The top players

Tyler Beck, Avon Lake

Hit .500 with 12 doubles and 29 runs batted in last year. The All-Ohio first-team selection will attend Ohio University in the fall. Struck out only four times in 91 plate appearances in 2010.

Cory Fox, Vermilion

Left-hander struck out 48 and went 5-0 as the Sailors’ No. 3 starter last season. Is also Vermilion’s top returning hitter.

Ian Mezlak, Clearview

If the Clippers can put a couple of reliable hitters behind him, and maybe one in front of him, rival pitchers are going to have a lot of headaches this spring.

Jake Neuschaefer, Elyria

Had a banner 2010, hitting .421 with 33 runs, 31 RBIs, five homers, 18 extra-base hits, 27 walks and 17 stolen bases. Will attend Kent State and play baseball next year.

Jon Sas, Black River

A .476 hitter who drove in 35 runs in 2010. He is also the Pirates’ No. 1 pitcher (5-5, 67 strikeouts).

Caleb Schillace, Keystone

Led the Wildcats at the plate (.393, six home runs, 40 RBIs) and on the mound (35 innings, 2.63 ERA, 39 strikeouts) last year, and he’s still just a junior.

The top teams

Black River Pirates

There’s a treasure chest of veteran talent on this season’s Pirates, including all the pitchers who won games in 2010. Should be improved in every area and could make a run at the Patriot Athletic Conference championship.

Clearview Clippers

Won the Patriot Athletic Conference championship in 2010 — their first-ever baseball title of any kind in school history — and look like a good bet to do it again. Pitchers Ian Mezlak and Dom Dominguez combined to go 13-3 last year. St. Edward transfer Alonzo Southard should give a solid leadoff batter.

Vermilion Sailors

Though they might not be the overwhelming favorite to win the West Shore Conference title they were last year, the Sailors have to be regarded as a strong contender. Cory Fox was first-team All-WSC and Madison Montgomery is one of the district’s best catchers. Pitching, base stealing and a tight defense are the program’s hallmarks.

Wellington Dukes

Probably no team in Lorain County has as much production returning as Wellington. Austin Fullen, Ryan Bliss, Justin Kidd and Jon Willis are working on their fourth letters and junior Clay Wright has been varsity since his freshman year. The eight returning regulars combined to hit .348 last season and give the Dukes 13 of their 14 total victories.

Northeast Ohio Conference

Elyria Pioneers

• COACH: Mike Brandyberry, 2nd year
• 2010 RECORD: 15-13 (4-6)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (6): Chris DeWitt, sr., 2B-C; Chris Knapp, sr., P-3B; Jordan McDonald, sr.,
  P-OF; Jake Neuschaefer, sr., OF; Spencer Smith, jr., 1B; Brandon Victor, jr., P-OF.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: A.J. Smith, sr., P; Rick Webber, sr., 2B; Brandon Weekley, sr., OF; Corey Emerson, jr., C; Troy Goscewski, jr., 1B-P; Tyler Ramirez, jr., P; Chris Emerson, so., SS-P; Mike Izzarelli, so., 2B: Steve Poskocil, so., C; Dan Ratliff, so., OF.
• OUTLOOK: Neuschaefer (.421) and McDonald (.426) are premier players in the county, but they’re also the Pioneers’ only returning regulars. “It’s always nice to have your two best players back, but we have seven holes to fill,” Brandyberry said. “We will be kind of young. We might be starting three or four sophomores.” Pitching is the big question mark. Pioneers pitchers have only 27 innings of work back from 2010. McDonald (3-2, 2.85 ERA) is the likely No. 1 pitcher.

