Any insight here??
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I'll talk a little about some of the teams in the area, in no particular order (with the caveat that I'm very hazy on happenings south of the river):
Manchester- loses Hauser, but they still have a lot of talent, and I would expect them to be very good, especially if they can replace Hauser's innings
Cosby- I think they were young last year, especially their pitching. I could be wrong, but they are too well coached to not be pretty darn good
Thomas Dale- will be very tough to beat, especially when Cullen is pitching...they would probably be in my top 3 heading into the season
Matoaca- I saw them play Hanover (I think) and I was very impressed, especially once I found out how young they were. Kilbourne was very good, and I would expect them to be a high quality team this season.
I'll stop there on Dominion and Central district teams, because I don't know much about the rest.
In the Colonial, it'll be the usual suspects:
Godwin- another one of my preseason top 3, with I believe three D1 commits already (Payne, Brown, and Blankenship I think), plus Lees, who's been very good.
Deep Run- I'm not sure what they have coming back, but I'll just assume they're loaded as usual. They do have a new coach, for better or worse, but they'll always have talent.
Freeman- I would expect a step back here, without the big arm of Scoggins to lead them in their toughest games. I could be wrong of course, but it will depend on who steps up on the hill. Another new coach here though, after only one season with Montague.
Hermitage- probably my darkhorse for a team that could really surprise. They picked up some big wins last season with a frosh on the mound (Burnett), and they have some other solid players as well. I haven't seen McLeod pitch recently, but I was impressed by him when he was younger (middle school)...I'm not sure if he's still trying to put it all together or what, but I think he could be another good arm for them.
Patrick Henry- probably another team due for a step back after losing Stanley, Seay, and at least one other very good senior whose name I'm blanking on.
Other Colonial teams- no clue
In the Capital:
Hanover- on the one hand, you have to imagine them not being as good, with the graduation of ten seniors, including several top performers among them. But, like Deep Run, they're always talented and well coached, and they still have Eric Mayers, along with many very solid players who would get more recognition if not for the ten seniors last year. They will still be right there.
Lee-Davis- probably the favorite in the district, with Connerley and Boze leading the way. They are always well coached and very hard nosed, and they would have the potential to be preseason top 3 for me.
Atlee- lost three times to L-D last season by one run, but lost two D1 pitchers (Farrar and Sandefur). They have another D1 commit leading the way this season in Austin Young, and they could challenge for the district lead if they have another arm step up and if the bats come around.
Henrico- they probably have been looking at this year as a potential good year for a while, with their three best players (Prentiss, Bateera, Mansfield) from last season all being juniors. They will have depth on the mound in those three guys, and they will also lead the way offensively. They also have some nice complimentary players otherwise.
This season could be the best Capital district race in a while, since you could probably make an argument for any of these four teams being right there at the top.
If you forced me to pick four teams to get to RF&P, I would take- Dale, Godwin, L-D, and I'll take Manchester (close over Matoaca and Deep Run). There's my very uneducated opinion.
Manchester- loses Hauser, but they still have a lot of talent, and I would expect them to be very good, especially if they can replace Hauser's innings
Cosby- I think they were young last year, especially their pitching. I could be wrong, but they are too well coached to not be pretty darn good
Thomas Dale- will be very tough to beat, especially when Cullen is pitching...they would probably be in my top 3 heading into the season
Matoaca- I saw them play Hanover (I think) and I was very impressed, especially once I found out how young they were. Kilbourne was very good, and I would expect them to be a high quality team this season.
I'll stop there on Dominion and Central district teams, because I don't know much about the rest.
In the Colonial, it'll be the usual suspects:
Godwin- another one of my preseason top 3, with I believe three D1 commits already (Payne, Brown, and Blankenship I think), plus Lees, who's been very good.
Deep Run- I'm not sure what they have coming back, but I'll just assume they're loaded as usual. They do have a new coach, for better or worse, but they'll always have talent.
Freeman- I would expect a step back here, without the big arm of Scoggins to lead them in their toughest games. I could be wrong of course, but it will depend on who steps up on the hill. Another new coach here though, after only one season with Montague.
Hermitage- probably my darkhorse for a team that could really surprise. They picked up some big wins last season with a frosh on the mound (Burnett), and they have some other solid players as well. I haven't seen McLeod pitch recently, but I was impressed by him when he was younger (middle school)...I'm not sure if he's still trying to put it all together or what, but I think he could be another good arm for them.
