Cardinal wise… (this is going to be a disjointedDo we know who returns the most this year? and Preseason rankings ?
Great report as usual. Always enjoy reading your breakdowns. Everything is pretty much spot on.Cardinal wise… (this is going to be a disjointed
FC, FCA, and Rosecrans all return ‘the most.’
FCA probably returns the most (and best) corps of hitting + pitching + fielding [all three combined] experience among those three — plus their JH teams were pretty good in previous years.
Rosecrans — TBH, I have no idea what to expect out of these guys… they’ve managed to continuously exceed expectations (at least mine) and they’ve sniped some wins against the top of the league. I guess the main thing that stands between them and driving the league title race is whether they can build some pitching depth (with an established 1-and-2.) They’ve been both capable of pulling upsets but also getting beat through attrition on the rubber in the same week.
FC — they’re probably the most ‘interesting’ team of these three. They’ll have a pitching corps of at least five guys (and they can probably get CG’s out of three of them) and can make another two work in relief. Getting some versatility and consistent fielding in the Diamond 9 rotations for when pitchers 4-7 are on the hill will be key (just a product of small roster — have to get guys moved around.) In April, they will have a two week stretch (in order of M-W-F) of HP/BU/FCA and then GCC/MP/Rosecrans the following week. That slate will test the endurance of the arm barn.
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I said this post would be disjointed. There’s really no way to know if the above three will be the top three in the league in any order.
Berne brings back some solid hitting and some pitching depth developed. They do graduate the middle of their infield (Dylan Winkler — SS/pitching ace; Tylor Tipple at 2B) and their CF (one of their better hitters.) IIRC, they do bring back the corners and they return the most-experienced catcher in the league (who will probably be getting some innings as well.)
MP — not sure where they really fit in the league race? The Port has two things that make them dangerous: 1) a big, experienced southpaw who can overpower (just a unique combination of skillset and physical traits that rarely comes through any side of the MSL) and 2) an experienced cadre of batters who can make opposing pitchers work. What’s a little curious about the Lakers this year are three things: they don’t (APPEAR TO) have an established pitching corps behind Levacy and their presumable #2 [at least not as deep as what FCA, FC, BU would have]; they graduated Tyler Hall at catcher; they have a new coach (I can’t remember if he was on Everitt’s staff last year or not.) So, they have at least some really strong pieces — it just remains to be seen what the rest of the picture looks like for them.
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Miller has made strides. I’m not sure what all they bring back.
IIRC, GCC brings back a bunch of guys. If they can get the pitching shored up they’ll be a team that can spoil. They also have a coaching change, but I think they hired from within.
HP has also made some serious strides.
Cooper comes from a good coaching pedigree. I knew he has a job at WTLSD, just wasn’t sure on where he was previously staff wise. Thanks!Great report as usual. Always enjoy reading your breakdowns. Everything is pretty much spot on.
I’m with you on MP. Not sure where they fit in. They do have a really good #2 pitcher Brendan Jakeway. He’s a junior and and also play SS. Just a great kid and a tough competitor. After that it get a little thin with a freshman pitcher coming in and also a senior lefty that throws. The tough replacement is going to be Tyler Hall as a catcher and his bat. Defensively otherwise they return most. As for the new head coach this will be his first year with the program. It’s Cooper Vest from Bloom Carroll. His father is the head coach at BC. He has been an assistant at BC.
I believe another team in that boat of “bringing back a bunch of kids, but graduates their solid catcher” is FCA as well.The tough replacement is going to be Tyler Hall as a catcher and his bat.
Like every couple years for Harvest Prep, they have a new coach and a new team. One of the few positives is that interest the last couple years have been much better, as they have had around 15-18 players. While this may not seem as a lot, compared to the 8 boys and 1 girl that they had in 2019, which did not even make it through the full season, it is a massive step forward. The next step, which has been needed for the last couple of years is pitching and fielding. Lastly, Harvest Prep is playing a Columbus City School for the first time in years against Africentric. They also are playing two MOCAL schools in LCA and Shekinah Christian. I am glad Harvest Prep is playing some Columbus City Schools, as this is both schools worst sport and should have a somewhat competitive game.
Might be a little (what’s the best way to say this) premature for both to play something this year.Maybe if they get some openings they can play Whetstone, they are in the City League.
Heard today that they’re getting their field fixed up a bit, more equipment, and new coaches, should be an exciting year for the kidsLike every couple years for Harvest Prep, they have a new coach and a new team. One of the few positives is that interest the last couple years have been much better, as they have had around 15-18 players. While this may not seem as a lot, compared to the 8 boys and 1 girl that they had in 2019, which did not even make it through the full season, it is a massive step forward. The next step, which has been needed for the last couple of years is pitching and fielding. Lastly, Harvest Prep is playing a Columbus City School for the first time in years against Africentric. They also are playing two MOCAL schools in LCA and Shekinah Christian. I am glad Harvest Prep is playing some Columbus City Schools, as this is both schools worst sport and should have a somewhat competitive game.
26 is a great number! Good things happening in Hemlock!It will be an exciting year in the Cardinal Division. Miller has 26 boys out, should be able to play some JV games also. Only one senior on the roster, I believe.
Looks like most schools are only playing two, and they’re waiting until next week to get them rolling.Any scrimmages this week?
Not sure! Grandview always gets better and can be tough outs in league play; they just haven’t (for some reason) been much of a postseason threat in the District stage. Unsure on the Barons.How will Grandview and Buckeye Valley be?
Not sure! Grandview always gets better and can be tough outs in league play; they just haven’t (for some reason) been much of a postseason threat in the District stage. Unsure on the Barons.
FCA will be the ‘1a’ going into league play. Defending district champs, return what by default is going to be the most experienced corps of players. The bats are there — they are most likely going to cut by a thousand singles, and a hundred hustle doubles.I would think Fisher and Berne should be the favorites in the Cardinal with Grove City Christian and Millersport right there as well and Rosecrans won't be easy. FCA and Miller don't know enough to gauge how good they could be and Harvest will be competitive.
If he can block, they’re probably just ‘1’ in the pre-season power rankings in that case (not that I necessarily enjoy saying that out loud!) Critical question gets answered there.FCA does have a really good freshman catcher. Was really impressed with him. Also they have two freshman pitchers that will play a big roll on the team. I’m with you on FCA as the 1a.
Good predictions, but I’d swap one of the top ones.MSL Pre Season Predictions
1. FCA
2. Berne Union
3. FC
4. Millersport
5. Bishop Rosecrans
6. GCC
7. Miller
8. HPS