FRESNO GRIZZLIES
Tenth Season one of Change for Grizzlies

As the Fresno Grizzlies prepare for the 2007 season, their fans, staff, and players will need to make sure they arrive at the Grizzlies beautiful stadium in downtown Fresno and don't drive to a casino in Coarsegold. That's because Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino in Coarsegold has purchased the naming rights to the ballpark formerly known as Grizzlies Stadium, and is now known as Chukchansi Park. Amazingly, this may be one of the least noticeable changes for Grizzlies fans in 2007.

A number of players who have been with the Grizzlies for the past few seasons are not expected to return, most notably outfielders Jason Ellison and Todd Linden, who are out of options. While both players were among the 20+ former Grizzlies who saw time with the Giants last season, fans can look forward to what should be a more powerful team on both offense and defense. In addition to returning Grizzlies like Chad Santos, Fred Lewis, and Daniel Ortmeier, the Giants have bolstered the strength of the lineup in Fresno with the signings of a number of free agents. Two who should have an instant impact are infielder Justin Leone and last year's Pacific Coast League MVP Scott McClain, both having seen major league time.

On the mound, the Grizzlies return a number of pitchers, including the dependable trio of Matt Palmer, Patrick Misch and Eric Threets. All three of these pitchers showed great promise in 2006, but it will be a newcomer to the Grizzlies staff who most fans have their eyes on. Tim Lincecum was the Giants first round pick in the 2006 draft and put up unheard of numbers while rocketing through the Giants system. The former University of Washington pitcher was a two time Pac-10 Pitcher of the year and holds the Pac-10 record for career strikeouts despite only playing for three years. Lincecum posted an ERA of 1.73 in 2006 while splitting time between Salem-Keizer and San Jose, and struck out an incredible 16.7 strikeouts per nine innings. Grizzlies fans will need to hurry to catch Lincecum this season, as he is expected to join former Grizzlies Matt Cain and Noah Lowry in the Giants rotation.

While the stadium has a new name and the players will be different, Grizzlies fans can look for some of their favorite promotions of the past to continue in 2007. Monday Madness returns with its offer of 2 hot dogs, 2 sodas, and 2 tickets for just $14 and Thirsty Thursdays returns as well with $1 12 oz. beers through the end of the 5th inning and $1 sodas all night long. New this year are Tecate Taco Tuesdays, featuring $2 tacos all night and $2 Tecates until 7:35 p.m., and the Season Ten Special which allows children under 12, seniors over 55, and active duty or retired military members (with valid ID), a ticket for just $1! New giveaways abound this season and some of the most exciting are beach towels, Kevin Frandsen figurines, and "Bob Parker" bobbleheads asthe Grizzlies salute Bob Barker's retirement from "The Price is Right." Additionally, Juan Marichal and Steve Garvey will be making appearances at the ballpark. For more details on all of these exciting promotions and to see the full promotional schedule, visit www.fresnogrizzlies.com.

The 2007 season will be a groundbreaking one both on and off the field. Fans can expect to see an improved team on the field and an improved ballpark experience every night. Despite the newly installed misting system, Chukchansi Park will be a hotspot in downtown Fresno this summer and for years to come.