Belvidere County Seaters
Coach: Aaron Feldman (35-39, fourth season).
2011 record: 5-16, 3-8 Skyland Conference Valley Division.
Key returnees: Jr. Tyler Grogan SS-P; Sr. Craig Tomkins 3B; Sr. Jared Allen OF; Sr. Vinnie Pisano OF; Sr. Kelsey Craig OF; Sr. Chris DeHerde 2B; Jr. Caleb Seibert INF; So. Jake Carlson C; So. Jacob Seibert OF-P; So. Logan Welles 1B.
Key losses: Nelson Abrams 1B-P; Tommy Tutka SS-P; Matt Nolan C; Jake Sarson OF; Steven Mottola OF (injured).
Promising newcomers: Sr. Hunter Kuhn OF; Jr. Avery Sepulveda 2B-SS; Jr. Mike Wilk OF-P; Jr. Johnny Giacchi OF-P; Fr. Henry Myerchin SS-P.
Coach's comment: "Many of our guys worked hard in summer leagues, fall ball and winter leagues. I feel good about where we are at going into this season."
Outlook: The County Seaters fell off last year after winning 17 games and reaching the North 1, Group 1 semifinals in 2010. The loss of Mottola hurts this year's club in a lot of ways, mostly offensively. Pitching appears to be a real question for this team, as was the case a year ago when the Seaters gave up 192 runs in 21 games (9.1 per). Approaching the .500 mark this season is not out of the question.
Delaware Valley Terriers
Coach: Marty White (78-89, ninth season).
2011 record: 2-18, 2-10 Skyland Conference Raritan Division.
Key returnees: Jr. Scott Skripko 1B-P; Sr. Tom Chiswick 3B-P; Jr. Chris Pilone C; Jr. Reed Williams SS; Sr. Tyler Johnston 1B-2B-P.
Key losses: Clint Wojick OF-P; Brian Grohgans OF; Joe O'Rourke 2B-P; Brent Croasdale OF; Peter Mayer OF; Dan Brokaw P (missed 2011 with injury).
Promising newcomers: Sr. Dennis Martell OF-2B; Sr. Kieth Ferdinando OF; OF Paul Innocenti; Sr. Mike Innocenti 1B-DH; Jr. Ryan Hann C-3B-P; So. Joe Chiarino OF-C-P; So. Chris Fiaschetti 2B-OF-P; So. Adam Novotny OF-P; Jr, Craig Gares OF-P.
Coach's comment: "We have nine new guys at the varsity level, so things will depend on how quickly they adjust to playing at this level. We expect to be competitive with everyone on our schedule, and improve on last year's record."
Outlook: Terriers started off on a bad note last year when ace pitcher Dan Brokaw had season-ending surgery for a torn labrum before the first game. Pitching was a weakness last season and it's a question again. Skripko and Pilone are very good players and will have to lead an inexperienced group. This team should hit, but the pitching needs to be respectable if the Hunterdon County school is to be successful.
Hackettstown Tigers
Coach: Gary Poyer (136-90, 11th season).
2011 record: 21-2, 10-0 NJAC Freedom Division (first).
Key returnees: Sr. Ryan Tatarka P.
Key losses: Matt Reynolds P-3B; Justin Knight P-2B; Kirby Neuner OF; Mark Feci C; Adam Young SS; Madison Kimball 3B-1B; Chris Souders OF; James Novembre 3B-2B; Mike Delorenzo 1B-P; Ryan Pezzato OF.
Promising newcomers: Jr. Owen Gavin OF; Jr. Nick Garno OF; Sr. Nick Lang OF; Jr. Ronald Gieger SS; Sr. Tyler Kessel 2B; Sr. Joe Milelli 1B; Jr. Colin Tierner 3B; Jr. Matt Bailey C; So. Justin Nichols 1B-P; Jr. Matt Lerman 3B-P; Jr. Eddie Dulio OF; Jr. Joe Alitz OF; Jr. Dean Caravito 2B; So. Kenny Stelmack SS.
