Scouting Cook County baseball teams

Mid-Suburban East

Buffalo Grove

Coach: Jeff Grybash (first year)

Last year: 14-15, 4-12 (sixth in East, sectional finalist)

Key losses: Zach Borenstein (SS, Eastern Illinois, .524, 6 HR, 17 2B, 35 RBI), Tom Moran (P, 4-4, 3.10 ERA), James Bakun (OF, .344), Evan Kander (OF, .300), Mike Ricciardi (3B, IIT, .398, 31 RBI)

Top returnees: Seniors Matt Stadler (OF, .295, 25 RBI), Jon Moore (SS), J.P. Kulick (P-OF, .302), James Hurley (P-1B, .337, 4 HR, 28 RBI), Dan Linden (2B-3B), Zach Jones (OF-1B), Jake Copeland (OF), Mike Fu (P); junior Steve Pollakov (C, .262)

Newcomers: Juniors Jeremy Salzman (P-OF), Greg Sanders (P-IF); sophomores Dan Recht (P), Tommy Ricciardi (3B-DH), Ryan Nisbet (IF)

Outlook: It will be a youthful look in the dugout as Grybash takes over for the retired John Wendell, and on the field with three sophomores up and three juniors who started the season opener. But his top three on the mound are seniors in Hurley, Kulick and Fu. "I feel pretty good about those guys," Grybash said. Recht can also start or relieve and they'll work with Pollakov, who started when Chris Delaney was lost for most of the season because of injury. "He's probably our best in terms of being a student of the game," Grybash said. "I wouldn't be surprised if he led our team in hitting and on-base percentage. Grybash is hoping to get Moore back soon at SS from a stress fracture in his back and, Grybash likes the athletic ability of his outfield of Stadler, Kulick and Salzman. "Our big thing we talk about is not giving away at-bats," Grybash said. "We're not good enough to take at-bats or plays off."

Elk Grove

Coach: Terry Beyna (10th year, 148-159)

Last year: 13-17, 7-9 (tie third in East)

Key losses: Chris D'Angelo (P-SS, .472, 16 2B, 20 RBI), Kevin Miller (OF, .404, 18 RBI), Mike Czurylo (OF, .344); senior Matt Martinski (3B-P, .260, 7 HR, 23 RBI; 2-3, 2.53) to knee injury

Top returnees: Seniors Colin Semler (3B-OF-P, .264), Josh Daniels (P, 3-1, 3.75), Tony Logli (C, .246, 4 HR), Danny Lopez (2B), Erik Kaczynski (OF); juniors Donny Duschinsky (P-SS, .347, 10 2B, 18 RBI; 3-3, 3.62), Kyle Pfister (P, 3-4, 3.99)

Newcomers: Senior Joey DeHuelbes (1B-OF-P); juniors Pat Eder (2B), J.J. Kaczynski (OF-P), Nico Piscopo (C-OF); sophomores Ryan Martinski (3B-SS-P), Carl Sugihara (P-OF)

Outlook: Everything finally clicked late last summer for Elk Grove and led to a trip to the Elite Eight. The Grens will by trying to carry over that success toward a second East title in four years without the injured Matt Martinski, but they still have a solid, experienced crew on the mound with Pfister, Duschinsky and Daniels bolstered by J.J. Kaczynski. "If you told me going into the year I'd have two pretty good guys at the top," Beyna said of Pfister and Duschinsky, who he thinks are Division I players, "any high school coach would say I'll take it." The Grens also are solid up the middle with Logli, Duschinsky, Lopez and Sugihara. DeHuelbes and Ryan Martinski will be a big help and Semler will get things started for a lineup that should be able to score in a variety of ways. "We have guys who can run and Semler and Sugihara give us some speed," Beyna said.

