Baseball: Scouting Northwest
By Marty Maciaszek
mmaciaszek@dailyherald.com
Mid-Suburban East
Buffalo Grove
Coach: Jeff Grybash (fourth year, 47-48)
Last year: 15-17, 10-6 (T2nd MSL East)
Key losses: Andrew Van Wazer (3B-P, two-time all-area, .386, 30 RBI; 3-3; University of Chicago), Ryan Nisbet (OF, .310, 5 HR, 21 RBI), Tommy Ricciardi (C, .310, 32 RBI, Miami, Ohio), Kevin Tennenbaum (1B, .260), Dan Recht (P, 5-5, 3.59), Cody Iverson (P), Trevor Myers (P-IF), Joel Cruz (P), Jesus Sanchez (P), Kevin Dembinski (P).
Returnees: Seniors Jimmy Pinakidis (OF, .340), Richie Zirngibl (OF), Alex Fritz (SS-P), Robert Hawkins (P), Jeremy Berger (P-IF), Jimmy Barton (IF), Jake Monson (3B-P, .379, 14 RBI), Erich Froemming (OF), Jake Fanella (2B-P, .320)
Newcomers: Senior Zach Anzelmo (P); juniors Matt Blankshain (IF), Paul Burke (P), Brian Klecyzinski (P), Mike DiVesti (C), Jason Stein (P), Ryan Schumi (OF), Adam Kowalski (P), Nick Carpinelli (P), Andy Gonzalez (P), Billy Chandler (IF), Ken Bartelt (C-P), Josh Guertler (IF-OF), John Niemann (P), Billy Heiberger (P)
Outlook: Many of the key parts of teams that went 21-11 in the East and finished a game out of first each year have graduated. “I said to our kids, no one knows how to take us because in the summer we did'nt play together, but we have some good guys coming back,” Grybash said. “We're a bunch of no-name guys and we like that.” There are a few recognizable names with Pinakidis and Zirngibl in the outfield, Monson looking for a healthy year at 3B and Fritz at SS. “We had a whole bunch of different (lineup) combinations of lineups that we could see,” Grybash said. “We don't have big power hitters but I feel good about that. We've got line drive, spray-type hitters and guys who will put the ball in play.” Fanella should help solidify the defense up the middle with Fritz and DiViesti will move into the middle of the lineup. Froemming has worked hard to be part of the outfield mix along with the athletic Schumi. The biggest question for the Bison is on the mound where Hawkins is the only one with any significant experience (28 innings last year). Anzelmo missed all of last year with a broken arm but should help along with the sidewinding Berger. “We're really counting on the seniors,” Grybash said. “All of our guys are more control pitchers and we're stressing with the BBCore bats to make them put the ball in play and beat us swinging the bats.”
Elk Grove
Coach: Terry Beyna (13th year, 195-212)
Last year: 17-13, 9-7 (4th MSL East)
Key losses: Carl Sugihara (OF, .275, UIC), Justin Arguelles (IF, .313), Kevin Kaczynski (OF, .267), Ryan Daubenspeck (C, .360, 21 RBI), Ryan Martinski (SS, .304, 15 RBI), Mike D'Angelo (P, 3-4, 4.67, Carthage)
Returnees: Seniors Jack Czeszewski (OF-P, two-time all-area, .391, 17 RBI), Mike Fox (IF), Dan Guido (P, all-area, 5-8, 2 saves, 2.44, 52 K, 20 BB), Mike Fox (IF), Cody Gustafson (P), Peter Kinsella (C), Cody Gustafson (P), Peter Kinsella (C), Joe Piscopo (1B), Cody Schrader (P-SS), Justin Thornton (IF), Josh Wucki (P); juniors Michael Anciulis (3B-1B, .255), Luc Dimaso (P, 3-0)
Newcomers: Juniors Jake Andrews (P), Dylan Arguelles (IF), Jerry Bianchi (P), David Camacho (P), Tyler Klicka (C), Mikey Maize (OF-C), Alex Tinkoff (P), Robby Uehara (OF), Matt Villegas (IF-OF), Ryan White (OF), Michael Woods (P), Nick Zak (OF), Patrick O'Malley (SS-2B); sophomore Adam O'Malley (IF).
Outlook: Elk Grove already showed the ability to overcome adversity when it beat Bartlett in its opener with the majority of its team and starting lineup out with six-game athletic code violations. “If our minds are in the right place and our focus and discipline is in the right place, we should be a very good baseball team,” Beyna said. “We have a lot of guys back, a lot of depth and a lot of pitching. But as we saw (last) week, you can just give it all away if you want.” But Beyna is confident everything will fall into place when everyone returns, especially since the Illinois State-bound Czeszewski showed against Bartlett he's ready to use the arm that prevents extra bases in center field to keep people off base on the mound. “He's motivated and focused to put everything together this year,” Beyna said. Gustafson had a solid opening start and should help the pitching depth with Guido, Dimaso, Andrews and Woods. Czeszewski will also get the offense started for the Grens. “He has to be one of the better leadoff hitters in the state,” Beyna said. “He hits, he hits for power and he runs. Having him at the top of the order is really going to be nice.” Having Fox behind him with Kinsella, Piscopo and Anciulis in the middle should lead to a solid offensive attack.