Coach's comment: "We graduated 13 of 14 players [all starters]. This is a promising new group with speed and defensive prowess."
Outlook: No team in the area was hit harder by graduation. The Tigers are embarking on a major rebuilding project with a lot of questions, especially on the mound. Reynolds and Knight were an outstanding 1-2 atop the rotation. The Freedom Division is up for grabs this season, so we'll see how this team stacks up.
Hunterdon Central Red Devils
Coach: Mike Raymond (224-82, 12th season).
2011 record: 20-10, 9-7 Skyland Conference Delaware Division (tied fourth).
Key returnees: Sr. Evan Klimchak SS; Sr. Kenny Wilson OF; Jr. Greggie Russomagno OF; Jr. Jeremy Ake 2B; Jr. Bill Maier P; Sr. Brett Bonn 3B; Sr. Steve Rasile P; Sr. Joe DiGiovanni P; Sr. Pete Monahan P.
Key losses: Greg Scassera P; Josh Ake SS; Sean Thomas 1B; Chris Suseck 3B; T.J. Mordeci C; Zak Sokolowski DH.
Promising newcomers: So. Mike Pffeninger 1B; So. Matt Stalter SS; Jr. Paul Cucco 3B; Jr. John Icaza OF; Jr. Nick Gentile OF; So. Drew Rodriguez OF; Jr. Brett Mele C; Jr. Robbie Ehrhard C; Sr. Ryan Justice P; Jr. Ryan Thomas P; Sr. Tom Amiano P; Jr. George Daley P; Jr. Jon McNeil P; Jr. Josh Susekind P.
Coach's comment: "I believe this year's team has the talent and potential to be successful this season. We definitely have some holes to fill after losing four-year varsity letterwinners Josh Ake and Chris Suseck, as well as some other very talented players. Our strengths will lie in our ability to pitch and play defense. Our guys are excited to start the season and continue our tradition of winning games."
Outlook: Red Devils enter the season without question as the Open Mike area's top team. A wealth of pitching depth and a solid tradition give this team a chance to go a long way this spring. Klimchak, Ake and Russomagno lead a potent offense. Rasile and DiGiovanni are a nice 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. Central is moving a number of players around to different positions, so the defense could be a slight question mark. Regardless, expect this group to be playing deep into the postseason.
North Hunterdon Lions
Coach: Mike Kane (first season).
2011 record: 13-13, 9-7 Skyland Conference Delaware Division (tied fourth).
Key returnees: Sr. Derek Jenkins (.439 avg, 43 hits) OF; Sr. Ben Stine 1B-P; Sr. Tim Howard SS-P; Sr. Rob Aromando 3B-P; Sr. Alex Noboa 3B-DH; Sr. Garrett Smith P.
Key losses: Asa Whitaker P; Andrew Westlin OF; Ricky Guile SS-P; Steve Bloodworth P; Nick Plinio C; Dylan Brown P.
Promising newcomers: Sr. Troy Fitzpatrick OF-P; Sr. Tyler Many 2B; Jr. C.J. Rasile OF-DH; Jr. Shane Brown OF-P; Jr. Mike Ragozine 1B; Jr. Greg Cocchiola 2B; Jr. Devlin Berry OF; Jr. Robbie Young SS-OF-P; Jr. Andrew Gianos C; Jr. Kevin Wasser C; Fr. Andrew Meiners C.
Coach's comment: "My assistant coaches Derek Yocum [junior varsity], Mark Franzyshen [freshman] Mike DeBosh [volunteer pitching coach] and Don Helmstetter [volunteer] have all been instrumental in the preparation of our players. Coach Yocum is also our strength and conditioning coach who has these kids in the best shape they've ever been in."
