2008 Baseball preview

(2007 records, stats in parentheses)

Duneland Athletic Conference

CHESTERTON (20-6)

Players to watch: Zack Novak, Sr., CF/P (.373); Steve Janes, Sr., (1-1).

Outlook: The Trojans have had players selected in the MLB draft the last two seasons (Sean Green, John Lambert). Coach Jack Campbell doesn't expect that to be the case with this season's roster, which also lost 11 seniors to graduation.

Quote: "This isn't necessarily a bad position to be in. Some teams might overlook us and save their best pitchers for other games. We have expectations to play pretty well." -- Campbell

CROWN POINT (29-3)

Players to watch: Blake Mascarello, Sr., P/2B (.372, 3 HR, 15 R, 22 RBIs, 6-2, 61 Ks, 2.90 ERA); Nick Hladek, Sr., C, (.385, 31 R, 29 RBIs, 5 3B); Mike Kozlowski, Jr., 3B/P (.429, 19 R, 12 RBIs, 4-0, 20 Ks, 3.00 ERA).

Outlook: It's not quite Extreme Home Makeover time yet, but the Bulldogs lost some key pitching -- including 2007 Times player of the year Chris Saroff -- and expect to take the first few games to find their groove. Pitching is still the strength of this team. Mascarello will likely be the ace, but C.P. also expects good games from Kozlowski, Mike Hernandez and Eric Clayton.

Quote: "We want to survive the first couple weeks of our conference. We don't know what we're going to get with this team, yet, but if we can survive the first couple of weeks, maybe that'll give us a chance to compete for the conference title." -- coach Steve Strayer

LAKE CENTRAL (16-13)

Players to watch: AJ Doyle, Sr., 3B (.400, 20 R, 17 RBIs); Kyle Kaluza, Jr., CF, (.353, 29 R, 17 RBIs, 12 SB); Eric Summers, Jr., DH/P (.348, 26 RBIs); Dan Manick, Sr., P (5-3, 2.95 ERA, 22 K).

Outlook: If he played in the field, he's back this season. All eight non-pitchers from last season's sectional titlist return to their starting positions, and only the No. 1 starter's gone from the rotation. Instead, on the mound, the Indians bring height, with 6-foot-8 Summers, 6-5 Manick, 6-4 Kyle Scheffel and 6-3 Neil Koricanac. With an offseason program that included time in a new weight room and produced a speedier team, expectations are high.

Quote: "There is a lot more pressure than there was last year, when we knew we had a young team come in. One of the things we learned last year is that when we took the pressure off, we started winning." -- coach Todd Iwema

LAPORTE (22-9)

Players to watch: Ian Nielsen, Sr., 1B/P (.344, 12 2Bs, 7 HR, 35 RBI; 8-2, 2.52 ERA, 64 IP, 78 SO); John Gakle, Sr., 2B (.422); Neil Hackett, Sr., P (8-2, 3.05, 75 2/3 IP, 79 SO); Adam McIntyre, Sr., OF (.321, 24 RBIs); Kyle Rosenbaum, Jr., OF (.345, 26 runs, 18 SB, 16 RBIs).

Outlook: The Slicer roster includes just four seniors, but they return 16 wins in the pitching tandem of Hackett and Nielsen, who also has one of the DAC's most feared power bats.

Quote: "Although there is some talent in the younger group, they are making the jump from junior varsity to varsity caliber baseball. The four seniors will be relied on heavily to lead the way early in the season." -- coach Scott Upp

MERRILLVILLE (12-16)

Players to watch: Patrick Nawracaj, Sr., P (5-5, 3.93 ERA, 22 K); Dustin Blaylock, Sr., 2B (.339, 12 R, 8 RBIs); Dan Jutkus, Sr., P (5 G, 4.38 ERA, 11 SO); Doug Domikaitis, Sr., P/1B (2 saves, 3.96 ERA, 21 K).

Outlook: The Pirates pitching staff has worked hard in the offseason and is expected to be an anchor while the rest of the young squad catches up. Though the speed isn't the same as former Merrillville teams, this is a squad that won't hesitate to play small ball, winning games by a run or two.

Quote: "We have a lot of young kids and a strong sophomore class that wants to play and they've been working hard and want to fight for those positions." -- coach Mark Ciesielski.

PORTAGE (12-17)

Players to watch: Steve Bryan, Jr., P (2.09 ERA); Shane Prance, Sr., P (3.85 ERA); Sam Fazekas, Sr., 1B (.377, 6 2B, 18 RBIs); Kyle Schiller, Jr., SS (.375, 8 2B, 3 3B); Luke Manoski, Sr., CF (6 2B, 4 3B).