North Coast League

Elyria Catholic Panthers

• COACH: Tom Kubuski, 8th year
• 2010 RECORD: 9-15 (5-8)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (11): Scott LaMoreaux, sr., P; Scott Lilly, sr., OF; Cody Reaser, sr., C; Kyle Robinson, sr., 1B; Ryne St. Marie, sr., 2B; Tom Strasko, sr., P; Josh Taylor, sr., P; Ryan Rock, jr., C; Stephen Saddler, jr., SS; Tyler Stepp, jr., P-3B; Chris Tomshak, so., P-OF.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Karl Peacock, sr., P-UT.
• OUTLOOK: The 2010 Panthers were as green as their uniforms. “Last year was a learning experience for all but two people,” Kubuski said. “I hope the experience they all got last year pays off. We are optimistic about that.” Pitching should be improved, with veterans LaMoreaux, Strasko and Stepp getting valuable innings last season. Rock (.339) was EC’s only .300 hitter in 2010, with “everybody else right around .268, which isn’t bad,” according to Kubuski.

Lake Erie League

Lorain Titans

• COACH: Brad Ternes, 9th year
• 2010 RECORD: Southview 13-14, Admiral King 4-19
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9): Daniel Bickel, sr., P-UT; Chris Browning, sr., P-UT; Andrew Coon, sr., P-1B; Jeff Fraley, sr., P-3B; Shawn Hazelwood, sr., OF; Alec Nieto, sr., P-OF; Anthony Velasquez, sr. P; Collin Bryant, jr., C; Nic Billingsley, so., OF.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Marcel Guice, jr., P-OF; Ralph McCue, jr., P-3B; Antoine Edwards, jr., IF; Ryan Osko, so., SS-P.
• OUTLOOK: Depth, especially on the pitching staff, and fielding should be the strengths of the new team. Ternes says he won’t hesitate to use eight pitchers if need be. Hitting will be diverse, according to the coach, with an equal number of contact hitters and those who hit for power. Nieto (.343, 19 RBIs) will lead the hitting. Browning (3.07 ERA, 40 strikeouts) is the likely No. 1 starter.

Patriot Athletic Conference

Stars Division

Black River Pirates

• COACH: Dozier Hendershot, 3rd year
• 2010 RECORD: 12-14 (5-8)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9): Robbie Duche, sr., 2B; Todd Gentile, sr., P-IF; Jake O’Connor, sr., OF; Jarrod Pierce, sr., P-IF; Jake Sas, sr., 3B; Jon Sas, sr., P-C; Aaron Conley, jr., OF; Evin Gibson, jr., 1B-P; Brandon Tomes, so., P.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Justin Walter, jr., P-OF; Jackson Weinzatl, jr., P-OF.
• OUTLOOK: Expect the Pirates to do a lot better than they did in 2010, with the return of All-PAC Stars Division picks Jon Sas (.476, 35 RBIs) and O’Connor (.403, 27 stolen bases), along with Jake Sas (.314, 20 RBIs). Pitching was an issue last year, but it shouldn’t be this season as all pitching wins return. Jon Sas (5-5) and Gentile (3-1, 2.01 ERA) lead the way.

Brookside Cardinals

• COACH: Dan Zagorsky, 6th year
• 2010 RECORD: 10-12 (6-7)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (5): Luke Ackerman,sr., OF; Tyler Tapaszi, sr., P-OF; Brandon Uehlein, sr., IF; Hunter Skolnicki, jr., SS; Chad Metcalf, so., C-P.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Dan Szuch, sr., OF-P; Josh Bomback, jr., P-IF; Phil Donelan, jr., 1B-P; Tim Crnko, so., 2B; Greg Maust, so., P-UT; Tyler Patton, fr., 2B; Matt Seekins, fr., OF-C.
• OUTLOOK: The Cardinals graduated a lot of pitching, and the success of this season’s edition will hinge on how the inexperienced pitchers fare. Hitting should be strong with Ackerman (.487, five triples), Skolnicki (.452, 11 doubles), Tapaszi (.304) and Metcalf (.304) leading the way. “We have five solid hitters,” Zagorsky said. “Hitting and speed will be our strengths. We’re hoping we get some pitchers to give us enough to win.”

