COMMONWEALTH DISTRICT - 2011

Flying Dutchman:

I guess our district just doesn't generate much excitement until playoff time.

Riverbend is going to be tough. I agree. With 3 Division I bound players, they will be competitive.

Brooke Point lost their number 1 and 2 pitchers to graduation. That will be tough to overcome. However, they continue to have talent and chemistry, which sometimes makes all the difference when it really matters. This is evidenced by a strong senior class which has played together at the varsity level since they were freshman. Chris Denno switches from closer last year to #1 starter.

Mountain View will be in the mix. Bruno and Cleary will generate alot of offense and excitement.

North Stafford will have the edge on pitching. Both in talent and game experience. Skidmore is a heck of player.

Don't know enough about the rest of the district teams to comment.

Kennedy is very talented. But traditionally, Player of the Year goes to a senior. With that said, I can see these guys having big years and in the mix for POY:

J.J. McDaniel - Brooke Point, 3B/P. Big, strong power hitter. I think he hit 8 HR's last season. Much improved defense and will be a surprise on the mound.

Mike Bruno - Mountain View, UT. Outstanding contact hitter. Will generate big numbers on offense. Exciting player.

Tyler Skidmore - North Stafford, UT. Again, strong offensive presence. I believe he is signed to a Div I program.

I'm sure there are more out there. These are just the one's who immediately come to mind.

Rumor has it Cleary is academically ineligeble this season.

North Stafford defeats 2010 State Runner-up Woodbrige 2 - 1.

Kennedy goes 5 IP, 6 K's, 2BB, only 2 hits, 1 uneared run. Also goes 2 - 4 @ the plate.

Coach2 - your rumor about Trevor is just that...an unfounded rumor. He gave up baseball to peruse other interests...those who know him aren't totally surprised, but also feel for his parents who no doubt loved to watch him play.

Last year's state runner up is just that...last year. One game is just that...I will reserve judgement on the NS squad after they have a few district games under their belt...I also question the depth of their pitching staff.

To revisit this thread and answer Dutchman's question, WHO ARE THE TEAMS TO BEAT AND WHY?

Each team has played each other at least once now.

#1 pick to win districts is Riverbend. Good coaching as confirmed by Stimmel getting 3 players signed with D1 schools. Strong bats, pitching and a great catcher make them a contender. They need to win all their games the rest of season like they are capable of.

#2 North Stafford. Coach L is another great coach. He has plenty of pitching, great SS and batter in Tyler Skidmore who is another D1 commit,also Chris Hall who is a solid catcher and batter. All their players contribute so too many to mention.

#3 Colonial Forge They are always well coached. Don't like to get into the Player of the Year topic but Keller, a D1 commit to VMI will be in the mix with his home runs and is one of the best catchers in the area.

#4 Stafford Coach Tommy Harrison gets the most out of his players. Patrick Marshall is one of the best lefty pitchers in the area, a great 1st baseman and contributes at the plate. Chaz Tanner solid at SS and at bat. I liked their catcher (name?), sharp at his position and is a power hitter. The team seems young but appears to be improving each game.

#5 Brooke Point As mentioned in earlier post, BP lost most of their pitching to graduation last year. Saw a freshman lefty pitcher for BP who could be formidable to opposing teams when used. Does anyone know his name? Haven't seen anything written up about him. BP off to a rough start but could still be contenders in the playoffs as they seem to finish strong.

#6 Albermarle/Massoponax Don't know much about either except that Mass did beat my number #1 pick, Riverbend. Go figure...

reply to my own post:

How could I have forgotten Mountain View?
Would rank them middle of the pack somewhere.
They have been doing well lately according to the FLS

natsfan15:

I have not gone to alot of games this spring, but enough to agree with your observations.

The Left-hander at Brooke Point is Joe Trio. He is getting more action than anticipated. He has good movement, and goes right after hitters. He should develop into a tough pitcher as long as he stays healthy.