiliate.

Winston-Salem Warthogs (Chicago) - Second baseman John Shelby, a 5th round pick in 2006, will be starting for Winston-Salem, the White Sox’ class A team.  Last year at their other class A team, Kannapolis, hit .301 with 16 HRs and 79 RBIs in 122 games.  Shelby, who spent the year alternating between the outfield and second base, also put together a 22-game hit streak, which was the longest for any Sox prospect.  He and the Warthogs will open their season at the Kinston Indians.