Hersey

Coach: Bob Huber (15th year, 282-209)

Last year: 17-15, 7-9 (tie third in East)

Key losses: Bobby Gehm (OF, .372, 9 2B, 32 SB, 24 RBI), Dan Kelley (P, 4-4, 3.76)

Top returnees: Seniors Chris James (3B-P, .375, 34 RBI; 4-1, 2.26), Pat Hyde (C, .310, 2 HR, 16 RBI), Mike Toljanic (OF, .443, 4 3B, 25 RBI, 18 SB), Matt Milligan (P-OF, .400), Kevin Polinski (SS-2B), Sal Locascio (P), Joe Koziol (P-OF); junior Jake Knauss (3B-SS)

Newcomers: Juniors Steve Danielak (P-OF), Ryan Busse (P), Steve Srignoli (P-2B), Mike Ozga (P-OF), John Sauer (P-OF), Alex Lee (2B-SS), Alex Gelabert (1B), Dominic Biagini (DH); sophomores Joe Perricone (P-OF), Chris Polinski (3B), Sean Thompson (1B-C)

Outlook: Hersey got hot late last year and it carried into the summer and a trip to the regional finals. "I'd be disappointed if we're not," Huber said of the race for an East title. "We did well in the summer but it's a whole different game in the spring." Huber isn't sure how his rotation will fill out but said pitching "is one of our strengths potentially" with James as the top returnee, the 6-4 Danielak from the junior class and one of the talented sophomores in Perricone. The Northern Kentucky-bound Hyde is solid behind the plate and in the middle of the lineup with James hitting behind Toljanic and Milligan. "I still feel pretty good about being able to run," Huber said of the overall team speed. Kevin Polinski and Lee can play either middle infield spot and Perricone will handle center field. "We do have some flexibility with kids who can play multiple positions," Huber said.

Prospect

Coach: Ross Giusti (13th year, 240-160)

Last year: 16-14, 10-6 (second in East)

Key losses: Tim Scanlan (3B, .441, 8 HR, 47 RBI, Bradley), Dominic Pugliese (P, 4-1, 3.64), Griffin Rebecca (IF, .417, 29 RBI), Shane Uhle (C, Oakton, .320, 31 RBI), Andrew Cardona (OF, .308, 24 RBI)

Top returnees: Seniors Jason Leblebijian (SS, .526, 24 RBI), John Bergman (C), Joe Wederitch (P), Johnny Larson (P), Bobby Reibel (IF), Chris Strom (DH); juniors Miles Osei (1B-OF-P, .361, 4 HR, 28 RBI), John Coen (3B-P, .384, 10 2B, 17 RBI, 18 SB)

Newcomers: Juniors Jack Mullinex (P), Kyle Kapka (C), Thomas Kelly (2B), Jeff Bersch (3B), Eddie Gerdes (IF), Tom Longpre (1B-P); sophomores Ben Menich (P-1B), Brian Bauer (3B), Matt Molini (IF), Joey Siers (OF)

Outlook: The Bradley-bound Leblebijian and Bergman, who got some starts last year and has improved his arm strength behind the plate, are the only senior starters on a team that will mix in experienced juniors in Osei and Coen, a solid addition in Kelly (transfer from Loyola) and a nice crop of sophomores. "We have a lot of talent but it's just a matter of putting it together and putting some consistency together," Giusti said. "We've got a scrappy group." And Giusti believes the Knights will have to play that way to succeed with a more speed-oriented lineup that includes Osei, Coen, Molini and Siers. "We're not a station-to-station team, which we've been the past few years," Giusti said. "We're a team that's going to put pressure on other teams. The concern I have is we do need to play an error-free game. I don't see our team being the type of team that's going to blow people out." Solid defense will also be vital to a pitching staff that is young - with Menich and Mullinex looking good with Coen and Osei - and not overpowering but Giusti said "loves to compete."

Rolling Meadows

Coach: Jim Lindeman (eighth year, 131-94)

Last year: 18-12, 12-4 (East champions)

Key losses: Kyle Gaedele (OF-P, Valparaiso, .440, 7 HR, 28 RBI; 3-2, 2.48), Kevin Serna (OF, .376, 4 HR, 25 RBI), Ben Sabal (C, .362, 2 HR, 25 RBI), Scott Wenzel (OF, .321), Garret Cannizzo (DH, .310)

Top returnees: Seniors Jon Carlson (P-1B, 3-1, 4.14, 59 Ks in 51 IP; .327, 25 RBI), Dan Lauria (2B, .358, 4 HR, 25 RBI), Teddy Metzger (P-SS, 5-2, 4.59; .345, 17 RBI), Pat Conlin (P-3B-1B, 4-3, 3 saves), Dan Hoppel (P-IF), Ben Kamperschroer (OF), Owen Stiff (P), Dan Wenzel (3B-SS-OF), Jake Trojan (C), Dan Lynch (C)