Keystone Wildcats

• COACH: Mark Clement, 9th year
• 2010 RECORD: 20-8 (10-3)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (7): Lenny Brodnik, sr., P-IF; Mike Cordy, sr., C-OF; Cody Dill, sr., P-1B; Drew Fitzgerald, sr., OF; Brian Rice, sr., 3B; Caleb Schillace, jr., P-1B; Brandyn Sittinger, jr., P-OF.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Caleb Staller, sr., IF; Ryan Clement, jr., OF; Troy Piazza, jr., IF; Jake Twining, jr., OF; Tyler Young, jr., OF.
• OUTLOOK: The graduation of Jim Reid and Bryan Trego has left the middle infield jobs open. “I’m sure we’ll be fine there,” Clement said. “It was just that shortstop and second base were two places I didn’t have to worry about for the past three years.” Pitching is strong (14 victories return) and deep, with six hurlers who could see significant innings. Hitting looks formidable with Schillace (.393), Fitzgerald (.357), Sittinger (.309) and Cordy (.297).

Wellington Dukes

• COACH: Roger Sasack, 8th year
• 2010 RECORD: 14-11 (8-5)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9): Jaron Antill, sr., P-OF; Ryan Bliss, sr., P-OF; Devon Broadwater, sr., 2B; Austin Fullen, sr., OF; Darren Gardner, sr., 1B; Justin Kidd, sr., P-SS; Steve Spangenberg, sr., IF; Jon Willis, sr., P-3B; Clay Wright, jr., C.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Will Pabst, sr., OF; Zac Gilbert, jr., OF; Dylan Suckow, jr., C-OF.
• OUTLOOK: The Dukes considered themselves underachievers in 2010, according to their coach, and want to do something about it this season. “We thought we would be better last year,” Sasack said. “We had some defensive issues. I hope the experience taught them something and they’ve learned how to finish games. We’re champing at the bit.” They should be, with seven starters back including four players in their fourth varsity seasons. Fullen (.418, 25 runs, 15 steals), Bliss (.407, 11 doubles, 24 runs, 16 steals), Wright (.371, 24 runs) and Kidd (.313, 24 RBIs) were Wellington’s four best hitters in ’10. The returning pitchers combined for a 13-8 record led by Willis (2.52 ERA) and Bliss (2.56, 51 K’s).

Stripes Division

Clearview Clippers

• COACH: Dennis Pihlblad, 2nd year
• 2010 RECORD: 18-9 (11-2)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10): Mark Andrews, sr., SS; Dom Dominguez, sr., P-1B; Cody Kaya, sr., OF-1B; Ian Mezlak, sr., P-2B; R.J. Presutto, sr., 3B-P; Delmont Simmons, sr., OF. Robert Branscum, jr., P; Alonzo Southard, jr., OF; Armando Torres, jr., OF-P; Ryan Vargo, so., C.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Adrian Castro, sr., P-1B; Jack Bennett, so., IF-C.
• OUTLOOK: It isn’t all Mezlak, but having one of Ohio’s top high school players certainly has the Clippers looking like a smart choice to win another PAC title. Mezlak led Lorain County in batting (.671), hits (51), triples (eight) and extra-base hits (20), and was second in runs (33), RBIs (39) and walks (26). Mezlak (6-1, 1.75 ERA, 44 strikeouts) and Dominguez (7-2, 2.67, 38 Ks) were the top two pitchers in ’10. Presutto (.385, three homers, 29 RBIs) was a pleasant surprise with the bat last spring.

Columbia Raiders

• COACH: Jeff Ramsey, 3rd year
• 2010 RECORD: 16-12 (7-6)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (6): Zak Bates, sr., 3B-P; Tommy Petras, sr., 2B; Ryan Severo, sr., OF; Scott Bartko, jr., SS-P; Zach Bican, sr., P-OF; Hayden Oleen, jr., OF.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Devon Cargo-Sharp, sr., 1B-P; Mackenzie Malone, sr., 1B-P; Joey Popiel, sr., 1B-P; Dallis Few, jr., 2B; Michael Boey, fr., OF; Jacob Kleinhenz, fr., C; Tyler Underwood, fr., C.
• OUTLOOK: The Raiders are looking for both pitchers and hitters to step it up. The team is set with Bican (3-4, 3.19 ERA) and Bartko as its No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers, respectively. Bican (.407, five home runs, 25 runs, 22 RBIs) and Severo (.366, 22 RBIs) anchor the offense. “I expect a winning record,” Ramsey said. “If we can get the sticks out we’ll be fine.” Freshmen will play a major role for the Raiders with Underwood and Kleinhenz splitting chores at catcher and Boey playing in the outfield when Bican is pitching.

