Baseball: Scouting Northwest

MID-SUBURBAN EASTBuffalo GroveCoach: Tim Miller (3rd year, 33-39)

Last year: 17-18 (4th place MSL East)

Key losses: Joe Pinakidis; Justin Meyer (Augustana); Eric Mercker

Returnees: Seniors: John Carpinelli (U of Indianapolis), SS/P; Chase Marsh (Quincy), LF; Tyler Rundquist, C; Mike Gran, 2B/3B; Leo Rule, CF. Juniors: Mac Carmardo, 1B/P; Jack Vaselaney, OF/P; Zach Fricke, 2B/SS/P; Rio Komatani, OF/P. Soph: Riley Rundquist, 3B.

Newcomers: Seniors: John Lundgren, P/OF; Brandon Cutler, OF/P; Jordan Brown, 1B. Juniors: Andy Greenberg, 3B/P; TJ Constertina, SS/2B/P. Soph: Carter Gledhill, C.

Outlook: The Bison could make a strong run at the East title thanks to a solid core of pitchers and 7 returning starters. The pitching staff returns 19 starts and 127 innings from last season and is led by Jack Vaselaney, John Carpinelli and Mac Camardo. BG also welcomes back John Lundgren, who was injured all of last season and who Miller feels could be one of the "top pitchers in the area." Chase Marsh and Riley Rundquist lead the offense. "We return a veteran team that has shown good commitment and work ethic in the off-season," Miller said. "We have a ton of depth on this team and we are very excited about our pitching staff. In order to maximize our potential as a team we need to approach every day with confidence and play smart, fundamentally sound team baseball."

Elk GroveCoach: Terry Beyna (18th season, 308-273)

Last year: 25-13, (1st place in MSL East, MSL champion)

Key losses: Christian Camacho (Auburn); Jack McEnroe (Wisconsin-Oshkosh); AJ Lorenz (Carroll University); Chuck Fleming (Southern Illinois); Jonathan Maday (Wisconsin-Oshkosh).

Returnees: Seniors: AJ Navarro, INF/OF, (Illinois Benedictine; Brett Taucher, P (SIU-Edwardsville); Joe Lopez, INF/P, (Wisconsin-Whitewater); Ryan Uehara, CF/P; Joe Leone, P.; Luke Radtke, Juniors: DH; Tyler Selvig, OF/P; Austin Brown, OF. Soph: Nick Hoffman, SS.

Newcomers: Juniors: Zach Mahoney, C; Danny Lugo, INF. Soph: Xander Rojanh, P/OF; Ryne Singsank, P. Freshman: Zach Schwarz,C.

Outlook: Any MSL team that has its sights set on the MSL title must know that they have to go through the three-time defending MSL champs Grens. Elk Grove has proved resilient through the past three seasons and Beyna feels his team has reloaded. "Elk Grove has a nice mix of veteran players and young talent on the 2017 team," Benya said. "We will look to grow throughout the year and compete in the tough Mid-Suburban League." Christian Camacho is throwing at Auburn after terrorizing the MSL the past three years, but Brett Taucher, Ryan Uehara, Joe Lopez along with sophomores Xander Rojanh and Ryne Singsank will lead the pitching staff. AJ Navarro, Lopez and Tyler Selvig will be looking to get the offense going.

HerseyCoach: Bob Huber (23rd season, 425-344)

Last year: 14-19 (4th MSL East)

Key losses: Brett Harris (redshirt at Houston); Paul Tokar; Jim Mijal; Tanner Luke; Luke LaSalvia; Adam Schliesman; Brandon Stonequist; Buzz Lindgren; Matt Johnson

Returnees: Seniors: Alberto Garcia, OF/1B; Cade O'Neal, 2B/OF; Tom Barnes, INF/OF; Tyler Haffey, C; Mark Losacco, P/OF; Quinn Gudaitis, P. Juniors: Cristian Rodriguez, SS.

Newcomers: Seniors: Pat Dempsey, P. Juniors: Sam Alonzo, 1B; Brian Massaccesi, P/1B; John OSheal, Ziggenhorn, P/OF.

Outlook: Hersey has just 7 seniors on the team with just 4 of them seeing much action last season. Tyler Haffey, who hit .384 last year along with Alberto Garcia, Tom Barnes and Mark Losacco will lead a very young Huskie team this year. "We will be young but athletic," Huber said. "This is a fun group to be around and they seem to really enjoy game. Many of our younger players will push some of the upperclassman and it should be fun to watch them progress."