Newcomers: Seniors Will Trunk (P-OF-3B, injured), Kyle Winkler (OF-C); juniors Jon Michals (P-C), Steve Rickerson (C), Chris Varilek (OF)

Outlook: Having the Kentucky-bound LHP Carlson and Metzger atop the rotation and Conlin back as the closer is a good way to start defense of the MSL East title. "Hopefully the top two and Conlin can carry us at least into contention," Lindeman said. "They want to continue that success we've had. It will be tough but with our two top pitchers, I'm sure we can be competitive in the East as long as we stay healthy and other guys have to step up and play." Particularly to fill some major voids to graduation that include Gaedele, Serna and Sabal. Lindeman is still looking for another starter to go with Carlson and Metzger and Trojan leads a crew of catcher candidates. The middle infield is solid with Metzger, Dan Wenzel and Lauria, who will hit second. "He's really swinging the bat and he's a pretty nice player," Lindeman said. "He's probably our best hitter and you could tell from the first day in the cage he prepared for this year." Finding a leadoff man is also a priority with Metzger hitting third and Lindeman looking for Conlin to keep people from pitching around Carlson in the cleanup spot.

Wheeling

Coach: Mike Tice (sixth year, 41-109)

Last year: 6-16, 5-11 (fifth in East)

Key losses: Steve Slussar (P-1B), Case Jackson (C), Justin Christell (P-1B), Anthony Ricciardi (3B); senior Tony Brzezniak (2B, broken collarbone)

Top returnees: Seniors Bobby Beelen (P-1B), Matt Holmes (SS-P), Kevin Kowynia (P-1B-OF), Connor Mara (C); junior Steve Yfantis (P-IF)

Newcomers: Senior Neal Christensen (OF); juniors Jay Espinoza (C), Aaron Weksler (OF), Dave Scanlon (2B); sophomores Matt Hart (P-3B), Theo Yfantis (IF-OF-C-P)

Outlook: The Wildcats have already taken some tough hits as Brzezniak broke his collarbone in the second game and was going to hit third, and Weksler was injured the first day of practice. Beelen is coming off Tommy John surgery to his elbow so the once-promising pitcher will be limited to mainly DH duties. Holmes may pitch a little but is also vital to the Wildcats at SS and Christensen has been a pleasant surprise in his return to the program. "We're going to end up being very young," Tice said. "Hart is a good kid and he might be one of our better players like Slussar (last year)." Tice is also looking for a lot from the Yfantis brothers and Theo has a lot of versatility that could be a big plus for the Wildcats.

Mid-Suburban West

Barrington

Coach: Jim Hawrysko (11th year, 218-151)

Last year: 18-13, 9-7 (third in West)

Key losses: Tim Conroy (SS-P, Butler, .404, 12 2B, 24 RBI; 1-2, 1.83, 2 saves), Russ Zeisloft (OF, .296, 18 RBI), Bryan Grabowski (. 325, 19 RBI), Ryan Nolan (P, 1-2, 3.38), Steve Janezic (. 333, 16 RBI), Mark Minner (2B, .270)

Top returnees: Seniors Johnny Day (OF-C, .320), Tom Unak (P-1B, 5-4, 3.59), Gus Handler (OF-1B, .315, 7 HR, 28 RBI), Chris Holke (C-3B), Tim Oakley (C-P), Stephen Weisshappel (2B), Bryant Sullivan (1B); juniors Sean Buchholz (P, 5-2, 2.89, 75 Ks in 63 IP), Anthony Brignola (OF), Rob McDonnell (2-1, 4.53)

Newcomers: Juniors Derek Foderaro (OF), Jim Cook (3B), Anthony Gentile (2B), Paul Troy (SS-2B), Paul Rathmann (C), Pete Colon (C-3B), Mike Ferrarini (P), Jack Brewer (OF), Chris Rogers (P), Tyler Tureck (P), Jackson Lundmark (P); sophomore Jack Scheffler (SS)