Patrick Henry- probably another team due for a step back after losing Stanley, Seay, and at least one other very good senior whose name I'm blanking on.
Other Colonial teams- no clue
In the Capital:
Hanover- on the one hand, you have to imagine them not being as good, with the graduation of ten seniors, including several top performers among them. But, like Deep Run, they're always talented and well coached, and they still have Eric Mayers, along with many very solid players who would get more recognition if not for the ten seniors last year. They will still be right there.
Lee-Davis- probably the favorite in the district, with Connerley and Boze leading the way. They are always well coached and very hard nosed, and they would have the potential to be preseason top 3 for me.
Atlee- lost three times to L-D last season by one run, but lost two D1 pitchers (Farrar and Sandefur). They have another D1 commit leading the way this season in Austin Young, and they could challenge for the district lead if they have another arm step up and if the bats come around.
Henrico- they probably have been looking at this year as a potential good year for a while, with their three best players (Prentiss, Bateera, Mansfield) from last season all being juniors. They will have depth on the mound in those three guys, and they will also lead the way offensively. They also have some nice complimentary players otherwise.
This season could be the best Capital district race in a while, since you could probably make an argument for any of these four teams being right there at the top.
If you forced me to pick four teams to get to RF&P, I would take- Dale, Godwin, L-D, and I'll take Manchester (close over Matoaca and Deep Run). There's my very uneducated opinion.
EH - Those aren't bad picks for the overall area. I think Manchester will run away with it in the Dominion, however Dale and Matoaca will fight it out for the last spot in the Central. Don't under estimate Matoaca. Back to the Dominion.....I think the end of the year Dominion standings is going to be determined by who has the best supporting cast with the exception of Manchester who will have some stud seniors. Here are my pre-season picks:
1. Manchester - they are going to be very upset how things turned out last year. Has a dominant pitcher and others who can pitch, strong defense, lots of returning starters.
2. Cosby - A couple standout seniors, good supporting cast from memory. Has one dominant pitcher and center fielder/hitter/baserunner.
3/4. James River / LC Bird - pickem. I like JR coach, alot and he seems to get the most out of his players. Bird has a half dozen seniors that need to step into starting positions. Bird has a dominant pitcher. Bird has new coach.
5. Clover Hill - has 1 very good starting pitcher, defense was a problem last year. I don't see that getting better.
6. Monacan - needs pitching and better defense. New Coach.
7. Midlothian - they graduated a lot of seniors last year. May only have 1 or 2 seniors this year. New Coach.
8. Huguenot/Wythe - hopefully they will field a varsity team this year.
1. Manchester - they are going to be very upset how things turned out last year. Has a dominant pitcher and others who can pitch, strong defense, lots of returning starters.
2. Cosby - A couple standout seniors, good supporting cast from memory. Has one dominant pitcher and center fielder/hitter/baserunner.
3/4. James River / LC Bird - pickem. I like JR coach, alot and he seems to get the most out of his players. Bird has a half dozen seniors that need to step into starting positions. Bird has a dominant pitcher. Bird has new coach.
5. Clover Hill - has 1 very good starting pitcher, defense was a problem last year. I don't see that getting better.
6. Monacan - needs pitching and better defense. New Coach.
7. Midlothian - they graduated a lot of seniors last year. May only have 1 or 2 seniors this year. New Coach.
8. Huguenot/Wythe - hopefully they will field a varsity team this year.
The Dominion and Central match up in regionals. So, look for possible matchups of TD or Matoaca vs Cosby or Manchester in the first round. That's not a slight to anyone else in either district, because there are teams that could upset those 4 (Dinwiddie, PG in the Central and JR and LCB in the Dominion). I am the opposite of Emanski, whereas I don't know too much about teams north of the River, but I'd expect the usual suspects to make some noise. Should be a very competitive year in the Region....
Who's the dominant pitcher returning at Manchester? I thought there was a really good #2 last year, but I couldn't remember the name.
I agree with Pap that it should be a really good year in the region. It looks to me like there could be more parity, without as many dominant teams (like 2009 Hanover, 2007/08 James River and Cosby). I think more teams will go into 2010 feeling they can compete in their respective districts. Who knows how it will turn out, but I know I'm already looking forward to it!