ProspectCoach: Ross Giusti (20th season 402-262)

Last year: 22-12 (2nd, MSL East, regional champions)

Key losses: Brendan Obrien, Travis Gates, Ryan Molini, Pasquale Atteo, Trevor Engquist, Jacob Arndt

Returnees: Seniors: Grant Whitebloom, OF/1B; Ben Courtney, P.; Grant Zellmer, 3B/P; Ryan Roggeman, 1B; Tim Krause, P/OF; Nick DeCarpri, C; John Morgan, 2B/OF. Juniors: Ryan Howe, SS/P; Richie Baczek, OF/P; Nick Ergostolo, C; Anthony Catalano, INF; John Czseslowski, P/OF.

Newcomers: Seniors: Chase Cummings, P.; Frankie Mack, P/OF; Sam Lumia, P.; Adrian Perez, P/INF; Ben Lindell, INF. Junior: Mack Malczewski, P/1B.

Outlook: Prospect looks especially solid with three all-area players returning this season. Grant Whitebloom (.350), Ryan Howe (.422) and Richie Baczek (.390) all were terrors at the plate last season. The Knights also return Grant Zellmer (.300) and Nick Ergostolo along with their top hurler in Ben Courtney (7-1, 1.40 ERA). "We return six starters off of a pretty successful team from last year," Giusti said. "Our pitching staff has some experience, and some of our young talent really did well over the summer. We are optimistic but know it won't come easy. The MSL and our nonconference schedule is always tough and competitive so we have our work cut out for us."

Rolling MeadowsCoach: Jim Lindeman (15th season, 236-246)

Last year: 7-24 (6th, MSL East)

Key losses: Hank Holm, Ryan Laboda, Luka Pavlakis, Ellis Shalton, Mark Dillon, Trent McNally, Alex Rezny

Returnees: Seniors: Zach Marcopulos, INF; George Bravos, P/INF/OF; Frank Storniolo, P/INF; Don Mrofcza, P/OF; Justin Thompson, OF/P; Marco Perez, P/INF.

Newcomers: Juniors: Matt Lothery, C; Ryan Lane, OF/P; Brandon Janowicz, P/INF; Jack Kane, P/INF; Nate Pardini, P/OF; Emmett Dessimoz, INF/OF; Joe Coen, C.

Outlook: The Mustangs will look to bounce back this season behind the play of Marco Perez, who hit .317 last year and Zach Marcopoulos, who had a 2.17 ERA. "We will need to put forth our best effort every day," Lindeman said. "If we do that, then we can improve as the season progresses."

WheelingCoach: Jason Wieder (4th season, 47-85)

Last year: 12-23 (5th place, MSL East)

Key losses: Christian Hubbard (Benedictine); Alex Khatcherian (North Central); Ryan Caulfield; Anthony Carrillo; James Kroschel.

Returnees: Seniors: Brian Maloney RHP/3B; Mike Wiase, 1B, (Oakton ); Bryan Niznik, 2B (Edgewood College), Jack Splett, 3B/2B/C, (Lakeland College); Joey Sineni, P.; Sean Straub, P.; Zach Yfantis, DH/1B. Juniors: Drew Roberts, OF/C; Kyle Bullock, CF/P; DJ Godlewski, SS; Josh Boesen, P.; Patrick Cooney, P.; Nate Dirkes, P..

Newcomers: Seniors: Jalen Dennis, P/OF; Johnny Kappel, P/OF. Juniors: Kevin Pavia, OF; Cade Kaplan, OF. Soph: Andy Shover, 1B.

Outlook: Teams won't be able to sleep on the Wildcats this season. Wieder brings back a robust group led by Brian Mahoney, who was all-area last year and hit .383. Mike Wiase, Bryan Niznik, Jack Splett, Drew Roberts, Kyle Bullock and DJ Godlewski make up a core that could challenge in the East. The excitement for this team is so great that Jalen Dannis and Johnny Kappel, two stars from the football team, have forgone track to play baseball this season. "We are very excited for the upcoming season," Wieder said. "We believe we have a lot of depth and athleticism on this team. Right now, there is a lot of competition in practice for starting positions and that is fun to watch because it's pushing players to get better and there is a lot of energy in practice each day."