Hersey
Coach: Bob Huber (18th year, 344-254)
Last year: 19-16, 10-6 (T2nd MSL East)
Key losses: Joe Perricone (P-OF, all-area, .380, 9 HR, 31 RBI; 3-4, 3.32, 61 Ks in 46 IP, Coastal Carolina), Dalton Farel (IF, Harper), Sean Thompson (C, .362, 24 RBI).
Returnees: Seniors Tyler Perkowitz (SS, .301, 6 3B, 20 SB), Trevor Haas (P-1B, 5-4, 3.63, 39 Ks, 52 IP; .298, 18 RBI), Mike Danielak (P, 4-3, 1.69, 62 Ks, 54 IP), Erik Stoltzner (OF, .340, 18 RBI), Nick Nolan (OF), Brian Tansor (C-OF), James Ioratti (3B), Sean Hardiman (2B), Pat Nix (P-OF), Aaron DeGeorge (P-OF, .282, 3 HR, 11 RBI; 4-2, 2 saves, 3.34), Josh Koutnik (C-1B-3B), Brad Moore (P-OF), Sean Reszotko (1B); junior David Milligan (2B).
Newcomers: Juniors Connor Steines (IF), Michael Sauer (C-P-IF), B.J. Wingerter (C-OF), Brendan Starr (1B), Alex Sutrinaitis (IF), Jake Yager (OF), Dan Rink (OF), Ryan Rodgers (OF), Niko Poulos (P-OF), Nick Heeren (OF), Austin Greaves (P), Mark Witzke (IF); sophomores C.J. Reichel (C), Mitch Smelser (P)
Outlook: The Huskies hope having one of the area's most experienced teams bodes well after finishing a game out of first last year. “I'd like to think we'll be right in the mix,” Huber said. “We're senior-dominated in a lot of positions and a lot of kids have a lot of experience.” That includes the mound where Hersey is in good shape if everyone stays healthy since Haas, Danielak and DeGeorge combined for 13 wins. “I think that could be a strength if we're firing on all cylinders,” Huber said. Perkowitz, who signed with Miami (Ohio), will be in the center of all the action at shortstop and using his speed in the leadoff spot. Ioratti provides an experienced left side of the infield and Milligan saw varsity time last year. Hardiman was hurt last year but had a nice summer and the Huskies got good news as Stoltzner, who will be in the middle of the lineup, was cleared to play a month ahead of schedule after suffering a torn ACL in football. “He's tireless and has a great work ethic,” Huber said. “Right now he's ready to go.” Nolan should bring some speed and some bat control. “I don't think we're set yet but we've got an idea of where groups of guys should be,” Huber said of his lineup.
Prospect
Coach: Ross Giusti (16th year, 304-197)
Last year: 27-9, 11-5 (MSL champs, third in state in 4A)
Key losses: Ben Menich (P, all-area, 7-2, 3.70, 67 K, 70 IP, Rose-Hulman), Matt Molini (2B, all-area, .391, 18 RBI), Luke Bergman (SS, all-area, .405, 6 HR, 23 RBI), Peter Bonahoom (OF, all-area, .400, 6 HR, 29 RBI), Kurt Donner (C, all-area, .308, 17 RBI, Black Hawk College), Brian Bauer (1B, all-area, .425, 28 RBI), Steve Dazzo (OF, .247, 13 RBI), Kevin Miller (OF), Brad Coffman (1B)
Returnees: Seniors Jack Landwehr (P-3B, 14-2, 2.38, 114 Ks, 11 BBs, 85 IP; .443, 3 HR, 45 RBI), Shane Joyce (OF, .329), Brad Gerdes (SS, .297, 2 HR, 13 RBI), Andrew Fernandez (OF), Nico Witanen (2B), Matt Kupec (P), Eric Krohm (OF-P), Jason Spataro (P), Thomas Donner (3B), Jake Loguidce (1B-P), Patrick Drucker (P)
Newcomers: Juniors Steve Mutzbaugh (OF), Alec Backes (P), Patrick Hipple (C), A.J. Compton (OF-IF), Dan Kavanaugh (OF), Kevin Kern (C), Zach Tuczak (C-P), John Sullivan (IF), Welby Malczewski (P-IF), Jake Loguidce (1B-P); sophomores Tom Flahaven (IF), Jordan Fedro (P-IF), Jackson Wrede (1B)
Outlook: The Knights lost a big chunk of their best team ever with six graduated all-area players, but they return the true Jack of the diamonds on the mound, with the bat, with his glove at third base and as a leader. The Illinois State-bound Landwehr, last year's all-area captain, is coming off a record-setting season where he won the 3A third-place game. “He knows last year was last year and he's the type who is looking to prove himself all over again,” Giusti said. “The kid is such an exceptional leader that we feel we have a fourth coach on the field. He's the type of kid how isn't going to allow anyone on the field if they're not going 100 percent.” Two other key players in last year's state trophy drive return. Joyce will move into the No. 2 rotation spot and Gerdes, who showed power in the postseason, will hit cleanup to protect Landwehr. Giusti also has plenty of potential mound options who aren't overpowering and will have to rely on control. “It's a matter of who is going to emerge and establish themselves,” Giusti said. Witanen and Gerdes should be a solid combo up the middle and Compton brings speed to center field and the leadoff spot as the Knights look for an 11th straight winning season. “I feel our lineup will go pretty deep and guys will put the ball in play,” Giusti said. “After last year we know everyone will be shooting for us and our schedule is tough. But I know we're going to compete and we won't be a team that's just going to lie down.”