Outlook: The Indians return some quality players from last year's roster, including their top three pitchers. That makes coach Tim Pirowski somewhat optimistic that his team will improve this season.

Quote: "We've got some guys who had a taste of it last year. Now they are hungry for a winning record and competing for a (conference) championship. We're looking to make some more strides from where we've been over the last 10 years." -- Pirowski

VALPARAISO (14-13)

Players to watch: Ben Olejniczak, Jr., 3B/C (.347); Tony Hite, Jr., P/OF (.280); Matt Krantz, Jr., P (2-2, 39 Ks); Jerry Vasile, Jr., 3B (.369).

Outlook: The Vikings are led by a solid junior class. Valpo also has some quality youth with sophomore Eric Green and freshman phenom Jerrick Suiter on the roster. The key for this season might be the development of the pitching staff.

Quote: "We've got that experience that I feel is important. You always want to have good underclassmen. My main concern is our pitching and their lack of experience. We do have some kids who can throw." -- coach Mickey Morandini

Greater South Shore Conference

BISHOP NOLL (11-18)

Players to watch: Ben Jones, Sr., OF (.368, 25 R); Andrew Ramker, Jr., SS (.367, 21 R, 16 RBIs); Tony Balcazar, Jr., RHP (3-1, 3.16 ERA, 24 K).

Outlook: The Warriors are dominated by their junior class with 10 on the roster and no senior pitchers. The Warriors lost their Nos. 3 and 4 hitters, and will be finding solid replacements for the now-graduated Pelletier twins, Jake and Josh.

Quote: "I think with the experience we got last year, we're not playing to just build up for a deep junior class. We want to be competitive now and we think last year was a learning process to get us to that point." -- coach Paul Wirtz

CALUMET (8-17)

Players to watch: James Tucker, Sr., P/SS; Erik Opperman, Jr., CF/P; Mike Matuszczak, So., LF.

Outlook: The Warriors were a team on the rise last year and hope to improve on that record in a new conference. With solid pitching returning, as the season progresses and the team jells, this squad could fight for a conference title.

Quote: "We do have a little speed this time around. Last year, we lost quite a bit on the basepath where we could have produced more runs. It looks better right now than where we were when we ended last year." -- coach Roger Azbill

LAKE STATION (4-22)

Players to watch: Russell Jorgensen, Sr., 1B/3B; Kris Klimek, Jr., CF/RHP; Joe Rixie, Jr., OF/1B; Derreck Robb, So., SS/RHP.

Outlook: The Eagles return four starters from last season's team and are young and inexperienced this season. Focusing on defense first, Lake Station does return some pitching in the junior Klimek and sophomore Robb.

Quote: "We need to get better defensively. Just over the course of the year, I'd like to make that steady improvement." -- coach Nick Georgion

NORTH NEWTON (10-17)

Players to watch: Bobby Anderson, Jr., C (.384, 20 RBIs, 30 R, 12 SB); Bobby Wallen, Jr., SS (.397, 23 RBIs); Steven Groah, Jr., CF (.300, 20 SB, 28 R); Michael Schroeder, Jr., P/1B (2-5, 6.52 ERA, 27 SO).

Outlook: With a strong junior class -- and minimal losses from last season's starting lineup -- expectations and options are high in Monticello. The skill, as well as the desire, is to the point where the Spartans feel ready to compete.

Quote: "One of our major goals is to go out and win that new conference. Everyone should know their role by the time the conference starts. We've never had an all-conference player because we've never been in a conference before." -- coach Greg Mikulich

RIVER FOREST (6-16)

Players to watch: Nathan Parker, Sr., P/CF (.433, 4 HR, 19 RBIs); Michael Kosinski, Jr., P/1B (.305, 16 RBIs, 2-6, 5.44 ERA, 22 Ks); Shane Campbell, So., C (.268); Ryan Smith, So., P/SS (5.94 ERA, 22 K).

Outlook: Under a new coach, the Ingots are learning small ball and a new mental approach. The bulk of the team, while young, had a lot of playing time last season, so there is varsity experience returning as well as youngster Tyler Hanson, a freshman who is expected to be called on as a leadoff batter.