Outlook: Success from the Broncos' 1-2-3 of Unak, Buchholz and McDonnell on the mound means it won't be easy for opposing hitters. "They're three very good high school pitchers," Hawrysko said. "If they continue to do what they're able to do we should be competitive and in every game. It helps having three experienced guys coming back." One nice surprise on the mound has been Oakley, who was a closer last summer and has continued to look good early in that role. The Broncos also have a nice core of returnees to put together a solid lineup. Day, who is going to Evansville to catch, will play mostly RF since Oakley and Holke can catch and Brignola is off to a good start in CF. "He's really hitting the ball well and staying back on the ball well," Hawrysko said of Brignola. Handler, who is going to Colorado to play football, is a big power threat in the cleanup spot and Scheffler has shown some early pop as well. "We really need to do other things (than rely on just power)," Hawrysko said. "We still need to bunt and hit-and-run and that's something we're going to stress every day."

Conant

Coach: Jerry Song (fifth year, 47-65)

Last year: 9-17, 5-11 (sixth in West)

Key losses: Austin Wright (P-1B, Chipola (Fla.) College, 3-2, 1.80, 71 Ks in 35 IP; .400, 4 HR, 18 RBI), Chris Hoffman (P-1B, Wisconsin-Parkside, .348), Bill Charvat (IF, Illinois, .407), Mark Chereso (OF, .406), Scott Hojnacki (P, Oakton)

Top returnees: Seniors Walt Wijas (P, 1-1, 0.93, 34 Ks in 23 IP), Derek Wojcik (P-SS, 1-1, 3.92), Bobby Colucci (2B-SS, .286), Jeff Vercillo (3B-P, .276), Nate Rahn (OF), Mario Morrone (C), Sean Smith (OF-P), Mitch Comstock (OF), John DiMatteo (P); juniors Otto Linderman (C), Craig Davies (1B-P)

Newcomers: Juniors Nolan Drake (OF), Aaron Wright (P); sophomore Paul Warble (P), Mike Passaro (P)

Outlook: Expectations may not be as high as they were going into last year, but the Cougars have shown early their pitching led by the Kentucky-bound Wijas, Wojcik, Warble and Smith could make them a contender in the West. "Our team chemistry is a lot better and they've been around together for a long time," Song said. "Their outlook seems a lot more positive and lot more team-oriented and they see the potential." Wijas, Wojcik and Smith had impressive early starts, and Song also has some pitching depth. Colucci and Vercillo figure to set the tone for an offense that won't sit back and wait for things to happen even though there is pop with Wojcik, Wijas and Davies. "We've got pretty good speed," Song said. "We're bringing back the bunting and we'll do a lot of running." Colucci can play SS when Wojcik pitches as the versatility is also better than in previous years for the Cougars.

Fremd

Coach: Chris Piggott (seventh year, 109-86)

Last year: 17-10, 11-5 (second in West)

Key losses: Ryan Shober (SS, Valparaiso, .417, 6 HR, 28 RBI, 21 SB), Nick Addison (OF, UIC, .484, 34 RBI, 30 SB), Jason Ford (1B-P, .306, 9 HR, 41 RBI; 6-1, 3.71), Anthony Concialdi (OF, .292), Sean Freed (1B, .278)

Top returnees: Seniors Mike Tauchman (OF, .365, 17 RBI, 12 SB), Tyler Gregory (C, .275), Todd Dunham (SS-2B, .295, 12 SB), Chris Doloughty (OF), Joey Depaolis (2B-SS, .282, Matt Johnsen (P-OF, 3-1, 3.20), Mike Schoolcraft (P), Will Reising (P-1B), Jake Llanas (P), Ryan Polak (OF)

Newcomers: Juniors Clynt Terry (P-1B), Zenon Kolakowski (P-1B), Chris Brady (P-OF), Ryan Koeppen (P-SS), Brandon Middlebrook (3B), Kevin Ciardello (3B), Eric Paulsen (3B), Evan Wright (OF-C), Vince Addison (OF)

Outlook: Last year the Vikings could wait for big things to happen with a powerful lineup led by Shober, Addison and Ford. This year they'll be out to force the action more with speed from the Bradley-bound Tauchman and Oakland-bound Dunham. "We have to make more things happen on the bases," Piggott said. "Hit-and-run, bunting to move guys over and get in scoring position." Tauchman is hitting third but Piggott is still isn't sure yet where everyone fits in the lineup. But the Vikings may not have to score as much if the pitching comes through as Piggott hopes with the hard-throwing UIC-bound Schoolcraft, the consistent and solid Johnsen, Reising, Kolakowski, Terry and Llanas. "Our pitching has got some potential but it's a matter of who shows up," Piggott said. "If they're on, I think they're pretty tough. I'm happy with the pitching we have. I think they're going to keep us in games and hopefully we can keep the score down better than last year."