Rolling Meadows
Coach: Jim Lindeman (11th year, 173-149)
Last year: 15-16, 8-8 (5th MSL East)
Key losses: Kyle Krzeski (IF, .319, 15 RBI), Joe Kropp (OF, .301), Kevin Cwynar (OF, .316, 22 RBI), Pat McGinn (C)
Returnees: Seniors Eric Lowe (P-SS, all-area, .382, 8 2B, 15 RBI; 3-3, 2.42, 43 K, 43 IP), Matt Hendricks (P-3B-SS, all-area, .361, 3 HR, 35 RBI; 4-7, 3.11, 45 Ks, 70 IP), Dan Larson (C, .250), Mike Olson (OF), Mike Weingart (IF-OF), John Ott (OF), Tyler Gaedele (1B), Joe Bartucci (P-IF); junior Matt Dennis (P-IF, .253, 17 RBI; 6-2, 4.92, 42 K, 48 IP).
Newcomers: Senior Garrett Peterson (OF, ran track last year); juniors Zach Schultz (IF-OF), John Burkiewicz (OF-P), Mickey Wazorick (IF-P), Steven Royster (OF-P), Jim Grier (OF-P), Dan Hendrickson (OF), Jacob Grant (IF-P), Dan Hendricks (IF), Austin Reed (OF-P), Mike Dolan (C), Matt Barry (P-IF), Jack Milas (P-IF), Kevin Kurzawski (P-OF)
Outlook: The trio of the Villanova-bound Lowe, Rollins-bound Matt Hendricks and Dennis on the mound is a strong starting point for the Mustangs to rebound from consecutive losing seasons and compete for the East title. “I've never really had three guys I trusted fully in conference games,” Lindeman said. Wazorick, Milas and Bartucci also figure to eat up some key innings. The infield is also solid and experienced with Lowe, Matt Hendricks, Dennis and Gaedele, who is the best defensive first baseman Lindeman has coached. The outfield is still open but Burkiewicz is the Mustangs' best defensively and Peterson returns after a one-year absence with Lindeman hoping he can play center and lead off. Dan Hendricks' ability with the bat will also put him in the lineup and Dolan also provides a physical presence behind and at the plate. “We're excited and we have really good leadership,” Lindeman said. “Any one of us (Prospect, Meadows, Hersey and Elk Grove) would be disappointed if we're not battling it out.”
Wheeling
Coach: Matt Padron (first year)
Last year: 5-21, 2-14 (6th MSL East)
Key losses: Theo Yfantis (IF, .302), Tyler Shapiro (P, 1-4, 4.26), Matt Hart (P, 3-5, 4.54, 40 K, 45 IP, Illinois Wesleyan).
Returnees: Seniors Kalvin Thong (SS, .351, 11 RBI), Joseph Zimmerman (OF); juniors David Shapiro (1B-P, .250, 9 RBI), Nick Ricciardi (C-P)
Newcomers: Senior Anthony Bacci (IF-OF); juniors Michael Forst (OF), Brandon Latzke (IF-P), Andrew Erens (IF-OF), Michael Pink (2B), Ramiro Guzman (OF), Ryan Bendewald (IF-P), Ian Gilliam (1B-P), Keith Cichowicz (OF), Derek Espinoza (OF), Sal Dominguez (OF-P), Michael Yoshino (OF), Mitch Goulding (OF-P); sophomores Bruce Ferraro (OF-P), Angelo Deblasio (P-IF); freshman Brendan Spillane (3B-P)
Outlook: Padron is hardly the only new face on the Wheeling varsity with a roster that has only three seniors. “The players have responded very well and they're definitely continuing to progress, work hard and get better every day,” Padron said. “One of the strengths of our team is the guys in our core group know each other really well and have really good chemistry.” The leadership of Thong, in his third varsity season, returnees Shapiro and Ricciardi and Yoshino has also been important. Deblasio, Ferraro and Bendewald lead a pitching staff that will rely on control and defense — which Thong anchors at shortstop. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Spillane doesn't look like a freshman and has “answered a big question mark” with his play at third base, according to Padron. Thong and Shapiro will anchor the middle of the lineup and provide pop along with Gilliam and Spillane but the emphasis for the Wildcats has been advancing the runner. “We're so young that I think we'll be a big question-mark for a lot of teams and a lot of teams will be a question-mark for us,” Padron said. “We're looking to go out and execute and let the W's take care of themselves.”