I agree with Pap that it should be a really good year in the region. It looks to me like there could be more parity, without as many dominant teams (like 2009 Hanover, 2007/08 James River and Cosby). I think more teams will go into 2010 feeling they can compete in their respective districts. Who knows how it will turn out, but I know I'm already looking forward to it!
Ryan Morrison...I believe he signed with VCU, but I'm not 100% sure. I agree with you, that was my thought too about dominant teams. One could say that Manchester and Matoaca may end up fitting that mold, but in years past we knew exactly who the best would be...
Truth be told, while Hauser was the bigger name and bigger prospect with his ceiling it has been Morrison that Saunders has put out there in the biggest games over the last 2 seasons. One could argue that he has been their ace even though Hauser was the one the scouts and recruiters came to see.
Manchester also has Ben Florence who has emerged as a very good high school pitcher.
Never count out James River though. They return Parnell and Kirby which were 2 very solid left handed arms and they have athletes as always -
As for Cosby - they might have the higher ceiling when it's all said and done. Shifflett, Hamlet and Perry all return and their rotation of Mooney (Davidson bound) and Carpenter are as good a 1-2 as anyone. If Ben Sisk has a senior year like Lowrey hopes then they are deep enough to make a sserious run at it.
My predictions:
1. Cosby
2. Manchester
3. James River
4. LC Bird
5. Clover Hill
6. Midlothian
7. Monacan
As for the Central - Matoaca has all the talent in the world but don't seem to get it done when it counts the most. Lindsey, Ramsey, Howerton, Walker, Kilbourne - exceptional high school talent but something seems to be missing. Maybe this is the year. Thomas Dale has Cullen, Moore and Togna are good enough to give Dale a chance against anyone on any day - but they lost a ton of leadership in Britt and Ryan Carter to graduation. Dinwiddie is stacked with Nick Christopher and Josh Bridgeman and when it's all said and done I see them winning out. PG will squeeze in to the 4th spot but it's the lack of depth in the division that bodes poorley for the Central reps in the Regionals - they just don't get tested as often as the teams in the Dominion or the teams north of the River.
But who knows.
Manchester also has Ben Florence who has emerged as a very good high school pitcher.
Never count out James River though. They return Parnell and Kirby which were 2 very solid left handed arms and they have athletes as always -
As for Cosby - they might have the higher ceiling when it's all said and done. Shifflett, Hamlet and Perry all return and their rotation of Mooney (Davidson bound) and Carpenter are as good a 1-2 as anyone. If Ben Sisk has a senior year like Lowrey hopes then they are deep enough to make a sserious run at it.
My predictions:
1. Cosby
2. Manchester
3. James River
4. LC Bird
5. Clover Hill
6. Midlothian
7. Monacan
As for the Central - Matoaca has all the talent in the world but don't seem to get it done when it counts the most. Lindsey, Ramsey, Howerton, Walker, Kilbourne - exceptional high school talent but something seems to be missing. Maybe this is the year. Thomas Dale has Cullen, Moore and Togna are good enough to give Dale a chance against anyone on any day - but they lost a ton of leadership in Britt and Ryan Carter to graduation. Dinwiddie is stacked with Nick Christopher and Josh Bridgeman and when it's all said and done I see them winning out. PG will squeeze in to the 4th spot but it's the lack of depth in the division that bodes poorley for the Central reps in the Regionals - they just don't get tested as often as the teams in the Dominion or the teams north of the River.
But who knows.
I think JR will do OK this year, but really they are a year away from having their next talent "bubble" surface all the way. 2011 and 2012 look like bigger years for the Rapids. This year is for getting that sophomore group they have (led by Kirby) a bit more seasoned.
JMO - I agree that Ryan Morrison has been their ace even though Hauser got the headlines . Ryan has pitched some really good games and has been very consistent even under pressure. He is a good kid too. Yes, he has committed to VCU. I'd never count JR out despite MidloDad framing it as a rebuilding year. JR has the best coach in the district. I just don't see Cosby besting Manchester this year. We'll find out in a couple months.
I thought last year was really a triumph of coaching at JR. They lost virtually all their pitching from 2008 and still came within an out of making regionals.
One of the key assistants from the last 3 years is the new head at Midlothian, so that will bear watching. Should help rekindle a friendly rivalry there.