Quote: "We want to steal a lot. We're going to take chances on the bases and if we can score three or four runs, we have a pretty good shot in every game. We'll be putting pressure on the other team." -- coach Dave Waddell

WHEELER (17-12)

Players to watch: Corben Lee, Sr., RF (.460, 25 RBIs, 20 SB, 12 2Bs); Chuck Wilk, Sr., LF/P (.391, 23 RBIs, 9 2Bs); Matt Plankey, Sr., 1B (.451, 32 RBIs, 8 2Bs); Tyler Nader, Sr., P/1B/OF (4-6, 4.15 ERA); P/3B Eric Hibbard, Sr., P/3B (.243; 3-2, 4 SV, 4.77 ERA).

Outlook: The Bearcats will have another winning season and contend in the GSSC. They should benefit at the plate and on the mound from having Wilk around for a full schedule. He missed April with a bad back last year, then had a torrid May.

Quote: "I'm really excited about this year. We've got real good team speed and a good lineup. I'm really positive about the pitching." -- coach Jack Schimanski

WHITING (12-19)

Players to watch: Will Dumezich, Sr., LF (.394, 33 RBIs); Brock Vale, Sr., CF/P (.344, 27 R, 11 SB); Jon Lovasko, Sr., 1B (.314, 21 RBIs).

Outlook: With a wild end to 2007 -- with new players in new positions by the time the season concluded -- the Oilers will be returning some varsity experience. Dumezich is 18 doubles away from the state record, which isn't inconceivable since he hit 22 as a sophomore. This will be a strong hitting team while the pitchers take the early part of the season to work through any kinks.

Quote: "If we can start to win close games then we'll know how to play close games by sectional time. This is a team that can learn how to win." -- coach Kevin Lenz

Great Lakes Athletic Conference

CLARK (21-9)

Players to watch: Trent Howard, Sr., P (5-4, 3.36 ERA, 102 K, .397, 19 RBIs); Jon Carpen, Sr., SS/P (.333, 27 R, 39 RBIs, 3.64 ERA,3-1, 31 K), Nick Curosh, Sr., 1B (.328, 15 RBIs,16 R), Craig Fruth, Sr., C/3B (.289, 20 R, 10 SB, 16 RBIs).

Outlook: The Pioneers lost some power hitting and speedy base-stealing, but return a pen of pitchers and the middle of their batting order. With the older Carpens -- Michael and Albert -- graduated, replacements such as Brandon Beason and Michael Rooke are expected to fill some big shoes.

Quote: "The hitting is going to be an unknown right now, since we lost the Carpen twins. I think our pitching is going to be our No. 1." -- coach Pat Montalbano

GAVIT (9-20)

Players to watch: R.J. Legel, Sr., P/INF; Adam Cobb, Sr., OF; Matt Delgado, Sr., P/OF.

Outlook: The Gladiators are rich with seniors and deeper in pitching. In a new conference, with a new coach in Tony Harris, the goal this season is to beat a few more city teams.

Quote: "I expect them to be ready to play and give it everything they've got. The quote we put on our T-shirts is 'Leave it all on the field.' We'd like that field to be Victory Field." -- coach Harris

HAMMOND (5-16)

Players to watch: Ricky Vasquez, So., P/1B; Shawn Robinson, Sr., P; Matt Richardson, Sr., C; John McDaniel, Jr., P.

Outlook: The Wildcats have a first-year coach in Robert Robinson, who turned the football team into a conference winner. Ace Vasquez and Shawn Robinson are both lefties specializing in keeping batters off rhythm. Expect the speed on this team to be important as small-ball hits are turned into doubles and triples.

Quote: "I think we're going to compete because we have such solid pitching and we're fast enough that we can manufacture runs. I'll tell you, 5-16 will be unacceptable." -- coach Robert Robinson

MORTON (21-7)

Players to watch: Jesse Tomich, Jr., P/3B (5-1, 1.91 ERA, 34 SO); Justin Faught, Sr., P/2B (.354, 27 RBIs, 17 SB); Mike Flores, Sr., SS (.315, 19 RBIs, 11 SB); Kyle Weddington, Jr., P/LF (2-0, 4.34 ERA, .419, 7 RBIs).

Outlook: With the entire infield returning from last year's sectional final team, defense will definitely be this squad's strength, while younger skilled players fight for the open spots in the outfield.

Quote: "These kids are nice and loose and are ready to play. They know they can win. We have a good mindset from early in the season and are ready to go." -- coach Scott Lush

Northwest Crossroads Conference

ANDREAN (24-10)

Players to watch: Thomas Polus, Jr., OF (.500, 21 RBIs, 7 SB, 30 R); Adam Norton, Jr., SS/RHP (.385, 36 RBIs, 5 HR, 38 R, 8 SB, 7-4, 2.01 ERA, 54 K); Mike Pokers, Jr., Utility (.418, 30 RBIs, 30 R, 1-1, 3.32 ERA).