Mid-Suburban West
Barrington
Coach: Jim Hawrysko (14th year, 266-209)
Last year: 7-28, 6-10 (T4th MSL West)
Key losses: Ricky Alfonso (OF, all-area, .367, 16 2B, 14 RBI, Indiana), Doug Beath (C, .276, Oakland), Jake Broughton (IF, .301), Jack Scheffler (SS, .344, 4 HR, 15 RBI), Greg Gerrard (P, 2-4, 5.33, 46 K, 42 IP), Taylor Ward (P), Mike Weisshappel (P)
Returnees: Seniors Max Redpath (3B-C-P, .236; 0-5, 3.41, 25 K, 27 IP), Frank Waliczek (OF-P, 1-5, 5.07, 38 K, 38 IP), John Shattuck (C-IF-P), Jack Stumpf (P), Aaron Foley (1B, .323, 15 RBI), Connor MacCartney (P), Charlie Grabowski (IF), Jon Rogers (P), Justin Gitelis (IF); juniors Chris Coco (IF, .224), Macray Poidomani (OF, .294)
Newcomers: Juniors Matt Pietrzak (P), Dylan Lidge (IF), Romaus Mesa (C), Bennett Hillestad (OF-P), Drew Cunniff (IF), Justin Dragosz (OF), Dylan Balogh (IF-P), Ryan Lidge (C), Eric Dowdy (OF), Scott Nelson (P-IF-OF); sophomores Dan Kubiuk (P-IF), Wyatt Trautwein (P-IF)
Outlook: More pitching depth and experience should help Barrington improve after its worst season in program history. Waliczek, Redpath, Balogh, Nelson and Rogers figure to lead the way. “We have some good arms,” Hawrysko said. Ryan Lidge showed his power with a 3-run homer in the Broncos' opener and will also be a solid defensive presence behind the plate. Coco, Redpath and Foley return to an infield where Hawrysko said “they all pick up the ball pretty good.” Poidomani, Waliczek and Nelson anchor an athletic outfield. “We'll get some good contact throughout our lineup and we run a lot better than last year,” Hawrysko said. And already the Broncos are ahead of last year, when they lost their first 12 games, with a seventh-inning win Tuesday at Vernon Hills and win over Grant on Wednesday.
Conant
Coach: Jerry Song (8th year, 86-111)
Last year: 7-19, 5-11 (6th MSL West)
Key losses: Joe Belmonte (C, .422, 5 HR, 17 RBI, all-area, North Park), Art Sutter (P-3B, .333, 15 RBI), Conor Donohue (. 327), Mike Passaro (OF-P, .271, 3 HR; ), Paul Warble (P, 2-3, 2.14).
Returnees: Seniors Kyle Gizynski (SS-C, .414, 2 HR, 12 RBI), Kerry Hickerson (1B, .328), Nick Blaha (P-IF), Dan Behof (P-3B), Zach Losch (C, .333), Ben Wiertel (P), Nick Monelli (OF), John Reynolds (P), Kraemer Brandt (OF), Dan Durr (P).
Newcomers: Juniors Mike DiGioia (IF), Kevin Schimel (P), Mike Viverito (C-1B), Rahul Nallappa (P), Seth Wulbecker (IF), Brandon Cortez (P), Joe Muska (IF); sophomores Steve Bola (2B-3B-P), Mike Matej (OF), Steve Serrano (C), Bill Grzelek (IF-P), Zach Gale (2B); freshman Anthony Forte (P-OF)
Outlook: Having the “Special K” duo of Gizynski and Hickerson will be important in guiding a team that will be counting on contributions from sophomores and a freshman in Forte, who homered in his first varsity at-bat. “We have pretty good leadership and that's probably the biggest thing,” Song said. “With Kyle and Kerry stepping up, they've been with us for awhile, so they know what to expect and they're in teaching mode, too.” Gizynski and Hickerson will lead the way offensively with Blaha and Losch and Song hopes Brandt can use his speed to set up the offense and take care of center field. “We're a little bit more athletic than last year and we've been working really hard on defense,” Song said. The pitching staff will be a work in progress but Blaha had a solid first start and Behof, Schimel and Reynolds will be key parts in the mix for innings. And the young kids who are being counted on — Gale and Bola in the infield and Matej and Forte in the outfield — are bringing more than just talent. “Art (assistant coach Stevenson) and I were talking and these guys are hungry to play,” Song said. “They know how to play this game and they're having fun and they're learning.”
