Fort Myers Miracle skipper Jeff Smith (right) talks about managing his second season with players, from left, Tyler Robertson, Carlos Gutierrez and Ben Revere at his side at Wednesday’s preseason press conference. The Miracle begin the season at Charlotte Thursday and at home Friday at 7:05 p.m. It may be difficult for the Fort Myers Miracle to duplicate the success they enjoyed last season, which included reaching the Florida State League Championship Series and breaking the all-time single-season attendance mark of 124,749 fans at Hammond Stadium. Photo by Michael Pistella

There is potential, though, given the return of Naples native Jeff Smith as manager, a deep and talented pitching staff and the addition of the Minnesota Twins’ 2007 first-round pick, outfielder Ben Revere, who is among the more dynamic prospects in minor league baseball.

The Miracle begin the FSL season Thursday night on the road in Port Charlotte against the Charlotte Stone Crabs, the new Class-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. The Miracle hosts the Stone Crabs in their home opener at 7:05 p.m. Friday at Hammond Stadium.

The Rays’ B.J. Upton will play for the Stone Crabs for the first three games of the season, including Friday’s game at Hammond Stadium, while Twins’ starter Scott Baker makes a rehab start Friday for the Miracle.

“The first half of the Florida State League season should be real exciting for the fans,” said Smith, who guided the Miracle to a 77-59 overall record last season. “A lot of top prospects and MLB rehab guys start in the warmth of Florida.”

Smith and the Miracle coaching staff succeeded at their primary goal last season in developing the Twins’ young players. They sent 10 players up to Double-A during the 2008 campaign.

Despite players coming and going, the Miracle established a winning environment in the clubhouse, which they hope to continue this season with the addition of several new players.

“The ultimate goal is to move up,” said returning right-handed starting pitcher Carlos Gutierrez, “but it makes it a lot better when you take the field knowing you have something to play for.”

Gutierrez is a 2008 first-round draft pick out of the University of Miami. He posted a 2.10 ERA and struck out 19 batters in 25 2/3 innings with the Miracle.

Gutierrez is part of a strong pitching staff that includes left-hander Tyler Robertson, who will be on the mound for Thursday’s opener at Charlotte. The 6-foot-5 Robertson compiled a 2.72 ERA in 15 starts.

David Bromberg, a 6-5 right-hander, is another key arm along with 19-year-old Deolis Guerra, who won 11 games for the Miracle last season.

The Twins place a high priority on pitching in their drafts, which has meant a constant flow of prospects coming through Fort Myers over the years. For the past 11 years, they worked with pitching coach Eric Rasmussen. After last season, Rasmussen was promoted to a new position as Twins’ minor league pitching coordinator. Steve Mintz, who worked with Smith at Class-A Bel-oit, takes over as the Miracle pitching coach.

Among the notable position players is Revere, a 5-9 outfielder. He hit .379 at Beloit last season, the best batting average in the minors. His speed might be the most dynamic part of his game, leading to 44 stolen bases in 83 games last season.

“My dad and I sat down and talked about my goals for the year and (individually) I’m going to try and hit around .400 with 50 stolen bases,” said Revere, a native of Lexington, Ky., “but mostly I want to do whatever I can to help the team win.”

Smith, the first individual to play for the Miracle and then manage the team, has brought a hard working, aggressive style to the field. His teams have reached the postseason the last three years, including twice at Beloit.

Smith expects the same from his players this year.

“From game one to 140, you’re going to see these guys grow up,” he said.

Other notes:

The Miracle won the FSL’s final West Division title last season, since the league now is divided into North and South.

Fort Myers plays in the South along with the Stone Crabs (Rays), Jupiter Hammerheads (Marlins), Palm Beach Cardinals, St. Lucie Mets and Sarasota Reds.

The North consists of the Brevard County Manatees (Brewers), Clearwater Threshers (Phillies), Daytona Cubs, Dunedin Blue Jays, Lakeland Flying Tigers and Tampa Yankees.

The 2009 Florida State League All-Star Game returns to Hammond Stadium on Saturday, June 20. The festivities include a home-run derby and postgame fireworks.

There will be a Friday Night Fan Fest on June 19, which includes live music, food, games, and all-star player autographs.

Free general admission tickets for Friday’s home opener are available at all Wendy’s restaurants in Lee and Charlotte counties. The general admission ticket can be upgraded to a box seat for $2 at the Miracle’s Hammond Stadium offices.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the first pitch is 7:05. The first of six fireworks displays takes place after Friday’s game.