Outlook: Lions have a new coach for the first time in 34 seasons as Kane takes over for the legendary Parker Snare. North lost its top three pitchers from a year ago, so it will need some arms to help fill the void. The speedy Jenkins, who will miss the start of the season with a shoulder injury, is the team's offensive catalyst and is heading to Seton Hall University in the fall. Lots of new faces in the lineup and it will be interesting to see how this team responds to a new coach and a tough division. Some sat behind some talented players the last few seasons, so this is their time to show what they can do. This team should be among the best in the area.
North Warren Patriots
Coach: Jim Haupt (188-126, 14th season).
2011 record: 15-8, 11-1 Skyland Conference Valley Division (first).
Key returnees: Sr. Joe Frankosky 3B-P; Sr. Garret Becker OF-INF-P; Jr. Hunter Stevens OF-P; Sr. Denver Greene OF; Sr. Kevin Conlon 2B.
Key losses: Nick Macaione P-1B; Kevin Kelly C; Travis Eldridge P; Pat Dolan P-SS; Ryan McCarthy DH.
Promising newcomers: Jr. Dan Perry 1B-P; So. David Wilbur C; So. Alex Hladik SS-P; Jr. Mike Clothier OF; Jr. Connor Walsh OF-P; So. Brian Turner INF-P; So. Nick Meyer 1B-P; So. Scott Palmer OF.
Coach's comment: "I am looking forward to a challenging and exciting season. I think this is the best five-man pitching staff [Frankosky, Becker, Perry, Stevens, Walsh] I have ever had here. Becker is one of the best hitters in our area, but beyond that we need to work on our offense. I expect to be competitive in every game we play."
Outlook: Patriots lost significant talent, particularly pitching, to graduation, but it appears Haupt's club is reloaded with good arms. If the offense comes around, this team could be extremely tough to beat, especially in the Valley Division. North Warren will move to the NJAC next season, so the Pats would like one last Skyland title.
Phillipsburg Stateliners
Coach: Dave Hinkle (27-26, third season).
2011 record: 13-14, 6-10 Skyland Conference Delaware Division (eighth).
Key returnees: Sr. Anthony Ciavarella P-1B-OF; Sr. Robert Howell P-OF; Sr. Devin Grade C-2B; Jr. Alex Martin OF; Sr. Mike Ciesla P.
Key losses: Mike Murray 3B; Justin Scuorzo 1B; Ryan Luke SS-P; Sean Corman P-1B.
Promising newcomers: So. Chris Trent OF; So. Matt McAnally SS; So. Tyler Plesnarski P; Jr. Tyler Widitz 3B-P; Jr. Bryan Gardner 1B; Jr. Eric Drzewiecki 3B-SS-OF; Sr. Sahil Patel INF; Sr. David Toupin C.
Coach's comment: "We don't have the big boppers we've had the past few years, but we have a lot of speed and are going to try to use it to manufacture runs. We have a lot of question marks in our infield, but our young guys are working hard and getting better every day."
Outlook: Stateliners certainly have an edge in the pitching department with three solid arms (Monmouth-bound-Ciavarella, Howell and Ciesla). That's half the battle these days. As Hinkle says, P'burg doesn't have a lot of firepower offensively, so small ball will be the recipe for potential success. Pitching will be the key to giving this team a chance to be competitive with most teams on the schedule.
South Hunterdon Eagles
Coach: Toby Jefferis (seventh season).
2011 record: 6-12, 4-7 Skyland Conference Valley Division (fifth).
Key returnees: Jr. Grant Jensen OF-P; Jr. Jake Phillips INF; Sr. Shaun Osgood OF-P; So. Jared Bogdan OF; Jr. Robert Albanir SS-3B-P.
Key losses: Ray Brown P; Sam Franzini SS; Parker Jensen 1B.
Promising newcomers: So. Toby Coleman 2B-3B-P; So. Robert Eick OF-1B-P; Fr. Jimmy Smiegocki 1B-P; So. Aaron Weber C.
Coach's comment: "We are looking to replace seven seniors [lost] to graduation. We need to fill out our pitching rotation and infield."