Oberlin Phoenix

• COACH: Lynn Gray, 3rd year
• 2010 RECORD: 6-17 (1-12)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (8): Erickson Andrews, sr., P-SS; Dan Mihina, sr., C; Zack Walsh, sr., 1B; Pat Gray, jr., OF; Brandon Pritt, jr., OF-P; Drew Randleman, jr., P-OF; Cody Smith, OF; Jess Vannatter, jr., 3B.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Marcus Bailey, so., P-IF; Tommy Brewster, so., 3B-P; Liam McMillan, so.,
  C-OF; Mattayo Wyman, so., 2B-P.
• OUTLOOK: On the surface, it appears Oberlin is a much-improved team that’s getting more respect these days. “I tell the players it doesn’t matter how good you think you are,” Gray said. “The opponent will let you know how good you are by throwing their No. 1 and No. 2 pitchers instead of their No. 3 and No. 4 pitchers.” The Phoenix might see those aces this season. Walsh (.443, 27 runs) and Erickson (.370, 26 runs, 21 stolen bases) lead a strong group of hitters. However, Oberlin needs to lower its 7.89 team earned run average if it wants to win more than one conference game.

Southwestern Conference

Amherst Comets

• COACH: Al McConihe, 7th year
• 2010 RECORD: 18-8 (11-3)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (7): Tyler Bires, sr., C-P; Steven Bodnar, sr., P; Andy Dito, sr., P-3B; Kyle Hagerich, sr., OF-1B; Robbie Jancsura, sr., OF-2B; David Purcell, sr., OF; Austin Walts, sr., SS.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Aaron Bledsoe, jr., C; Dean Coghlan, jr., P-OF; Brennan Hosier, jr. OF; Maximo Meggitt, jr., 2B; Kenny Menefee, jr., P; Kyle Tucker, jr., P; Shawn Reid, so., P; Griffin Weir, so., P.
• OUTLOOK: This should be a strong hitting team with experienced bats Bires (.343), Walts (.338), Purcell (.327) and Hagerich (four home runs, 23 RBIs). Pitching is deep. Bires (3-2, 3.03 ERA) and Dito (5-3) will be the 1-2 starters. If Reid and Weir, who dominated the junior varsity staff in 2010, can make a smooth transition to varsity the Comets should make another run at a conference title.

Avon Lake Shoremen

• COACH: Jeff Stratton, 7th year
• 2010 RECORD: 16-10 (8-6)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (6): Tyler Beck, sr., C; Nick Brady, sr., Mike Britt, sr., P-1B; Connor Delong, sr., 3B; Ryan Rodgers, sr., SS; Alex Dillon, jr., OF.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Matt Kohler, sr., 2B; Geoff Meyer, sr., P; Cory Curry, sr., C-IF; Mark Spring, sr., P-OF.
• OUTLOOK: Pitching is the biggest need. The six returning starters are solid, but only Brady has significant varsity experience as a thrower. “We have a lot of experience, just not on the mound,” Stratton said. “If we can pitch we can compete.” Hitting should not be an issue with Beck (.500), Delong (.351), Britt (.338) and Rodgers (.325) back at their regular spots.