I do think JR could make the top half of the standings again and thus be in a position to make a run at the end if they gel again. But I would say that in 2011, and almost certainly by 2012, they will be back on top. They have a group of kids coming along who've played together for years; they are winners and they are deep.
One of the key assistants from the last 3 years is the new head at Midlothian, so that will bear watching. Should help rekindle a friendly rivalry there.
I do think JR could make the top half of the standings again and thus be in a position to make a run at the end if they gel again. But I would say that in 2011, and almost certainly by 2012, they will be back on top. They have a group of kids coming along who've played together for years; they are winners and they are deep.
I mostly have JR third because none of the teams behind them are particularly strong. Bird and Clover Hill only have one arm each in Kaufmann and Santaluccia - after that there isn't much there. Midlo is thin and Monacan has almost no talent at all.
James River will have to work hard to fall below 4th. Even though the talent is young it is high end. It might be hard to hear but the James River sophomores are better than any of the CH, Midlo or Monacan Seniors. Bird might be a wild card but only if they find a way to get Kaufmann to throw every game. Which is unlikely.
James River will have to work hard to fall below 4th. Even though the talent is young it is high end. It might be hard to hear but the James River sophomores are better than any of the CH, Midlo or Monacan Seniors. Bird might be a wild card but only if they find a way to get Kaufmann to throw every game. Which is unlikely.
MidloDad and JMO,
JR does have a very good sophomore class, and I wouldn't be surprised if a bunch made Varsity. I coached a few in travel ball (for 6 years), and they have blossomed. Great kids & parents too!
As for Bird, Kaufmann (Cornell bound) will be the ace, no question. They have a few seniors, a couple juniors, and couple sophomores that can pitch but their unproven. Their challenge over the last couple years has been consistent offense. I fully expect new Coach Nicely to fix that quickly.
I still think the Manchester pitching combo of Morrison and Florence will be the toughest starting pitchers in the District. They also have a veteran catcher (Chris Ayer) behind the plate. I do not think any of the other top 4 schools mentioned here have a veteran returning catcher. For me, catcher is most important position on the field.
JR does have a very good sophomore class, and I wouldn't be surprised if a bunch made Varsity. I coached a few in travel ball (for 6 years), and they have blossomed. Great kids & parents too!
As for Bird, Kaufmann (Cornell bound) will be the ace, no question. They have a few seniors, a couple juniors, and couple sophomores that can pitch but their unproven. Their challenge over the last couple years has been consistent offense. I fully expect new Coach Nicely to fix that quickly.
I still think the Manchester pitching combo of Morrison and Florence will be the toughest starting pitchers in the District. They also have a veteran catcher (Chris Ayer) behind the plate. I do not think any of the other top 4 schools mentioned here have a veteran returning catcher. For me, catcher is most important position on the field.
Sheesh, I thought that kid graduated last year! Seems like he's been around forever. Both those Ayers kids can rake it.
Manchester not only has Morrison pitching and Chris Ayers catching, but they have Auggie Ayers at SS and Joey Cujos at 1st or 3rd. Then you put all four of those boy's hitting power in the equation along with I'm sure a good supporting cast and you have a championship caliber team!!!
I cannot imagine moving Cujas off third. He is one of the best defenders at that position that I have ever seen at the high school level. Certainly the best in metro Richmond for many a year.
Surely they can come up with someone to handle 1B other than him. Most teams struggle to find an ADEQUATE defensive 3B, as it is one of the hardest positions to play. Why would Manchester give up one of its very large advantages?
Surely they can come up with someone to handle 1B other than him. Most teams struggle to find an ADEQUATE defensive 3B, as it is one of the hardest positions to play. Why would Manchester give up one of its very large advantages?
I think you will all be surprised by Midlo this year. One of you hit it when you said Midlo has Coach Roarty now. Yes, they graduated 8 seniors last year, but the problem has never been lack of talent, dating back to 2007.
there has been many issues at midlo over the past several years. to signal out the coach is just wrong, the players play the game and there personal lack of focus and dedication caught up with them. when those kids were younger they were as good and better than most of the talent but while the others in the area continued to work most of those just didnot put the same type of time and focus as some of those other schools like Cosby & JR. Those programs developed by the older kids as role models and passed down year after year. That raises the question what has been passed down? Its about time
Cujas at 1b? I would think morrison will play first when he isnt pitching which will probably be every other game-
Manchester returns a pretty potent line up and will be tough to beat- they should come out trying to prove they can win as a team- last years loss to Cosby then to Deep Run should have made them know they have to come together and not just be good on paper. I think most of what has been said is accurate- Midlo will need for someone to step up on the mound-I assume Helbig will be their primary guy. Clover Hill and LCB are certainly one trick ponies and could pull an upset or two with the right pitcher on the mound-
Gotta believe it will come down to a Cosby/Manchester showdown in the end.
