MSL Conference

I would agree with the west. both hoffman and conant should be bringing up the bottom there. still have fremd/palatine to deal with. as for the east, elk grove might be right up there after there run in the summer

I think that Hersey, Prospect, and even Buffalo Grove will be competitive this year. Hersey always fields a good team as does Prospect. Personally, I don't think any of them can compete with the team Elk Grove will have this year. Eight of their nine starters are seniors and three of them are in their 3rd varsity season. Copeland, a LHP and CF is entering his 4th year of varsity ball. Of course, the games are played for a reason, but I think that Elk Grove is really going to shock a lot of people.

Palatine in the west would be my guess, strong pitching, some very good hitting and a solid defense, all thoug it will be a young team in some regards. jmo

One other thought on Palatine is their head coach Belo has started turning that program around and has the players believing in the program. I don't know what Barrington has this year. I also don't know how deep the pitching is at Fremd and Schaumburg after Gailey and Monroe. Please note I said I didn't know how deep as I don't know all their players, they certainly could have more with the programs they run.

EG,

Does Montemeyer still play for you guys????

Elk Grove seems to be the consensus in the East, but the others will have to be dealt with.

I guess in the West, we may as well not even play since Palatine is in that division. Considering how dominant they have been, how can we even consider the likes of Barrington and Schaumburg. I can't believe Palatine didn't win it last year...or the year before...or...

Lineshot...maybe you should move to Palatine.

fastball, did you read my post? I assume from your posts you live in Barrington. I did not knock Barrington, what I said was I didn't know what they have, I also said that about fremd and schaumburg. It was my opinion in a disussion about the msl. I did not knock Barrington or any other school, I stated what I knew about the schools I know something about. I assumed that people would then add in their comments, something other than move to Palatine. I don't live in either of the communitiies nor have a son playing for the teams but I guess I would be allowed to throw in my 2 cents. LIke everyone says it will be decided on the field and that what makes the game great.Do everyone a favor either contribute to the board and tell us about Barrington or don't say anything at all. As far as telling someone where to move or live or whatever it sounds ridiculus. Sorry if it offends you that I feel someone is building a nice program.

yes, this is just opinions that are up for discussion. both programs mentioned are run really well. there are many others in the MSL that have been run into the ground.

cougarfan, why so down on conant. Didn't a lot of the eg travel programs go there? I seem to remember names like lange, finnis, wright and few others. Did you guys lose some?

Just funning you Lineshot. You remind me of a guy in Barrington I know. I make Palatine big favorites to win the MSL.

By the way fball last time I looked in the paper Barrington appears to be in the hunt for every sport, so I assume they will be in baseball again as they have had a fine tradition over there for a long time. I think a guy named Kirby Smith had a good rep and it seems the new coach is also building as they took 3rd in the state last year after taking over maybe a few years ago. But do me a favor and reread the post. I wish ever program would build like Barrington and what Palatine appears to be doing, that would benefit many players throughout the area don't you think. But just because a team didn't win this year or that year doesn't mean it is a bad program does it? Don't you think this game is the toughest to get very far in the post season, one pitcher, one bounce is all it takes. Heck I was thrilled to see 2 msl teams in the final 8 last year.

Sorry to hear about the program cougar. I thought they had switched coaches a couple of years back. It can really make a difference. Hopefully your son will press on if he is playing there.

"cougarfan"- u have a PM...i think the MSL is going to be very surprising

Schaumburg is down two solid players, Robbie Serpico, the shortstop + leadoff man, and Tyler Burback, Centerfield and great hitter. Serpico transfered schools, n Burback is out for the yr. With those two players SHS would have been the team 2 beat, their still going to be solid though. Just thought id let u know about that. The MSL is going to be a great conference once again this yr.

stl,

good luck with your season...

I sure agree stl, the msl should have many good teams again.