West Shore Conference

Avon Eagles

• COACH: Frank DeSmit, 4th year
• 2010 RECORD: 16-12 (9-5)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (10): Zach Allen, sr., 3B; Mike Blanc, sr., SS; Alex Lawrence, sr., C-OF; Jordan Musser, sr., P; Adam Rink, sr., OF; Cody Schroeder, sr., P-IF; Matt Eckhardt, jr., P-OF; Adam Horrocks, jr., IF-OF; Ryan Rogers, jr., P-1B; Joel Yeagley, jr., OF.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Anders Mahon, jr., P-IF.
• OUTLOOK: Losing Josh Pierce, the Eagles’ All-Lorain County pitcher and the team’s best hitter, made Avon a bit discombobulated last year. This year there’s no superstar pitcher, but there is far more depth at the position. “This might be our deepest pitching staff,” DeSmit said. “That’s what shot us down last year. When Josh got hurt early in the season it had a domino effect on our staff. Had we been deeper we could’ve hung in the conference race a bit longer.” Musser, a closer, was moved to starter in 2010 and is expected to be one again. Eckhardt’s return and the addition of Mahon (4-1, 1.04 ERA, 41 K’s), a transfer from Lutheran West, bolster the pitching corps.

Firelands Falcons

• COACH: Ted Busch, 8th year
• 2010 RECORD: 6-17 (4-10)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (8): Dylan Fields, sr., P-2B; Mike Larson, sr., 1B; John Srawley, sr., OF-P; Chris Hertrick, jr., P-2B; Joe Kudela, jr., C-3B; Brett Helton, so., 1B-OF; Garrett Monhollen, so., C-OF; Joe San Felippo, so., SS.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Ian Davies, jr., OF; Bransyn Klingshirn, jr., OF; Jake Myers, jr., OF-1B; Darrell Nibert, jr., 3B-P.
• OUTLOOK: San Felippo came out of nowhere to become the Falcons’ best hitter last season with a .382 average, four home runs, 29 runs, 19 RBIs and 23 stolen bases. He, Fields, Hertrick (.361, 19 steals) and Srawley give the team a strong middle of the field. The question marks are at the corners (Kudela switches from third base to catcher) and who can provide some pitching depth. Hertrick (1-4, 3.05 ERA) is the top returning pitcher.

Midview Middies

• COACH: John Justice, 2nd year
• 2010 RECORD: 10-15 (7-7)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (6): J.J. Manning, sr., OF; Tyler Marrero, sr., C; Jake Stracensky, sr., P-OF; Ben Simkovich, jr., 2B; Eric Lauer, so., 1B-P; Derrick Stephenson, so., 3B-P.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Zach Marozan, sr., IF; Ethan Pickering, sr., C-OF; Justin Morris, jr., P-OF; Tate Smith, jr., 1B-DH; Steven Frye, so., P-IF; Ryan Smith, so., P-IF; Austin Steindl, so., OF; Tyler Stephenson, so., C-OF; Cody Calloway, fr., SS-P.
• OUTLOOK: A bunch of great hitters — Jon Pulito, Norm Getzlaff, Anthony Gott — are gone, so the Middies aren’t likely to be a team that outslugs opponents. Justice says the club is working on new ways to win. “We’re a different team,” Justice said. “The pitching is further ahead than it was last year and we’re excited about that. I think we’ll have better contact hitters, better defense and better baserunners.” Stracensky (3.24 ERA, 54 K’s) will be the staff’s ace. One player with pop in his bat is Lauer (.360, four home runs).

North Ridgeville Rangers

• COACH: Nori Okuma, 3rd year
• 2010 RECORD: 3-21 (2-12)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9): Brandon Becka, sr., OF; Nick Blasius, sr., P-3B; Mitch Clark, sr., SS; Jerry Conaway, sr., P-3B; Tony DeMarco, sr., C; Josh Dietz, sr., 2B; Justin Hobart, sr., C; Nick Morrow, sr., P; Chris Striebing, sr., OF-P.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Nick Buhrow, jr., P; P.J. Bunevich, jr., IF; Alex Hord, jr., P; Matt Feierbend, fr., P-3B; Nolan Freeman, fr., 1B-P.
• OUTLOOK: The nine seniors won’t be happy with another 20-loss season. “They’re setting the tone for work ethic and attitude,” Okuma said. “There has been a real positive change, and that’s good to see.” The Rangers also have a couple of freshmen who will likely start at the corners of the infield, as well as provide depth at pitching. Hobart, a three-year starter at catcher, and Dietz should be solid hitters.