Hoffman Estates

Coach: Todd Meador (ninth year, 131-147)

Last year: 10-14, 6-10 (fifth in West)

Key losses: Matt St. John (P-1B, 3-3; .357, 4 HR, 22 RBI), Eric McGinnis (P, 1-6, 3.39), Pat Johnson (P-C), Dave Ehlers (2B, .364), Alex Fett (IF-OF, .316), Jake Fett (OF-P, .289)

Top returnees: Seniors Mike Eisele (C, .296, 4 HR, 20 RBI), Don Rathje (P-OF), Mike Norman (1B), Justin Harris (2B); junior Mike Kiviranta (3B-P, .278), Chris Fett (SS, .333, 3 3B, 15 RBI)

Newcomers: Seniors Kyle Sertich (P-3B), Andrew Pettit (OF); juniors Joe Gordon (C), Erik Smoy (P-OF), Matt McGee (P), Colin Conway (P), Scott Galetano (2B-OF), J.T. Weaver (OF), Kyle Strojny (P), Zach Demmon (1B)

Outlook: The competitiveness that gave opponents fits last year has carried over to the early part of this season. "The kids' execution on many of the things we've worked on has been very good," Meador said. "There were a lot of encouraging things the first couple of games. These kids don't give up and they play to the end. If kids can do that you'll be pretty successful." It's also a young team with Sertich, Kiviranta and Smoy figuring to get the bulk of the innings on the mound. Meador said Kiviranta is more polished after a year of varsity experience. Fett is also polished enough that he'll take over at SS after playing 3B and the OF last year. "He's such a good athlete we've got to put him somewhere where he can touch the ball all the time," Meador said. "Shortstop has come very naturally to him." Pettit has also made a solid return in CF after missing the last two years because of injury. There is also some power in the middle of the lineup with Demmon and Eisele, who can hit the ball a long way. "Mark Kelly (former Hoffman star and SIU standout catcher) was probably close, but I don't think I've coached a kid with Eisele's sheer power," Meador said. "When he makes contact it's just a different sound coming off the bat. But we're certainly not going to sit back and wait for runs to happen. We definitely have some kids who will be able to put pressure on the defense with their athleticism."

Palatine

Coach: Paul Belo (seventh year, 106-103; 12th year overall, 233-195)

Last year: 12-22, 7-9 (fourth in West)

Key losses: Jeff Emerich (OF, Eastern Kentucky), Matt Wieber (IF), Mark Sloma (2B), Steve Reis (P), Brett Chidester (P)

Top returnees: Seniors Dan Huenecke (P), Kevin Becker (P), Andy Prombo (C), Alex Foley (P), Justin Downey (DH-1B); juniors Bryon Skinner (P-1B), Mike Luschen (OF); sophomore Cody Bobbit (SS)

Newcomers: Juniors Trey Cannon (OF), Joe Campe (2B), Tom Galvan (P-3B), Phil Brand (P), Joe Pelnar (DH); sophomore Dan Haze (OF-P)

Outlook: Prombo is the only senior starting position player, but there is experience with six returnees on the field from a team that lost 8 games where it led in the fifth inning or later or lost by a run. "I think it was a matter of not knowing how to close games defensively or on offense with good at-bats," Belo said. "One thing I do like about this group is they have a competitive sense about them and attack the game." Bobbit will lead off again and bring speed to the top of the lineup with Luschen and Haze, who already knows how to work a pitcher. "We don't have a tremendous amount of pop in the lineup but we have kids who can hit balls in the gap," Belo said. "We can't hold on for a 3-run homer because we just don't have that. Our team speed is slightly above average and we handle the bat fairly well." The Pirates also have a good crew of athletes on defense behind pitching staff led by the Belmont-bound Huenecke, the lefty Becker and Skinner with Brand with Foley coming out of the bullpen. "It's a solid five kids," Belo said. "I'm very happy with our three starters and a nice bridge guy to get to Foley."

