CSL

I think it several teams will have a shot at the conference title; I can't think of any team that will be clearly dominate. In my best guess it probably boils down to who is on their game on any particular day. It should be a fun, interesting year.

Have to agree with BBFan58, it should be a fun and intersting year in the CSL. HP has a new coach I believe and will definetley have a different looking team this year. They lost some senior leadership, though the cupboard is not completely bare. Evanston lost some key players but their sophomore team was really impressive last season. They are probably just reloading. Their new field will have visitors in awe for a couple of innings at least from what I hear. MS really came on strong late in the year in the playoffs, and hopfully can ride that wave. Waukegan was a little thin last year talent wise but I think they were young, a years experience should help. Niles West sprinted out of the chute last year and should do so again this season looking at their schedule. Have seen some of their players working out this winter and were not only impressed with their baseball skills but also their mental make up. They are convinced that this is their year. Coach Toledo has Niles North headed in the right direction. They will be led by their senior catcher and will sneak up on a few people this year. ME might be a little short on talent, but not on heart. They battled every game all last season and look to do so again this year. MW lost some arms but returns a very potent offensive attack. GBN has some impressive upper classmen also and if there ace can return from arm injury they will be right in the mix. They had a very talented frosh squad last season.GBS turned it on late also. Felt like they underachieved a little last season. Hopefully they reverse that this year. Last time I checked though, New Trier was still a CSL member and until some one consistently proves otherwise, they will remain the team to beat in the CSL. Coach Napolean has it going on. Have to give them that. The sleeper team, in my opinion is Deerfield. They boast a couple of talented upper classmen, return some experienced pitching and should definetley rebound from a substandard 2008 season. Regardless, it will be intersting to see how it plays out on the field.

bama1957, this is balldad1954. why do I feel 3 years older than you?

I enjoyed your rundown of the CSL. I have a couple of comments. I like the new HP coach. He is a teacher at NN and has coached my son. I think he'll do a great job.

I know and like a couple of the number 1 starters for these teams. Jason Cohen from Deerfield should have a great year. Jon Menke from HP should be outstanding.

***edited by moderator***

New Trier is always the team to beat. They have a huge school, good coach, and solid youth programs, and can afford private lessons which help.

Scout Houdek from GBS should have a good year also.

I think Niles West will be the best of the bunch. They have really good starter in Nasshan and Rahid. Tountas is a good short stop. And they have kids that can hit.

As you know it is all about pitching and defense. I can't wait for the season to start. The nice weather makes it seem like we really will be watching baseball soon.

Thanks for the edit. I metioned a player and said he may have an injury. It is a no no, so I am sorry. No harm intended. I also said I hope the rumor was wrong.

bbdad1954 &baba57,
First, I wish I were as young as you guys! Yep, nice rundown on the CSL. BB'54, thanks for the kind words on Jon. When HP faces NN, I hope Josh forgets what he learned about Jon while catching him during lessons!
For HP, we sure do have a new sheriff in town. He made some surprising decisions for cuts last Wednesday. However, for HP it's going to come down to whether or not we have the pitching depth we expect to have. There's a couple of kids who battled some arm problems last year. They appear to be ready to go, but we won't know for sure until the gates open. As parents, some questions we have about who will play where when certain guys are on the mound. Offensively, we can only hope our guys repeat what they did last year or close to it. We have 3 guys returning who hit over .400. Each of these guys did way better in the clutch, so getting guys on base ahead of them is the key. But, as stated earlier, the conference is tight this year, which is why pre-season speculation is so much fun!

Coach P will do a good job for HP. Fresh eyes never hurt, but it often leads to surprises. No one can feel comfortable, everyone has to compete when the new guy comes.

The boys will have fun battling each other in conference, then team up for travel. It is a great thing about baseball.