Outlook: The 59ers lost a little but not much from last season's semistate finalist. Andrean is strong on the mound -- with Norton and Pokers among their hard hurlers -- and with the bat.

Quote: "I want to find competitors. We've got a lot of good athletes out there, but I want to find the nine that will compete day in and day out." -- coach Dave Pishkur

GRIFFITH (23-10)

Players to watch: Tim Cooper, Sr., RHP (7-3, 4.31 ERA, 33 K); Jake Terpstra, Sr., LHP (2-1, 4.20 ERA, 17 K); Kyle Lidster, Jr., RHP (2-1, 4.20 ERA, 16 K); Derek Hitt, Sr., 3B (.276, 15 RBIs); Kyle Najar, Sr., OF (.235, 8 RBIs, 11 R).

Outlook: The Panthers lost 12 seniors -- including a pair of Division I athletes -- but those coming in to replace them have high baseball IQs. With speed aplenty and power-hitting apale, this team can manufacture runs and will become avid bunters and single-double hitters. Pitching is strong in Griffith, where the Panthers return hurlers with big-game experience.

Quote: "This is a very athletic group, they're real quick and not real big. This is how we used to do it, a lot of our teams back in the early part of 2000. We never had a bunch of big boppers, but we put pressure on defenses." -- coach Brian Jennings

HIGHLAND (15-16)

Players to watch: Matt Bugajski, Sr., 3B (.400, 19 RBIs); Brian Altgilbers, Sr., C (.372, 19 RBIs); Josh Minch, Sr., P/SS (4-3, 4.12 ERA, 59 SO).

Outlook: The Trojans lost a pair of solid pitchers and have the numbers to fill those shoes on the mound. How successful this team is can depend on how well those numbers produce pitches. Bugajski and Altgilbers are four-year starters and are expected to help bring the big bat to the plate as well as off the field.

Quote: "We have yet to see the younger kids and how good they can be. I like to think they'll be successful, but it'll have to happen on the mound. I like to think we're pretty good defensively and I think we can get some hits." -- coach Dan Miller

HOBART (10-20)

Players to watch: Jake Plesac, Sr., OF/LHP (.296, 13 RBIs, 24 R, 2-5, 5.25 ERA, 30 SO); Greg Glover, Sr., P/SS (.311, 15 RBIs, 20 R, 1-2, 5.77 ERA, 13 SO), David Buchzek, Sr., Utility (.583); Nathan Pope, Sr., SS/2B (.475, 10 RBI, 23 R).

Outlook: With 85 percent of their pitching back and the bulk of the defense, attitude is high in the Brickies clubhouse. With so much experience back, especially on the mound, Hobart will be relying on its pitching as much as its defense.

Quote: "This group of kids has the best attendance in the preseason at the varsity level and they get along so well. They respect each other and we think this season is going to be really fun." -- coach Tom Martin

KANKAKEE VALLEY (20-11)

Players to watch: Micah Rabel, Sr., P/C/INF (.295, 18 RBIs, 3-2, 4.31 ERA, 22 SO); Alex Byers, Sr., CF/P (4-2, 2 saves, 5.50 ERA, 36 K, .319, 12 RBIs); Kale Popp, Jr., P (5-0, 2.02 ERA, 27 K).

Outlook: The Kougars lost 11 players to graduation. Those returning have a few innings on the mound, but not a lot of power hitting. Welcoming a new era in K.V. baseball, the Kougars this season might be playing more small ball, relying on their speed so much more.

Quote: "I'm worried. We don't have very many players. We don't have very much varsity experience. Our numbers are down, our experience is down, it's kind of like the weather." -- coach Doug Greenlee

LOWELL (14-16)

Players to watch: Derek Brandenburg, Jr., P (.309, 2 HR, 3-4, 5.68 ERA); David Lang, Sr., DH (.312); Ricky Dodson.

Outlook: This year the Red Devils return pitcher Kevin Donovan, who missed last season with an ACL injury, in their arsenal. However, with a graduation of 13 players, and five seniors now, the team is young, without much experience and focusing on defense.