Schaumburg

Coach: Paul Groot (25th year, 544-242)

Last year: 24-7, 13-3 (MSL champs, sectional finalist)

Key losses: Dominick D'Agata (C, Purdue, .443, 7 HR, 33 RBI), George Kalousek (OF-P, .395, 8 HR, 27 RBI; 9-2, 3.38); Andy Brandt (P, Elgin CC, 8-2, 1.94), Steve Mahler (OF, Carthage, .388, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 14 SB), Kyle Pusateri (2B-P, Carthage, .348, 19 RBI; 4-3), Dan Launhardt (OF, North Central, .310, 17 RBI), Alec Fontanez (3B), Casey Braheny (OF), Matt Kiszkowski (OF, .542)

Top returnees: Seniors Dave Compitello (SS-P, .438, 9 2B, 16 RBI, 11 SB), Mike Mistrata (1B-P, .433, 6 HR, 31 RBI), Matt Mistrata (3B, .257, 2 HR, 12 RBI), Chris Kelly (OF), Kyle Meyer (P), Tim Massat (C), Joe Filetti (1B), Vito Perrino (OF), Anthony Solmo (2B), Matt Vondrasek (P)

Newcomers: Senior Anthony Iannotti (OF-P); juniors Andy Keehn (P), Joe Dombek (3B-OF), Connor McHugh (OF), Joe Infusino (OF-SS), Matt Glombicki (3B), Adam Lenoci (1B-OF), Eric Englund (C-OF)

Outlook: Schaumburg could bash the ball around with almost anyone en route to consecutive MSL titles. The powerful Mistrata brothers are back and Massat also has some pop but the Saxons won't be waiting for 3-run homers with Compitello and Solmo leading off and Infusino, Dombek and Kelly bringing speed. "We have a nice blend of speed and power," Groot said. "We finally have some kids who can run." Compitello will anchor the defense at SS and Solmo is back at 2B after an injury- and illness-plauged junior year. Infusino and Dombek can fly in the OF and Massat has solid defensive skills behind the plate. Good defense will be vital to an inexperienced pitching staff where Meyer has gotten off to a strong start. Mike Mistrata has pitched in varsity games since he was a freshman and will be counted on more heavily. "When he's on he could be tough," Groot said. He also hopes the return of Anthony Iannotti, the Daily Herald All-Area football captain and QB, could help on the mound. "He's not bad," Groot said. "He's real raw but he throws hard."

ESCC

St. Viator

Coach: Mike Manno (fourth year, 44-62)

Last year: 19-14, 9-9 (fifth ESCC)

Key losses: Nick Skala (C), Jack Meyer (1B, .405, 4 HR, 32 RBI), Eric Huber (OF, .333, 3 HR), Sean Folan (OF, .290), Mike Bordes (P, 6-4, 3.45)

Top returnees: Seniors Brett Kay (SS, .398, 2 HR, 23 SB), Bryce Hensley (P, 6-4, 3.45), Eric Walantas (P-OF), Phil Bar (3B, .435, 4 HR, 19 RBI), Cameron Krumsee (P-OF), Mike Fleming (1B), Brian Byrne (OF), Kevin Hulsebosch (OF); junior Brendan King (P-1B, 1-0, 1.79)

Newcomers: Juniors Julian Sipiora (P-C), Anthony Quagliano (P), John Sandmeir (P), Tyler Ford (P), David Alameda (P), Kevin Gannon (2B), Jake Mastrangeli (OF), Steve Raetzman (P-OF, transfer from Maine South); sophomore Cory Kay (C)

Outlook: The Lions took a big step with 19 wins and a finish in the middle of the ESCC. They hope to make even more progress behind Brett Kay and Bar on the left side of the infield and King, who was solid in a late-season promotion, Hensley and Walantas anchoring a solid and deep pitching staff. "It's probably the best group we've had since I've been here," Manno said. "We're much deeper on the hill and much deeper than we've ever been. We definitely don't lose a whole lot, but it's the same question mark as last year. We'll see how our hitting goes." The hard-throwing Sipiora also can run and will hit behind Kay at the top of the lineup. Gannon also is a solid bat who will hit cleanup and Mastrangeli got off to a huge start in Florida. "We're not going to change what we did last year (85 stolen bases)," Manno said. "We're going to run a ton again and we have some speed to do it." And the Lions believe they have what it takes to move into the upper echelon of the always tough ESCC. "One of the kids said to me one of the goals is to win the conference or at least finish in the top two or three," Manno said. "Our kids are pretty confident."