Vermilion Sailors

• COACH: Jeff Keck, 10th year
• 2010 RECORD: 23-4 (13-1)
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (5): Cory Fox, sr., P-1B; Madison Montgomery, sr., C-P; Mitch Novak, sr., SS-OF; Aaron Perry, sr., OF; Nick Dlugosz, so., P-1B.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Derek Mills, sr., P-IF; Gabe Skahen, jr., 2B; Justin Albrethsen, so., P-OF; Garrett Koutsopoulos, so., P-OF; Ryan Miller, so., P-OF; Mitchell Peterson, so., OF-1B; Vinny Ragnoni, so., C-OF; Alec Adams, fr., P-OF.
• OUTLOOK: Another typical Vermilion team — not much power, but plenty of strong pitching, excellent defense and sharp baserunning. Fox (5-0, 1.71 ERA, 48 K’s) and Dlugosz (4-0) are the starting pitchers. Fox (.396, 19 RBIs), Montgomery (.344) and Novak (.320) will lead the hitting. Montgomery was sharp behind the plate, throwing out 27 of 40 would-be base stealers. “We have a good mix of veterans and young talent,” Keck said. “I’m optimistic and excited, as always, about a new season.”

Independents

Christian Community Warriors

• COACH: Mike Demchak, 5th year
• 2010 RECORD: 13-1
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9): Caleb Loosli, sr., P-C; Matt Willis, sr., 2B; Matt Gross, sr., OF; Jeff McGillivary, sr., 1B; Mike McKinney, sr., P; Josh Liotta, sr., DH; Weston Lucas, jr., P-SS; Daniel Boss, jr., OF; Tyler Gerent, so., 3B.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Nate Hull, fr., P-IF.
• OUTLOOK: The Warriors are fighting a few injuries to veteran players (leg fracture, broken collarbone, torn ACL), but the senior leadership and experienced pitching should carry the team to another winning record. Loosli, a starting pitcher since his freshman year, was 6-0 in 2010. Lucas went 5-1.

Lake Ridge Lions

• COACH: Matt Sheets, 2nd year
• 2010 RECORD: 5-12
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (5): Matt Mathal, sr., SS-P; Spencer Scheller, sr., 1B-P; Rahill Patel, sr., 2B-C; Stephen Rasoletti, jr., 3B-P; Owen Mullaney, so., OF-P.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Justin Hassler, DH-2B; Jordan Johnson, OF; David Radulovich, OF; Jack Spellman, 2B.
• OUTLOOK: Pitchers need to throw strikes and everyone needs to execute routine plays. Bases on balls and mental mistakes cost the Lions victories last year.

Open Door Patriots

• COACH: Matt Loescher, 10th year
• 2010 RECORD: 6-13
• RETURNING LETTERWINNERS (9): Steve Angyalosi, sr., OF; Tyler Camera, sr. P-OF; Dave Carmany, sr., P-OF; Zack Dixon, sr., 1B-P; Eric Mann, sr., 2B-OF; Ian Sooy, sr., C; Micah Stoneburner, sr., OF; Joey Untalasco, sr., SS-2B; Preston Phillips, jr., P-SS.
• OTHERS TO WATCH: Jeremy Squire, jr., 3B-P; Dane Zunich, jr., 3B-OF.
• OUTLOOK: This is a veteran team that played its best ball toward the end of last season, winning four of its final six games. “They found their footing by the end of the year.” The team returns all starters except catcher and brings back all four starting pitchers. Phillips (.428, 22 RBIs, 24 runs, 13 steals) is a two-time All-Lorain County first-team pick. Stoneburner (.419, 17, RBIs, 10 SB), Untalasco (.368, 19 runs, 12 SB) and Camera (.315, four triples) also provide solid hitting. The pitching is anchored by Camera (41 K’s).

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