Outlook: Eagles are a young team with only one senior (Osgood) on the entire roster. This team is looking for an ace on the mound with the graduation of Brown, who was the workhorse in 2011. Albanir was the team's No. 2 last year, so he will look to fill the void. South is in a difficult division, so it will have to get up to speed in a hurry to compete with the big boys.
Voorhees Vikings
Coach: Spark Mattson (63-107-1, ninth season).
2011 record: 18-4, 10-2 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (first).
Key returnees: Sr. Trey Conroy 2B-P; Sr. Matt Bonavita OF; Sr. Tyler Duplaga 3B-P; Sr. Bryan Konsig OF-1B; Sr. Tyler Kays P; Sr. Ronnie Honickel OF-1B; Jr. Josh Hausler C; Jr. Dan Barone OF; Jr. Nick Marini INF-OF; Jr. Mitch Palmer SS-1B.
Key losses: Sean Keselica P-OF; Ryan Hawke SS-P; Casey Conroy 1B-P.
Promising newcomers: Jr. Andrew Haspiel P; So. Matt Furca 2B-3B; So. Kevin Larkins INF-OF.
Coach's comment: "Obviously Sean [Keselica] was a huge loss as he had 10 of our 18 wins, plus was our leading hitter and inspiration. You don't ever replace someone like Sean [now at Virginia Tech]. We have nine players back, but most were role players for the most part. Duplaga and Bonavita will really have to pick it up. Trey is our only proven pitcher. We'll just take it day by day and hope the pitching comes around."
Outlook: Vikings were among the elite teams last year for one major reason -- Sean Keselica (.431 avg., 6 HRs, 24 RBIs; 10-1 on the mound). His loss is a big one, but this team could still be tough this season. Pitching beyond Conroy (4-2, 30 K's) is a huge question mark, but this club should hit. The return of Honickel, who took last year off, is a big plus. Hausler behind the plate again and Duplaga's solid bat (.319, 8 doubles, 15 RBIs) also bode well. Keep an eye on this team. Early date at Warren Hills (Tuesday, April 3) will tell a lot.
Warren Hills Blue Streaks
Coach: Mike Quinto (102-106, eighth season).
2011 record: 12-12, 7-5 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (tied fourth).
Key returnees: Sr. Kyle Allen SS-P; Sr. Mark Apgar SS-P; Sr. Connor Cruts OF-P; Sr. Ryan Curto 2B-3B-P; Sr. Landon Chandler OF-P; Jr. Shea Kohler OF-2B; Jr. Ron Legreide C.
Key losses: Joe Matarazzo OF; Kevin Kunzmann P-OF; Scott Paulus 1B; Alex Haines 1B; Ron Gueterman 3B-P.
Promising newcomers: Jr. Dallas Johnson OF-3B-P; So. Alex Julian 3B-SS-P; Jr. Michael Lascu 1B; Jr. Ryan Callahan OF-P; Jr. Grant Cuomo P; Fr. Christian Stagaard C-P; Jr. Cody Crowley OF; Jr. Taylor Brands INF; Sr. Tim Pollitt INF; Jr. Josh Bozzi OF.
Coach's comment: "We think we can [contend for the division title]. Our pitching is pretty strong with three of our four best pitchers [Allen, Apgar and Cruts] from last year back. [Offensively with the new bats] we don't expect a lot of [homers]. We're going to bunt-and-run, hit-and-run and play that type of baseball to get some runs. The kids are confident and are working hard."
Outlook: Blue Streaks have a very good nucleus with Allen, Apgar, Cruts and Curto. All were strong players for last year's team and they will provide strong leadership this season. Johnson, another solid pitcher, recently suffered a concussion and will miss at least the first two weeks. Even so, this group has a lot of arms and if the offense supports them, this could be a very good season in Washington. You'd certianly have to figure this bunch will compete for a spot atop the division, along with Somerville and Voorhees.
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