Fremd
Coach: Chris Piggott (10th year, 169-124)
Last year: 20-14, 11-5 (T1st MSL West)
Key losses: Sean Stutzman (P-OF, all-area, .374, 4 HR, 28 RBI: 8-4, 2.04, 122 K in 75 IP, Des Moines Area CC), Joe Leaf (P, 6-3, 3.37, 60 K in 46 IP), K.J. Kinsella (P-1B, .329, 21 RBI, Illinois-Springfield), Kurt Kaufman (P-OF., all-area, .375, 4 HR, 33 RBI; 3-2, 3.64, Illinois-Springfield) Jimmy Latal (OF, .310, 3 HR, 15 RBI), Connor McWard (2B, .358, 13 RBI), Richard Concialdi (C, Oakton), Clint Herdegen (C), Brett Tudela (P)
Returnees: Seniors Zach Kolakowski (SS, .342, 22 RBI, 10 SB), Josh Jyawook (OF, .339, 13 2B, 18 RBI), Connor Bieda (C), Danny Haduch (2B-SS), Keith Giagnorio (1B-OF), Lee Breitzman (P-1B), Keith Browning (OF), Matt Wisniewski (OF-3B, .265, 16 RBI), Jake Babcock (P), Bobby McDonald (SS-2B), Jack Andersen (P-3B), Jason English (P), Mike Withey (P).
Newcomers: Juniors Grant Dunham (SS-2B), Randy Wilt (3B-1B-P), Alec Dompke (3B-P), Eric Gile (P), Jon Escobar (OF-P), Matt Isola (OF), Greg Money (C), Tim Polak (P-IF), Jun Shinohara (C), Brian Jestice (P-1B)
Outlook: Fremd lost one of the area's top aces in Stutzman but still figures to be in good shape for a run at a school-record fourth straight 20-win season. “We don't have a dominating pitcher, although Jack's really good, but we're deeper in pitching than I've had,” Piggott said. “We have a lot of guys we can go to … this year we have five or six at least right now.” Breitzman, English and Babcock have some varsity experience and Polak pitched well in relief Tuesday. “They're going to throw a lot of strikes and people are going to put the ball in play,” Piggott said. “So we have to play pretty good defense.” The Vikings have a solid combo up the middle with the Illinois-bound Kolakowski and Haduch, who had a good summer and is off to a good start. Jyawook, Browning and Wisniewski are good athletes in the outfield and are backed by Isola and Escobar, who Piggott thinks would start at a lot of other schools. The experience and athleticism should also translate into a solid lineup. “I think we hit the ball a lot better and we have good team speed,” Piggott said. “We should be a little quicker on the basepaths.”
Hoffman Estates
Coach: Todd Meador (13th year, 170-209)
Last year: 14-19, 6-10 (T4th MSL West)
Key losses: Trent Rehusch (P-IF, .385, 16 RBI; 3-5, 3.18, Harper), Kevin Tednes (OF, .326, 14 RBI), Jordan Loikits (OF), Drew Roesch (C)
Returnees: Seniors Kevin Grudzinski (SS-P, .366, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 11 SB; 1-0, 1 save, 3.00), Mark Roberts (2B-P, .278, 14 RBI; 4-8, 2.28, 56 K, 61 IP), Riley Mugerditchian (OF, .257), Brian Cvitkovich (P-OF), Mike Gordon (C), Jordan Hudak (1B-P), Danny Barela (P), Lance Berko; juniors Jimmy Ward (1B-P, .340, 2 HR, 14 RBI; 2-3, 4.92, 36 K, 37 IP), Zach Hommowun (OF); sophomore Ethan Bloom (1B-P-C, .309).
Newcomers: Seniors Austin Terry (OF), Alex Bonds (OF); juniors Justin Frame (P), Matt Brezinski, Brandon Weidner, Chris Eisele; sophomore Danny Alba (IF)
Outlook: The Holy Cross-bound Grudzinski and Roberts are hoping to lead the way to a big finish to their four-year varsity careers with Ward and Bloom already entering their second varsity seasons. “It's a very veteran team and these kids are baseball kids,” Meador said. “They have the right attitude and they expect to win.” Roberts will be a starter and Grudzinski a closer on the mound when they aren't anchoring the middle infield. Ward, Cvitkovich, Hudak and Bloom should also get innings and Gordon, who is going to play college soccer at North Central, exemplifies a group that includes newcomers in Terry and Bonds from basketball. “We have a good athlete at every position and many guys have played multiple sports,” Meador said. “That's exciting and a very good sign.” Alba, whose brother Jose was an all-area standout at Hoffman a decade ago, will bring infield versatility that will help depending on who is pitching. “We're focused on our team and we haven't really talked about the other teams,” Meador said. “We think we have a lot of tools to win a lot of games and we said let's not worry about other people.”