Quote: "There's days you can tell we're really young ... and some days feel like we're retooling and continuing on." -- coach Tom Stoner

MUNSTER (22-7)

Players to watch: Blake Platt, Sr., P/RF (.340, 5-0, 2.80 ERA); Brian Ritz, Sr., SS (.406); Brett Keeler, Sr., C (.466); Brandon Miller, Sr., P (5-2, 3.14 ERA).

Outlook: The Mustangs return skill on the mound and at the plate. Platt has already signed with Johns Hopkins and Ritz is entertaining offers. Keeler is moved behind the plate after making the All-LAC team as a third baseman last year as part of a multitude of moves designed to fill open spots.

Quote: "We have some holes to fill on defense. We're going to be young with some of these guys who didn't get some experience, so we've got to get them that." -- coach Bob Shinkan

Northwestern Conference

LEW WALLACE (5-9)

Players to watch: Richard Upshaw, Sr., 2B; Dabney Hicks, Jr., LF; Marcus Allen, So., 3B/P; Kane Jarrett, Sr., 1B.

Outlook: While the season is still young, the Hornets will count on the depth of their infield to carry them through games as their hitting and pitching progress. With speed to spare, Lew Wallace knows it can create runs if it can put men on base.

Quote: "We've got to make plays. I can't say that enough, we have to make plays. That's going to be the key to us being successful." -- coach Al Williams

ROOSEVELT (10-7)

Players to watch: Cedric Ridle, Sr., SS (.373, 20 SB); Joshua Britton, Sr., 2B (.333, 12 SB); Tracell Britton, Jr., P/1B (4-3, 4.00 ERA), Darius McCoy, Jr., OF/P (.333, 15 SB).

Outlook: Joshua Britton missed last season, opting to spend the year in Washington D.C., but is back, bringing his high-hitting sophomore stats with him. A young, fast team, Roosevelt has 11 returners, mostly in the sophomore and junior class.

Quote: "For the next two years we should be OK pitching wise. We've got to replenish some hitting but we have some promising sophomores." -- coach Michael Nalls

Porter County Conference

BOONE GROVE (25-6-1)

Players to watch: P/RF Kyle Ferber, Sr. (.430, 18 RBIs, 23 runs, 16 SBs; 11-3, 1.49 ERA, 75 SO/80 1/3 IP); C Josh Cobb, Sr. (.440, 33 runs, 32 RBIs, 5 3Bs, 16 SBs); SS Zak Ursitti, Sr. (.320, 25 RBIs); 2B Drew Kidd, Sr. (.320, 18 RBIs, 18 SBs, 5 3Bs); CF Nick DiMarco, Jr. (.350, 21 RBIs, 30 runs, 12 SBs).

Outlook: The Wolves made it to semistate and are eyeing a deeper postseason run. With its ace (Ferber) and most of its potent lineup back, it could happen for the traditional 2A power.

Quote: "I think our defense will be better and our offense will really improve. We're more potent 1 to 9. These guys have a mission. They're not satisfied with where we got. They're definitely determined." -- coach Rollie Thill

HANOVER CENTRAL (13-12)

Players to watch: Andrew DeYoung, Sr., SS; Jordan Rizo, Jr., 1B; Brian Jager, Sr., C; Dale Sjordsma, Sr., P; Jesse Hernandez, Jr., P.

Outlook: The Wildcats lost their ace from last season's PCC Tournament title team, but return the entire infield and two-thirds of the outfield. With the skill positions covered, defense and pitching will be the strength of this squad.

Quote: "We are going to compete. We are playing a stronger schedule than Hanover has ever played before and hopefully that'll get us ready for the offseason." -- coach Jim Nohos

HEBRON (14-15)

Players to watch: Andrew Shrum, Sr., IF/C; Chris Stalbaum, Sr., IF/P; Larry Spore, Jr., IF/OF/P; John Huettner, Sr., P; Justin Brindley, Jr., IF/OF.

Outlook: The Hawks reached their first sectional championship game in 30 years last spring. New coach Larry Samano has some gaps to fill to keep the momentum going.

Quote: "Overall, we've got some pretty good pitching, we've got hitting. What we've been working really hard on the past few weeks is defense." -- Samano

KOUTS (13-7)

Players to watch: Morgan Drazer, Jr., P (.328, 3 HR, 11 RBIs; 3-2, 2.22 ERA, 41 IP); Preston Frame, Sr., 1B (.262); Travis McGriff, Sr. LF; Ben Birky, Sr., C (.278, 9 RBIs); Andy Rasala, Jr., 3B (.326, 12 RBIs).

Outlook: The Mustangs lost the heart of their lineup and plenty of innings to graduation. Drazer, the staff ace, will have to carry the load on the mound and help fill the void in the heart of the order along with McGriff and Rasala.