Thanks fastball, just didn't sound like funning, but I will gladly take it that way. I don't know if anyone is big favorites and you never know how this game will go. I would guess LT was big favorites for state last year and your Barrington was not even mentioned and look how all that turned out. You just never know. By the way how does Barrington look for you this year.

Cougar..yes, Montemayor is playing baseball. He is set to be in the rotation (most likely the 4th starter). I doubt he will get many conference starts, but the kid has come along nicely. He has gotten up to 83-84 with his fastball. If he learns how to throw a good changeup he could be a very nice compliment to Copeland, Moy, and Osmanski at the front of the rotation.

eg,

that is good to hear...he has always needed a change up. if he can come up with an off-speed pitch, it will really help you guys this season. he is a great kid

Yeah he is...you always gotta respect a kid that loves the game, no matter where his skill level is. If you don't mind me asking, how do you know him?

Stlcardnls18,

What HS did Robbie Serpico transfer into? We use to play with Robbie years ago with Matsie’s Palitine Travelers (many moons ago). He sure is a sweet player. Fine young man. I would like to continue to follow him. Thanks.

stlcardnls18,

looks like you play for conant..whats you team look like...who will be you starters...

eg12,

you have a pm

Serpicos out at a highschool in Huntley, i forgot the name though. Ill let ya know as soon as i can....About how Conant looks this yr....I honestly think we will be solid, Sallmen (sr.) will be our #1. A sophmore Austin Wright will probably be our #2 pitcher, Herzua will be the short stop and probably #2 or 3 hitter, Matt Szenda at 3rd. Outfields really up for grabs, we got some pretty good hitters out there. We are really working hard 2 improve from last year, the coach is doing a great job and i beleive we are on the right track and have the right talent to be pretty successful this yr.

stlcardnls18,

Where does Fininnis and Szcrola fall in the plans

Finninis is a powerful hitter, maybe some time at first, maybe 3rd i really hope he gets a lot of time because hes been working really hard during the off season. Skzorla is starting at first, i think for sure, but probably him n Finninis will rotate. Josh also will be in the pitching rotation.

STLCards18.....
Are you sure Serpico is not at Schaumburg HS? I think you better check on your sources. If he left it must have been a very late transfer.
By the way, Conant would really be tough if they had managed to keep Brad Allen around.

FBD, You've got a PM.

I def. think the msl west is up for grabs...good solid teams set up throughout the whole division...should be an interesting hunt. Fastballdad, to comment on STL's comment on Serpico, it is true, he is not at SHS anymore, he def transfered.

what happened to burback???? i was looking forward to playing a real solid Schaumburg squad in the flyers tourney and with out burback and scerpio they seem like they might be a little downbut still one of the most powerful teams in state no doubt

Here is how I see the MSL West

1. Barrington
2. Palatine
3. Schaumburg
4. Fremd
5. Hoffman Estates
6. Conant

Here's the East

1. Prospect
2. Elk Grove
3. Buffalo Grove
4. Rolling Meadows
5. Hersey
6. Wheeling

I like your picks, Hegone......

What do you like about Barrington?

Do you think EG has a chance in the East?

barrington has some returning seniors and they have a pretty good group of juniors. i think they have more pitching them palatine and schaumburg.

eg has a pretty good senior group, plus the summer has given them some confidence as they move into the season

hegone, looks like a pretty good assessment. Conant may surprise a little. They have a pretty good soph pitcher, EG had a strong run this summer. Barrington has a lot coming back from a strong team from last year.

diamondfan,

I know the soph pitcher, let's see what he does, at this point won't be to concerned.

wow...SHS ranked higher than I would think...they lost alot of people that would help them on their team...

with the loses at SHS, Fremd might just move up a notch or two...

Just curious, what does Barrington's rotation look like this year? I know of only one returning starter. They are no doubt solid but they have a lot of wins to make up now that Marshall is out.

Well you have Chapman and his 10-0 Regular season record....we'll have to wait and see after that.

How about Palatine's rotation? Is it you and Huenecke? Biela?