Palatine
Coach: Paul Belo (10th year, 166-151; 15th overall, 293-243)
Last year: 23-15, 11-5 (MSL West co-champs, regional champs)
Key losses: Cody Bobbit (SS, .380, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 14 SB, all-area, Heartland College), Dan Haze (OF, .324, 16 2B, 5 HR, 38 RBI, all-area), Jim Smearman (C-1B, .325, 5 HR, 24 RBI), Joe Walsh (1B-P, .320, 4 HR, 27 RBI), Vince Portera (2B, .265, 21 RBI), Alex Miramontes (P, 6-2, 4.12, 55 K, 54 IP, Roosevelt); junior Jesse Bobbit (OF, .355, 24 RBI, concentrate on football).
Returnees: Seniors Eric Scheuermann (P-OF, 3-6, 4.31, 43 K, 50 IP), Kurt Becker (P-1B, .423, 14 2B, 7 HR, 36 RBI; 6-0, 2.11, 39 K, 50 IP), Scott Schneberger (2B-OF, .312, 2 HR, 33 RBI), Mike Czarnik (C, .266), Nick Roy (OF-P), Jake Demars (C-OF), Quinn Devero (P), Alex Eliades (P), Patrick Scotkovsky (P), Dan Jeske (P), Eric Foley (P), Jake Walker (P), Austin Eliades (OF).
Newcomers: Juniors Jarrod Juskiewicz (SS), Josh Schwartz (OF), Mahir Desai (OF), Kevin Koehler (C), Matt Hogan (OF), Nick Refka (P-IF), Andrew Macahon (OF), Greg Grana (C), Anthony Fortunato (OF), Dan Riddle (P-OF), William Stewart (P), Neal Ori (3B),
Outlook: The Bradley-bound Scheuermann is off to an impressive start by winning his first two starts and also showing he can chase down the ball in center field. “His confidence level is very high,” Belo said. “He loves to compete and it bothers him when things don't go right.” The key for the Pirates is getting everyone else up to a similar speed considering some of the experienced and talented competitors they have lost. They took another hit early this week when Demars broke his leg in practice, which saw Roy move from 1B to right field and Becker move from third to first. “Traditionally we don't start very fast but it's more about the end than the beginning,” Belo said. “We're trying to identify who will make contributions for us and we're playing a great nonconference schedule.” Becker is back from a broken foot suffered in the football postseason and Jeske, Walker and Roy should get innings with Foley back as a closer. Czarnik's return helps solidify things behind the plate but there are a lot of new faces elsewhere with Schneberger moving in at second base with Juskiewicz at SS and Ori at 3B. The offense figures to be different without the big run-producers of recent years. “We have to do a great job of situational hitting and grinding out at-bats,” Belo said. “If we do those things I think we'll be successful.”
Schaumburg
Coach: Paul Groot (28th year, 586-289)
Last year: 16-13, 7-9 (third MSL West)
Key losses: Ryan Hayes (P-OF, 6-1, 2.54, 40 K, 44 IP, all-area, Concordia), Kurt Kempema (P, 4-4, 2.28, 49 K, 57 IP, all-area, Concordia), Roger Lane (1B, .285, 3 HR, 15 RBI), Mike Petritis (OF, .306, 2 HR), Dave Geller (2B, .266), Mark Bielanski (OF, .376, 2 HR, 16 RBI).
Returnees: Seniors Thomas Byrne (SS, .320), Bronson Wittkamp (P), Justin Charvat (OF), Josh Ragona (SS-2B), Colin Bethran (OF), Nick Eodice (2B-3B), Pat Bellinger (1B-P, 2-5, 3.12), Joe Pentz (P), Jeremy Hall (1B-C, .253, 12 RBI), Kedric Daly (OF), Jordan Grubb (OF, .250), Matt Brancato (3B-P, .350, 3 HR, 17 RBI; 2-2, 2 saves, 3.76, 35 K, 39 IP); junior Brayden Teele (C)
Newcomers: Senior Chris Carlson (2B); juniors Kevin Sola (P-3B), Max Paolicchai (P), Kyle Reinhart (P), Alec Wagner (OF), Joe Petritis (2B); sophomore Jack Holden (P-1B), Josh Rahn (P)
Outlook: Groot is heading to retirement with the type of team that has typified a program with state title and runner-up trophies and only three losing seasons during his tenure. “I've got a great group and no matter what happens I'm going to have fun with this group,” said Groot, who has the most wins of an MSL baseball coach. “It bothers them when they lose and we haven't had that in awhile. They understand the game and play hard.” Losing the opener certainly wasn't Bellinger's fault as he threw an impressive 8 no-hit innings before coming out against Cary-Grove. Brancato also has experience and Sola, Paolichaai, Holden and Rahn will compete for innings. Some of the best news is Byrne, an all-conference pick last year, did not suffer a torn MCL in his knee during basketball and should be ready to play April 1. “He makes a big difference,” Groot said of his shortstop and leadoff man. He'll team with Carlson, who has made an impressive return after getting cut last year. Charvat, the Augustana-bound Grubb and Bethran form an athletic outfield and Groot said Teele is throwing better than ever this year. And it appears the Saxons should be a team that will do the little things at the right time. “I love being around people who want to play the game the right way and play hard,” Groot said, “and we've got that type of group this year.”