Quote: "The guys back have to step up their games. I think we've got a solid core. The juniors have gotten a lot stronger." -- coach Matt Weston

LACROSSE (14-11)

Players to watch: Matt Smith, Sr., SS; Luke Hucker, Jr., IF/P.

Outlook: The Tigers return almost intact, but will still be underclassmen-intensive under Dewey Bucher, who returns as coach.

MORGAN TWP. (8-9-1)

Players to watch: Jon Grubl, Jr., IF/OF/P; Justin Grubl, Jr., OF/IF/P; Joel Reinhertz, So., IF/P; Wes Rettinger, So., C/IF/OF.

Outlook: Former assistant coach J.D. Williamson is the Cherokees' third head coach in four years. He has a solid core group of juniors.

SOUTH CENTRAL (13-14)

Players to watch: Neal Busse, Sr., C; Blake Salisbury, Sr., 2B; Cody WIlliams, LF, Sr.; Justin Tannehill, CF, Sr.; Jason Intagliata, So., P/IF.

Outlook: The Satellites' losses were few, but they were substantial, with workhorse ace Wes Bucher (Manchester) and first baseman Evan Walter (Purdue North Central) -- both four-year starters. S.C. returns 11 seniors, so they'll get their chance to shine.

Quote: "Our lineup is balanced top to bottom. We're looking for a No. 1 and No. 2 (pitcher) to step forward. We're loaded with seniors. It's their turn to see how they handle it." -- coach Kevin Hannon

WASHINGTON TWP. (21-8)

Players to watch: Josh Biggs,1B-P, Jr. (.333, 10 RBIs; 8-2, 1.76 ERA, 94 SO/75 2/3 IP); Steve Redmon, Jr., C (.232, 18 RBIs); Casey Goodan, Sr., 2B (.290, 11 RBIs); Glen Handzlik, Sr., SS/P (.369, 16 RBIs; 3.88 ERA); Daniel Walters, Jr., 3B (.305. 13 RBIs); Jason Hogge, Jr., CF (.277, 13 RBIs).

Outlook: The Senators have one of the area's best pitchers in Biggs, a hard-throwing lefty. If Handzlik develops into a solid No. 2, look out. The duo will also provide the punch offensively as Washington looks to build on its regional title.

Quote: "I think they realize the opportunity for them to be a very good team is there. As a coach, you always expect your seniors to have big years. Championship teams also get big years out of juniors and sophomores." -- coach Randy Roberts

Others

E.C. CENTRAL (12-12)

Players to watch: Greg Day, Sr., RHP/OF (2.37 ERA, 39 K, .394, 11 RBIs), Eddie Arambula, Sr., RHP (2.20 ERA, 39 K); Jake Cuevas, Sr., RHP (2.72 ERA, 43 K); Jose Rivera, Sr., OF/C (.329, 15 SB, 23 R); Alberto Hernandez, Sr., C/OF (.412, 12 RBIs, 15 R).

Outlook: When Felix Torres took over as baseball coach four years ago, he knew the Class of '08 had talent. It's Torres' final year as coach of the Cardinals and with 11 seniors on the 15-man roster, this is the year E.C.C. has been waiting for.

Quote: "We built up for this. This is what we were imagining four years ago. We're just anticipating we're going to be successful this year. We've improved year to year and I think anything less than challenging for the sectional will be disappointing." -- Torres

RENSSELAER (8-21)

Players to watch: Trent Phegley, Sr., P (4-4, 3.98 ERA, 29 SO); Kyle Rodibaugh, Sr., P (.376, 24 R, 14 SB); Jake Egan, Jr., P (0-3, 6.53 ERA, 10 K); Travis Brandenburg, Sr., 1B (.311, 20 RBIs, 16 R).

Outlook: The Bombers are expecting some younger players to take over some key roles this season as the Hoosier Conference is competitive and wide open. Power hitter Brandenburg is expected to miss the first few weeks of the season.

Quote: "I think by the time we get about 20 games under our belt, we'll be able to tell a lot about how we're going to do in the postseason. " -- coach Brian Zacher

WESTVILLE (10-17-1)

Players to watch: Joe Yagelski, Sr., P/SS; Doug Warnke, Jr., IF/P; James Martin, Jr., C.

Outlook: The Blackhawks were senior-dominated last season, particularly on the mound.

-- Compiled by Times reporters Jim Hunsley, Jim Peters and Hillary Smith