Top to bottom there is no better District in the State... With GW and Huguenot folding there are no "easy" games where players can pad their averages and coaches can afford to experiment-Given the competition one could almost make an argument for a 6 team District playoff.
Central will have 4 quality teams in Matoaca,Thomas Dale,Diniwddie, and Prince George. They are still loaded with cream puff games as each team will get two games against Hopewell-Petersburg-Colonial Heights-Meadowbrook-
On th eother side of the river I think Godwin will be toughest along with Lee Davis. Hanover and Deep Run would seem to be headed for a rebuilding year by their standards.
Manchester returns a pretty potent line up and will be tough to beat- they should come out trying to prove they can win as a team- last years loss to Cosby then to Deep Run should have made them know they have to come together and not just be good on paper. I think most of what has been said is accurate- Midlo will need for someone to step up on the mound-I assume Helbig will be their primary guy. Clover Hill and LCB are certainly one trick ponies and could pull an upset or two with the right pitcher on the mound-
Gotta believe it will come down to a Cosby/Manchester showdown in the end.
Top to bottom there is no better District in the State... With GW and Huguenot folding there are no "easy" games where players can pad their averages and coaches can afford to experiment-Given the competition one could almost make an argument for a 6 team District playoff.
Central will have 4 quality teams in Matoaca,Thomas Dale,Diniwddie, and Prince George. They are still loaded with cream puff games as each team will get two games against Hopewell-Petersburg-Colonial Heights-Meadowbrook-
On th eother side of the river I think Godwin will be toughest along with Lee Davis. Hanover and Deep Run would seem to be headed for a rebuilding year by their standards.
The Dominion DOES have a 6-team playoff. Last year may have been the first time, but nonetheless.
Your take on the Central is pretty spot on. The last 2 years it has been TD beating Matoaca twice. Dinwiddie beating Dale numerous times, but Matoaca has a long win streak vs Dinwiddie. Then from 4th or 5th spot, PG makes a run at the end and beats them both. That helps Dale the most, because they normally sweep PG. Then Dale wins title. Switch any of those teams around here or there...and there you have Team "A" as 2010 champs. IMO, this will be the most competitive year in Central District in the last 10-15 years.
Your take on the Central is pretty spot on. The last 2 years it has been TD beating Matoaca twice. Dinwiddie beating Dale numerous times, but Matoaca has a long win streak vs Dinwiddie. Then from 4th or 5th spot, PG makes a run at the end and beats them both. That helps Dale the most, because they normally sweep PG. Then Dale wins title. Switch any of those teams around here or there...and there you have Team "A" as 2010 champs. IMO, this will be the most competitive year in Central District in the last 10-15 years.
Helbig is at RMC now - he was a 2009 grad.
Midlo has Jim Cain returning with varsity experience as well as a couple seasons of 186 legion under his belt - other than him they have almost no varsity experience returning on the mound.
I agree that the Central will be tough this year - tons of experience returning and many of them have littered the better travel teams each summer and shown well.
They just seem to hit a wall in the Regionals. Maybe this will be the year they get to than next level like the Dominion learned how to do 5 years ago.
As for the 1B spot at Manchester - Unless they have a stud rising at 3B I'd be shocked to see Cujas move. Morrison and Toney held down the duties last season and I'd expect the same this season. There's enough turnover on the left side of that infield already with Hoover gone - can't see Saunders messing with it more than is necessary.
Midlo has Jim Cain returning with varsity experience as well as a couple seasons of 186 legion under his belt - other than him they have almost no varsity experience returning on the mound.
I agree that the Central will be tough this year - tons of experience returning and many of them have littered the better travel teams each summer and shown well.
They just seem to hit a wall in the Regionals. Maybe this will be the year they get to than next level like the Dominion learned how to do 5 years ago.