MID-SUBURBAN WESTBarringtonCoach: Pat Wire (5th season, 99-43)

Last year: 27-9 (1st in MSL West)

Key losses: Jimmy Day, Tristan Michaels, Zach Balogh, Jake Zyzda, Patrick Dehnert, Blake Swanson, Jacob Chapman, Colin Starvel

Returnees: Seniors: Brook Gosswein, P (Bradley); Ryan Loutos, P; Eric Kozlowski, C; Tyler Acosta, OF; Will Yorton, OF; Jeff Korus, OF; Blake Gosswein, INF/OF;

Newcomers: Seniors: Sean Davis, INF; Justin Walker, 3B; Tyler Trojan, INF/OF; Alex Rose, 1B/ OF. Juniors: Nick Bogaerts, P/1B.

Outlook: The Broncos have won or shared the conference title the past four seasons. And if they want a fifth, they will need to fill the void that graduation took. Still the Broncos boast the best 1-2 pitching punch in the conference. Brooks Gosswein, who was 5-0 last year with 67 strikeouts in 43 innings hit while Ryan Loutos was 5-2 with 43 strikeouts in 35 innings. Offensively Acosta will get things started for the Broncos with Will Yorton, Jeff Korus and Blake Gosswein expected to contribute large at the plate. "We graduated a lot of seniors," said Wire, whose next win will give him 100 for his career. "However, it is time for the new seniors to step up and fill the shoes of the graduated seniors."

ConantCoach: Derek Fivelson (3rd year 50-54)

Last year: 18-18 (4th place MSL West)

Key losses: Nick Roberts C, Ryan Roberts (Harper), Jimmy Brady (Bradley), Jim McLaughlin (Illinois Benedictine), Nick Sbertoli (Harper), Joe Sekulich, Jack Lunkes, Josh Pozniak, Matt Mills.

Returnees: Seniors: CJ Deshazer, SS (Heartland Community College); Ian Taylor, P-1B-OF (Saginaw Valley State University); Tim Fauth, 1B; Logan Smith, CF; Cody Gale, P; Chase Fahy, P. Jr.: Jack Reiger, 3B, Mason Sykes, 3B-P.

Newcomers: Juniors: Dave Sapyta, C; Payton Kaye, C; Colin Broeker, P-1B; Sam Ryan, IF; Tyler Hedmen, IF; Cole Kilty OF; Pat Burchfield, OF; Quinn Fitzgerald, OF-IF-C; Joe Kawalek, P; Matt Majer, P; Luke Pontikis, P; Joe Pavletich, P.

Outlook: Conant expects to bank on their 6 seniors and junior Jack Reiger, who will be in his third year as a starter. The Cougar pitching staff is deep and loaded with righties Including Ian Taylor and Chase Fahy. "I have the most confidence in this group to come together and have a fantastic season," Fivelson said. "I feel we're a force to be reckoned with in the West but we'll need to win big games against quality pitching for us to have a chance. " The offense will rely heavily on Ian Taylor, Mason Sykes, Jack Reiger and Tim Fauth in the middle the order, with Logan Smith and CJ Deshazer setting the table. "Last season, we did not fair well against opponent's #1 pitchers," Fivelson said. "Our offense is the strongest I've had so I'm expecting better results."

FremdCoach: Chris Piggott (13th season, 258-198)

Last year: 17-13 (3rd in MSL West)

Key losses: Justin Castillo, Charlie Kaye, Jared Swenson, Troy Hajdukovic, Yoshi Kurata, Jack Molnar, Joe Smaga, JT Kolderup, Jake Lagasse, Christian Phillips, Ethan Hajdukovic

Returnees: Seniors: Eric Bennes, P/OF, (Illinois Weslyan); Alec Honickel, OF, (Carroll University), Mark Bechtold, 2B; Tommy Josten, SS/CF, (Lousiville), Nate Hill, C; Zach Goodman, P/2B;, Tom Narey P/3B.. Juniors: Tommy Wingen, SS..

Newcomers: Juniors: Seniors: Jordan Albano, OF; Mitchell Schroll, P. Ian Wojcik, P. Juniors: Kevin Gierek, 3B; Josh Kraus, 3B/C; Will McCabe, 1B; Kanta Nakano, P; Luke Seidel, P; OF; Ahston Statz, OF; Will Stelk,OF; Soph: Victor Fujiu, P.