CSL North

Maine West

Coach: Joe Pederson (third year, 30-21)

Last year: 17-6, 12-4 (second in CSL North)

Key losses: Mike Santa Maria (P-SS, Illinois), Sean Willett (OF-1B), Eric Romani (P), James Ward (P)

Top returnees: Seniors Ryan Tuntland (2B-SS), Lucas Udischas (P-UT), Justin Johann (C), Frank Hess (OF), Kane Hernandez (P-1B), Nate Andersen (P); junior Tommy Ross (OF); sophomores Paul Solka (3B-1B), Connor Skoczynski (SS-2B)

Newcomers: Junior John Perez (P), sophomore Josh Wright (P-1B)

Outlook: The Warriors are hoping to end up on top of the CSL North this year after staying in the division race into the final week the last two seasons. "We have to come to play every day," Pederson said. "Our kids have worked hard the last couple of years and if they continue with the mindset of getting better every day, winning will take care of itself." If Ross continues to his progress in the lead off spot it will be a good sign as he went from .280 as a freshman to .380 last year. Udischas' versatility and willingness to play anywhere will be a key and he'll also hit third. Pederson also hopes Udischas can handle the closer role as well as Santa Maria. Wright had a solid start against Addison Trail with no earned runs in 6 innings, Hernandez and Andersen have varsity experience and Perez had success on the underlevels. "None of them are overpowering," Pederson said, "but all of them command two or three pitches in the strike zone, which makes it easy for a coach." Tuntland and Skoczynski, who came up late last year, are interchangeable in the middle infield. "When we swing the bats we'll give you a heck of a ballgame," Pederson said. "We've got some kids who can swing it in the middle and speed at the top and bottom. It will come down to us executing and not beating ourselves."

WSC Gold

Leyden

Coach: Gary Wolf (21st year, 386-311)

Last year: 26-8, 14-4 (tie first WSC Gold, sectional finalist)

Key losses: Jonathan Weaver (P-1B, 7-2, 1.04; .378, 3 HR, 24 RBI), Tim Mackey (SS-2B, .372, 5 HR, 32 RBI), Jack Townley (C, .294, 18 RBI), Cam Stephens (OF, .371, 32 RBI), Josh Serrano (OF-P, .316; 3-0, 1.59), Sam Cochiaro (IF-P, .310; 5-0, 3.22), Raul Hernandez (P, 4-2, 2.13)

Top returnees: Seniors Ricky Zapata (P-SS, 3-2, 2.75), Mike Otte (OF), Shawn Burke (OF-P), Jose Roman (OF), Eugene Hylka (OF), Rudy Perez (OF), Mike Shogren (2B), Danny Hartney (1B); junior Jeremy Stawychny (C-P, .310, 14 RBI)

Newcomers: Juniors Dominic Messina (1B), Adam Locassio (2B), Victor Fuentes (OF); sophomore Eric Palmer (P-OF), Justin Stawychny (P-OF), Carlos Olvavarria (SS)

Outlook: The Eagles lost a lot of talented players - led by White Sox draft pick Weaver - from a tremendous two-year run of sectional trips. "We know we have to be at the top of our game to be able to compete for wins," Wolf said. "We're not dominant in any phase of the game. I know we're solid but I don't know where solid gets you in our conference." Zapata will take over as the ace of the staff and has worked hard to move into that role. Jeremy Stawychny will be the No. 2 with a battle for the other spots. "No one is going to blow it by everybody," Wolf said. "We have to count on hitting our spots and changing speeds." Olavarria is part of the talented crew of sophomores who will play SS when Zapata pitches and Palmer will play 3B. "I believe the strength of our team is I'll match our infield defensively against any other ballclub," Wolf said. There are question marks in the outfield with CF Hylka still out for a few weeks from a football injury. Jeremy Stawychny and Otte will provide big bats in the lineup. "I know we have individual talent, but we have to find some kind of identity with so many young kids playing," Wolf said.