As for the 1B spot at Manchester - Unless they have a stud rising at 3B I'd be shocked to see Cujas move. Morrison and Toney held down the duties last season and I'd expect the same this season. There's enough turnover on the left side of that infield already with Hoover gone - can't see Saunders messing with it more than is necessary.
they lost Cf in Hebderson-OF seems pretty open. Ayers is likely to take Hoovers spot at SS with possibly Peagram taking up a spot at 2b? Tooney will hold down first and maybe DH when Morrison is there. What about Macfarland? Ayers on the mound and Macfarland behind the plate?
They have a few questions to answer....Cosby graduated its SS and will need to find a replacement- in fact they have alot of spots to fill although they also have lots of players to pick from.....none the less some spots to fill.
They have a few questions to answer....Cosby graduated its SS and will need to find a replacement- in fact they have alot of spots to fill although they also have lots of players to pick from.....none the less some spots to fill.
Nice article on the Manchester trio of Cujas, Morrison and Chris Ayers, all heading to VCU next year.
I like them all but I have to admit I tried to get Cujas' mom to look into Wake Forest before he up and committed to VCU! Because he's not a big muscular kid I guess some folks don't realize what a hitter he is. But when you see him for several games you just see him nail the ball over and over, and the defense is really outstanding, too. I would have to think Manchester would take the regular season. But as we all know, come playoff time it's all about who's hot this week. Or as Keith Jackson used to say, "Anything can happen, and anything usually does!"
I like them all but I have to admit I tried to get Cujas' mom to look into Wake Forest before he up and committed to VCU! Because he's not a big muscular kid I guess some folks don't realize what a hitter he is. But when you see him for several games you just see him nail the ball over and over, and the defense is really outstanding, too. I would have to think Manchester would take the regular season. But as we all know, come playoff time it's all about who's hot this week. Or as Keith Jackson used to say, "Anything can happen, and anything usually does!"
And add in Bill Cullen in the same class plus whomever else they snag as a late pick up from the Central Region and VCU will be back to where they used to be. I don't expect the starting 9 to be all CR guys but a fair share and they will return to winning like they did in years past with many CR guys on every yearly roster. Now, one could say that they haven't signed many CR guys before this last wave (Manch boys and Cullen) because so many went out of state or to bigger conferences because the region was so successful at the state level. 3 out of 4 titles as you know very well. So, I can understand the lapse in recruiting the region, but VCU's baseball past is littered with big time contributions by CR boys.
Who else did VCU sign?How many top 500 kids(according to PG)did they get? Just curious how they did compared with the other conference schools-especially George Mason.That conference is getting better each year-its pretty tough,hopefully these guys push VCU to the top.As an alumni I would love to go see VCU in a regional with all these CR kids!
gowood, a quick scan of the 2010 perfect game class revealed three players on the top 500 list (according to perfect game) going to Richmond - Andrew Blum, Eric Mayers and Andrew Brockett. Cody Cox, who is also on the top 500 list, is going to ODU. I did not see any for George Mason or VCU, but the list, although about 90% complete, may not be current. I did see a number of players on the "high follow" and "follow" lists going to VCU and James Madison.
I also heard former Clover Hill player Nick Abrahanson is coming to VCU- he has been at a Jr College-
Anyone have any preseason district and region POY favorites? Personally I think this year is wide open and doesn't have a clear-cut frontrunner like the past couple (J.Mayers, Stadler, McGuire) and it'll all depend on which teams and players emerge supreme at the end of the year... but we can all guess right?!?
I predict Joey Cujas will hit in the .500-.600 range and rack up 8+ HR's while playing gold glove defense and leading his team to a big season, to win regional POY.
Midlo-
I think it will go to someone who not only hits but also pitches.There's a couple of kids that will step up.Also, is hitting that many HRs at Manchester the same as hitting HRs at say Hanover,Deep Run or Matoaca? I think its unfair to compare HRs between kids at different schools.I think Manchester may have the shortest fence in the area besides RF&P.Alot of those HRs at Manchester are just routine flyouts at most schools.Don't get me wrong-Cujas is a terrific hitter and will hit for average but HRs at Manchester are not the same as most fields.