Outlook: Graduation took a toll on the Vikings, losing eight starters and all but Eric Bennes on the bump. Still, Fremd is coming off a final 8 appearance in the summer league and the Vikings have one of the conference's most5 dangerous players in Tommy Josten, who has committed to play at Louisville. "We don't have a lot of experience returning, but we had a lot of guys step up over the summer," Piggott said. "We swing it pretty well and can run a little bit. Defensively we are solid up the middle and have guys in the outfield that can go get the ball." The key for the Vikings is to find quality pitching behind Bennes and Goodman. Look for sophomore Victor Fujiu to get significant innings. "Our biggest question is our pitching," Piggott said. "I have one pitcher returning that saw significant innings for us last year."

Hoffman EstatesCoach: Chuck Abbott (1st year)

Last year: 12-18 (5th in MSL West)

Key losses: Kevin Howell, Marc Gonzalez, Ryan Ward, Ryan Davalos

Returnees: Seniors: Lucas Barnes, 3B/P. Juniors: Dylan Bloom, 1B/P; Jon Keller, SS/P; Tom Curcio, INF/C.

Newcomers: Senior: Nick Grybos, C/1B/OF; Kris Pascascio, C.. Juniors: Richie Banas, 1B/P; Jimmy Burks, INF; Kurt Foy, 1B/P; Luis Gonzalez, P/OF; Sam Herbert, P/INF/OF; Josh Magers, INF/OF/P; Justin Morrissey, OF; Ken Scranton, P/OF; Dakota Slingerland, OF; Zach Uchiek, P/OF. Soph: Jim Kliver, OF/C/P

Outlook: Abbott takes over from Todd Meador, who retired after 17 seasons at the helm for the Hawks. Abbott has just 3 seniors in the team with Lucas Barnes the only senior who started last season. The good news is that Barnes was all conference last season while hitting .348 with 5 homers. Juniors Dylan Bloom, Jon Keller and Tom Curcio all started last season and contributed quite well with Bloom and Keller set to anchor the pitching staff. "We have a solid group of boys that have been working extremely hard this off-season and early spring," said Abbott, who was an assistant last season. "I like our team chemistry and the leadership provided by our captains (Barnes, Bloom, and Keller). Just like any other team, our pitching will go a long way in determining how successful we are."

PalatineCoach: Paul Belo (14th season, 258-240)

Last year: 17-19, (2nd place, MSL West)

Key losses: Matt Lamm, Danny Schneberger, Charlie Van Dyke, Ryan Anderson, Chris Refka.

Returnees seniors: Zach Oles, 3B; Jack Grochowski, P/OF; John Weber, OF/P; JT Streepy, INF. Juniors: Jack Hopper, INF; Jake Moertl, OF; Evan Daly, P/OF; Brent Penrose, P/1B;

Newcomers: Seniors: Dilan Rajpurkar, P; Justin Torres, P; Steve Ostrowski, P; Matthews Lundberg, C. Juniors: John Di Basilio, INF; Jason Rivera, P; Michael Nielsen, C; Tyler Ryan, INF; Nicholas Anforth, P; Thomas Soby, P; Thomas Skelnik, INF/P; Matt Helms, OF/P; Luke Stoffel, OF/P; Max Myszka, OF/P. Soph: Joshua Stitt, OF/P; Jake Andersen, C/OF.

Outlook: The Pirates return six starters from their second-place finishing team from last season. Palatine has strength and athleticism in the outfield in Jack Grochowski, John Weber and Jake Moertl along with Evan Daly. The infield should also be solid at the corners with Zach Oles at third and JT Streepy at first and Jack Hopper returning to play short. Pitching is the big question mark for the Pirates, with only 42 innings of the 240 innings pitched last season returning. Still, Belo feels with his team's depth, it could be a plus by the end of the season. "Along with (Evan) Daly and (Brent) Penrose, we have had 12 other Pirates hat have demonstrated the ability to compete from the mound," Belo said.

SchaumburgCoach: Cal Seely (5th season, 57-56-1)

Last year: 10-18-1, (5th in MSL West)

Key losses: Parker Nolan (Lake Land College), Jack Bellinger (Illinois State University), Chris Broccolino (Oakton Community College), Jacob Rintz, David Tornabene, Tony Olson, Nick Pentz, Jack McCoy, Andrew Ralston, Kevin Carpenter, Josh Rivera, Max Miller, Nick Stare

Returnees: Seniors: Tommy Larsen, 3B/SS; Vinny Kandefer, SS/P; Tyler Fredrickson, 1B; Jaeden Bruner, C; Kolby Miller, C/P. Juniors: Justin Schoefernacker, (1B/P; Nick Calip, CF.

