Can we start talking about it now? Predictions. Outlooks.
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Originally Posted by BaseballDad757:
Can we start talking about it now? Predictions. Outlooks.
Well, it's hard to know exactly what will transpire between now and September. Every year, there seems to be a few folks who end up transferring into the various school districts. We will not know who and where, as it regards those folks until later on.
My early thoughts would be this:
The same players will be good again.
To be clear...this past season, there was a clear separation in regards to the best team. Western Branch was better and deeper, in almost every way. Amongst the next four, there was very little separation. Any of the other four could beat the other on any given day, and it would not be a surprise.
In 2015, I expect there to be very little separation amongst the top half, again!
* Nansemond River will be a legitimate state title contender.
* Western Branch, for all that they're losing, will return quite a bit, and always have talent in waiting.
* 2015 should be the year that Grassfield takes a step up. They return two D1 pitchers, and their best bats will be back.
* Hickory will be very good at the top, but not sure about the bottom of the lineup.
* Great Bridge always has talent, and is always well coached. Given what they are losing, I'm not sure how they stack up to the other four.
I always believe pitching is vitally important. Grassfield is in a position to win a lot with the 2 arms they will have in Smith and Stallings.
Since Grassfield opened they have generally had pretty good arms. Scoring against teams that can also pitch has been the challenge for them. Usually pretty good at the top but not a lot of depth in the order. That is where WB, NR, and GB have had the edge on GF,IR and up to this year Hickory over the last 4 or 5 years.