I think it will go to someone who not only hits but also pitches.There's a couple of kids that will step up.Also, is hitting that many HRs at Manchester the same as hitting HRs at say Hanover,Deep Run or Matoaca? I think its unfair to compare HRs between kids at different schools.I think Manchester may have the shortest fence in the area besides RF&P.Alot of those HRs at Manchester are just routine flyouts at most schools.Don't get me wrong-Cujas is a terrific hitter and will hit for average but HRs at Manchester are not the same as most fields.
gowood-
You make a good point as the last couple of winners of the Region POY have not only been great hitters but also dominating pitchers as well. Personally I don't think Cujas will have a problem driving the ball outta any ballpark he'll play in this year but since you mentioned two way players... which players do you(and anyone else) think would fit this mold?
You make a good point as the last couple of winners of the Region POY have not only been great hitters but also dominating pitchers as well. Personally I don't think Cujas will have a problem driving the ball outta any ballpark he'll play in this year but since you mentioned two way players... which players do you(and anyone else) think would fit this mold?
The fact that Mitchell Shiflett from Cosby might be getting as much interest from pro scouts as any player in recent memory might be a factor in the end - especially if he has the huge season he's capable of at the plate.
Ryan Morrison is an option if he swings the stick well because he could easily win 10+ games this season.
My dark horse for POY is Connor Kaufman from LC Bird. He's as good a pitcher as anyone in the district and if he gets regular AB's this spring (as he should) he has the capability to hit 8-10 bombs on a team that might surprise people if they find a second arm.
Ryan Morrison is an option if he swings the stick well because he could easily win 10+ games this season.
My dark horse for POY is Connor Kaufman from LC Bird. He's as good a pitcher as anyone in the district and if he gets regular AB's this spring (as he should) he has the capability to hit 8-10 bombs on a team that might surprise people if they find a second arm.
I've never thought the ball carried all that well at Manchester, irrespective of where the fences are. I'll grant you that those at Hanover and maybe also Deep Run have it tougher. At Freeman you'd have to be a righty pull hitter to rack up any significant number of HR's.
I would rate Manchester as an average hitter's park, on the HS scale. Not hard, but not a launching pad either.
I would rate Manchester as an average hitter's park, on the HS scale. Not hard, but not a launching pad either.
Will be lots of good players in the Dominion District this year- Just about 5 weeks until the season starts- Lots of kids are working hard and they will be the ones who come out and dominate. Saw a couple of players the other night who are working 5 days a week on their game and in the weight room.
Possible Central District POY canidates:
Bill Cullen-TD (Reigning POY)
Austin Kilbourne-Mat
Logan Walker-Mat
Christopher-Din (I'm drawing a blank on his first name)
Bill Cullen-TD (Reigning POY)
Austin Kilbourne-Mat
Logan Walker-Mat
Christopher-Din (I'm drawing a blank on his first name)
I know Shifflet and Kilbourne are both generating alot of draft interest.Shifflet because of his speed and Kilbouene because of his size and arm.Lets face it-Shifflet might be the fastest kid in the country!and when I saw Matoaca play at Hanover last year that Kilbourne kid may have the best outfield arm in the state in some time.Also I think they open the season against each other.Can someone confirm that?That would be good one to see.
Most schedules are posted at www.highschoolsports.net
I do not think those two teams meet until later in the year
I do not think those two teams meet until later in the year
Papelbon - Cullen is a great call for POY.
Some interesting names being tossed around. Including Cujos, Morrison, Cullen, Kaufmann, Walker, Kilbourne. I'll throw in another couple names - Chris & Augie Ayers from the stacked Manchester team. It is difficult to weigh outfielders, infielders, pitchers, 2-way players, catchers and pure hitters in a POY designation. For me, it comes down to impact and what player can change a game if 100% at his best. Shifflet IS the fastest baseball player for 2010s across the country. He has the fastest National combine times. He is a tremendous impact player. I've been watching him play travel baseball since 5th grade. He is a game changer with his defense, baserunning and hitting. He puts so much pressure on defenses. There is a lot of talent listed above, but If I had to pick one, it would Shifflet. No doubt most of these other kids will be HS all-district (as seniors and 1 junior) before they move onto playing in college.
St. Christopher's and Trinity Episcopal will be as good as any of the public schools this year. Call them, they would love to "have a catch" with the upper echelon of the public schools.
Hey Fritzy, long time no see. How're things in Blacksburg your boy?