Newcomers: Seniors: Daniel Galovich, OF; Jakob Kolodziej, 2B; Josiah Walton, 3B/P. Juniors: Ruan Sakamoto, 2B; Zac Studzinski, (3B/P; Logan Knox, OF; Jacob Bishop, OF; Jack Lancaster, OF/P; Fred Yuen, OF; Adam Kubicek, P; Sam Phalen, P. Soph: Nathan Rintz, P.

Outlook: The Saxons return just three starters in Tommy Larsen, Jaeden Bruner and Nick Calip from a team that had 8 of its 11 conference losses come under 2 runs. What may be even more difficult for Schaumburg is that graduation decimated their pitching staff with their top 3 pitchers gone. But Seely is optimistic that he can fill the void with this new crop of Saxons. "We have a large group of young men who can't wait to get out on that Varsity field and prove they belong there," Seely said." I think we will continue to be competitive as long as we stay healthy and stay focused on playing every out"

CENTRAL SUBURBAN NORTHMaine WestCoach: Mike Randazzo (1st year)

Last year: 14-17 (4th CSL North)

Key losses: Dan Szymell, Isaiah Rivera, Sean Russell, Terry Hadfield, Eric Outlaw, Joe Swanson, Brad Uidl, Brandon Smith, Troy Johnson, Jake Riportella, Dan Johnston, Terry Cusack, Dan Brennan

Returnees: Seniors: Alex Zimmerman, 1B/P; Jeff Mustari, 2B; Matt Willett, P.; Sam Kindle, P.; Jeremy Gonzalez, P.; Max Rothweiler, OF; Brian Bojarski, P.; Nick Stone, OF. Juniors: Matt Johnston, SS/P; Cory Scholler, CF; Josh Wastyn, 3B/P. Soph: Jacob Cabral, OF/P.

Newcomers: Seniors: Tommy Whalen, P.; Kyle Roscoe, 1B/P; Mervin Camacho, P. Juniors: Max Carlisle, C; Dave Rushi, P.; Andy Ellsworth, OF; Matt Fairhead, OF; Mikey Hanson, INF; Matty Mustari, INF/P; Adin Ocasio, P.; Alec Paschos, C; Jay Saini OF.

Outlook: Mike Randazzo takes over a team that was hit hard by graduation. But the Warriors will have a deep pitching staff led by Sam Kindle and Jeremy Gonzalez. Look for Jacob Cabral to be a major contributor on the bump and on the field. "I'm really looking forward to my first year as the head varsity coach. "I've coached all of these players before at the lower levels so I have high expectations of them," Randazzo said. "If the players work hard and take initiative to be the best they can be, I think we'll do well."

EAST SUBURBAN CATHOLICSt. ViatorCoach: Mike Manno (11th season, 213-188)

Last year: 25-17, (7th place ESCC, 4th place in state in Class 3A)

Key losses: Shaun Falbo (St. Thomas University); Jack Coney; Mike Raguaskis (Oklahoma); Dan Sullivan (Wabash Community College); Kevin Napoleon (Butler); Jack Sexton; Tony Nagle; Tyler Landoch; Chris Lolli; Kyle Hammarlund; Mike O'Neill.

Returnees: Seniors: Cole Kmet, P/OF; Brett DeSelm, P.; John Finnegan, C; Jack Heneghan, P.; , Bobby Perna, P/ 3B; Sean McAteer, P.; Joe Sarnello, OF; Brad McCullough, OF; Vince Burdi, OF; Alex Prazuch, OF. Juniors: Mike Wittich, C/1B; Bryce Hellgeth, P/C/OF.

Newcomers: Juniors: Anthony Stephens, INF; Jake Sinnema, INF; Jason Fitzmaurice, INF; Hunter Johnson, INF/OF/P; Christian Dolecki, OF; Matt Zawilenski, OF; Danny Nix, OF; Ben Whalen, P.; Bryan Smith, OF; Kyle Wemstom, P.; Peter Beiswenger, P.; Garrett Imhoff, DH; Ben Rizner, INF; Casey Pulikowski, P/1B; Ryan Stejskal, P/1B; Mike Ruth, OF; Cori Korab, P/OF; Jack Papadia, P.. Soph: Casey Kmet, C/3B/P. Freshman: Jack Mahoney, SS/P.