East Suburban Catholic
St. Viator
Coach: Mike Manno (seventh year, 102-111)
Last year: 22-14, 11-5 (second ESCC, regionale title)
Key losses: Cory Kay (C, .454, 7 HR, 32 RBI, all-area, Houston), Robert Romano (P, 8-4, 2.19, 83 K, 77 IP, Illinois Wesleyan).
Returnees: Seniors Brian Wilhite (SS, .321, 17 RBI), Alex Thomas (OF), Bobby Napoleon (P-OF), Chris Myjak (P-3B, .290, 7 HR, 24 RBI; 5-2, 3.87), Cosimo Cannella (1B, all-area, .333, 7 HR, 25 RBI), Frank Laterza (P), Jake Soprych (C), Joe Ferrante (P-C, .297), Kevin Patzke (OF-IF, .305, 5 HR, 15 RBI), Kole Luthringshausen (2B, .284, 20 RBI), Nick Prazuch (OF, .273, 20 RBI, 14 SB), Ryan McCollum (OF), Tim McElroy (P, 3-1, 4.67); juniors Gunnar Kay (P-OF, 1-0, 3.28), Joe Rossi (OF, .288, 13 RBI)
Newcomers: Juniors Adam Naliwajko (C), Andrew Ferrante (IF), Charlie Meyer (2B), Cole Fulton (OF), Greg Steiner (P), Harry McCollum (2B), Mickey Macius (P-OF), Mike McGrath (P-3B), Mike Kruger (C), Ryan VanStedum (P-OF), Patrick Martin (P-1B), Roy Pettingill (1B-DH)
Outlook: One thing Viator shouldn't have to worry about is complacency as there is depth and talent to make a run at the big boys such as Joliet Catholic and Marist in the rugged ESCC. “Our juniors who (infield) backups would normally start any other year,” Manno said. “We feel we're like the basketball team where they were 10-11 deep. We can roll out another team out there and we don't lose a lot.” The Lions also don't figure to lose much because of the depth they have on the mound led by McElroy, Myjak and Kay. “Myjak's leadership to the basketball team is feeding over to us,” Manno said. “Everybody knows he's our ace when you look at last year and the huge games he pitched in. With him, McElroy and Gunnar, they give us a chance every game.” And the plays should be made behind them with Cannella, Luthringshausen, Wilhite and Myjak returning in the infield and Rossi, Prazuch and Patzke back in a deep outfield. Naliwajko has looked solid at catcher. “Pitching and defense will be our staple this year but we're still figuring out the bats,” Manno said. “We know what we're getting as a whole. Since I've been here it's probably the most experienced team I've had.”
Central Suburban North
Maine West
Coach: Joe Pederson (sixth year, 90-52)
Last year: 13-13
Key losses: Paul Solka (3B, all-area, Bradley), Connor Skoczynski (SS, Oakton), Mike Farias (C, all-area, Carthage), Alberto Cisneros (C-1B), Emmett Turner-Jackson (P-OF), Nick Litman (P), Brian Jozefat (P), Josh Wright (P)
Returnees: Seniors Tait Jensen (P), Alex Hernandez (SS), Ryan Ross (OF), Robert McCabe (1B-3B), Dylan Reinke (P), Jake English (OF), James Duckmann (OF-P); junior Tom Kukec (1B-3B); sophomore Tommy Hennessy (OF-P)
Newcomers: Juniors Manny Villalobos (2B), Pat Donnelly (OF-P), Raul Anaya (OF), Justin Mustari (P), Ryan Lowe (P), Cory Winicki (P), Scott Costello (C), Mike Outlaw (1B), Mark Kalaher (P), Jared Montalbano (P-1B); freshman Crosley Duckmann (2B-P)
Outlook: Maine West has traditionally brought up kids who can play but it will be even more evident this year. “We're going to be young,” Pederson said. “We have to teach kids the game and start all over again.” Reinke and James Duckmann are two seniors who will get a lot of innings pitched but Swanson, a sophomore, and freshman Crosley Duckmann also figure to help. “Swanson has a lot of upside and a great work ethic and he'll be good,” Pederson said. “Crosley has a high ceiling.” He should also be a four-year fixture in the middle infield with Hernandez at SS while Kukec, who was injured last year, is part of a first base/third base mix. Costello figures to be solid at catcher and James Duckmann, Ryan Ross and Anaya make for an athletic outfield. For a lineup, Pederson said “we'll be figuring this one out all year. It will take some time but these are very athletic and intelligent kids.” It won't be easy with Glenbrook North coming off a 30-win season in the CSL North and Maine South, Glenbrook South, New Trier and Niles West pounding each other in the CSL South.