Outlook: There was plenty of magic for the Lions last year as they fought their way to the state finals. Manno and his crew hope to catching lightening again with Cole Kmet, who has been clocked at over 90, leading the charge. "We bring back one of the best pitchers and players in the state in Cole Kmet," Manno said. "That's a great place to start." Although graduation hit Viator hard, Manno hopes to reload with a large group of returning veterans who all contributed significantly last season. Look for freshman Jack Mahoney to begin the season as the starting shortstop. "We have some guys who got some varsity experience last year, especially at the catcher's area," Manno said. "We are fairly young this year, but I think we have some really nice talent. We are very deep on the mound with quality arms that will throw strikes and keep hitters off balance. Our schedule is really good with solid teams on it. This team will be battled tested every day."

NORTHEASTERN ATHLETICChristian Liberty AcademyCoach: Jed Bennett (7th season, 52-102)

Last year: 10-15, (5th in NAC)

Key losses: Peter Grob, Tim Laskowski, Chris Hoffmann, Jimmy Calkins

Returnees: Seniors: Jimmy Cunningham, P/C/INF; Mark Cabrera, P/SS; Jake Ringstrand, OF. Junior: Ben Law, OF/P. Soph: Nathan Stenze, C/P/3B; David Calkins, OF; Gabe Jimenez, 1B/DH

Newcomers: Senior: Brenden Munoz, 2B/OF. Freshmen: Titus Bennett, P/3B; David Law, P/INF; Breckin Aiello, P/2B/OF; John Platt, OF

Outlook: Pitching will be at a premium for CLA. The Eagles will still have Jimmy Cunningham and Mark Cabrera on the hill, but the balance of the staff is untested. CLA should have a lot of pop in its offense with Cunningham Cabrera, Ringstad , Ben Law and Stenze providing most of the fireworks. "We are senior and freshman heavy," Bennett said. "With only one Junior on the team the freshman will have to contribute to allow us to win."

Schaumburg ChristianCoach: Wes Dixon

Last year: 1-15

Key losses: Anthony Alonzo

Returnees: Seniors: Mike Petrella, 1B/P; Logan Van Overloop, C; David Olsen, 3B/P; Nathaniel Croswell, INF/OF/P. Junior: Jackson Schutzenhofer, P/CF; Joey Alsum OF/IF; Soph: Nashal Weems, P/INF.

Newcomers: Junior: Khrys Ocupe, INf/OF. Freshman: Ben Lee, INF, OF.

Outlook: The Conquerors' program is just three years old and has won 4 games in that span. Coach Wes Dixon has a nice mix of seniors and juniors, led by Mike Petrella and Schutzenhofer. "We started our baseball program in 2014 with a bunch of inexperienced freshman," Dixon said. "This year will be our best opportunity to give our parents and fans some return on their investment of time and loyal support."

WEST SUBURBAN GOLDLeydenCoach: Rob Hamann (6th season 60-99)

Last year: 16-18, 4th in WSGC

Key losses: Jeremy Borges, Robert Wisniewski, Matt Bach, Adrian Perez .

Returnees: Seniors: Kevin Nevarez, P/INF; Michael Wilms, P/OF; Justin Borges, P/INF; Josh Cubon, OF. Junior: Matt Ozanic, C.

Newcomers: Juniors: Johnny Auge, INF; Danny Cresap, P.; Nick Herrera, INF.

Outlook: In a year where pitching is really going to be at a premium, the Eagles boast a solid trio. Kevin Nevarez, who fanned 42 in 45 innings pitched, Michael Wilms, who struck out 30 in 37 innings and Justin Borges, who had a 1.63 ERA give Leyden a powerful group. On the other side of the battery, catcher Matt Ozanic brings with him his .527 batting average while Josh Cubon also looks solid. "Offensively we will need new faces to contribute while pitching will be comprised of our top three guys will a lot of experience," Hamaan said. "This is a very exciting team. I love the way they compete and how the love the game of baseball. We have high expectations for them this year and they are the kind of kids that will accept it and work hard to meet those expectations."