West Suburban Gold
Leyden
Coach: Rob Hamman (first year)
Last year: 28-6, 16-2 (WSC Gold champs, sectional finals)
Key losses: Carlos Olavarria (SS-P, .400, 4 HR, 31 RBI, all-area, Aurora), Justin Stawychny (OF-P, .391, 7 HR, 39 RBI; 6-1, 2.09, 61 K, 50 IP, all-area, Louisiana-Monroe), Eric Palmer (P-1B, .360, 4 HR, 33 RBI; 6-2, 1.53, 67 K, 59 IP, all-area, Aurora), Adrian Ruiz (OF, .333, 15 RBI), Nick Dimaso (. 330, 28 RBI), Eli Perez (OF, .318, 4 HR, 16 RBI), John Marino (OF, .289, 6 HR, 39 RBI, all-area, Triton), Sandro Irizarry (P, 5-1, 2.84)
Returnees: Seniors Dan Schoedel (P-OF, 4-0, 3.19, 29 K, 26 IP), Joey Diaz (IF-P), Alex Nelson (OF), Brennan Chillemi (P-OF), James Jankowski (IF), Angel Sanchez (P-1B-3B, 6-1, 2.66, all-area).
Newcomers: Juniors Mickey Gulo (OF), Stefen Modrich (P-IF), Mike Szopinski (SS), Patrick Barnett (IF), Miguel Herrera (IF-P), Jeremy Conradson (P), Alex Scobcek (P-IF), Nick Romandi (IF-OF), Martin Roman (P-IF), Brandon Aguirre (C), Jose Trevino (IF-P), Ivan Nevarez (P-OF), Giovanni Lurigio (OF), Anthony Aleman (C-3B).
Outlook: A new era begins with a lot of new faces for Hamann as the former Leyden star pitcher and assistant coach takes over for Hall of Fame coach Gary Wolf, who retired after 23 years as head coach but will remain as an assistant. “I think we've had a real good start as far as work ethic and the kids getting used to the pace of practice,” Hamann said. “There is definitely a learning curve with all of the turnover. With 12 seniors last year and eight starters practice almost ran itself.” Leyden only has six seniors but a good place to start with Sanchez and Schoedel on the mound. Nevarez figures to be the No. 3 starter and left fielder with Sanchez at first or third. Up the middle is all juniors with Gulo in center, Diaz and Szopinski at 2B and SS and Aguirre and Aleman competing for time at catcher. Sanchez figures to hit in the middle of the order and Diaz, who just returned from a broken hand, getting things started in the leadoff spot. “This team is really athletic but we have to work on baserunning and getting good jumps,” Hamann said. “Once we fine-tune it a little bit I think we'll be a fun team to watch move people around and be aggressive on the bases.”
Northeastern Athletic
Christian Liberty
Coach: Jed Bennett (second year)
Last year: 3-21, 2-10
Key losses: Alex Russ (. 340, 5 3B, 11 RBI), Tyler Canoy (. 290, 7 2B).
Returnees: Seniors Keegan Nichols (P-OF), David Cabrera (P-OF-DH, .300); juniors Juan Pagan (P-DH, .310, 8 RBI), Dan Glad (OF, .280, 8 2B), David Colbert (IF-OF, .290), J.D. Dulinsky (OF-P), Shawn Anderson (C, .290, 9 RBI); sophomores Aaron Cunningham (1B, .300), Aaron Carr (P-SS).
Newcomers: Senior Kyle Moriarty (P-3B); sophomore Brendan Brosnan (OF-P); freshman Kyle Krizanovic (C-2B).
Outlook: Bennett, Christian Liberty's coach for all seasons, expects a much better one this spring as he hopes to continue the success he enjoyed with the boys soccer and boys basketball programs. Nine players return from a team that won three of its last four games. “A lot of kids were successful during soccer and basketball season and there's a big attitude change,” Bennett said. “The guys felt like they worked really hard all (last) season and it was a frustrating season, but toward the end they saw they can win.” Bennett said he's way ahead of last year pitching-wise with Nichols and Cabrera gaining experience and Moriarty looking good after not playing last year. “Those three look to be the horses for us,” Bennett said. If Moriarty can handle 3B, the infield should be solid since Carr and Cunningham now have varsity experience and Colbert can play any position. Dulinsky and Glad are veterans in the outfield and Colbert and Pagan bring some pop to the lineup. “Our first seven in the lineup can all hit .280 or above but some of them are just a slight adjustment away from being .400 hitters,” Bennett said. “It all comes down to discipline.”