GMC Baseball 2016 Red Division Preview
MyCentralJersey.com’s 2016 Greater Middlesex Conference baseball previews begin today with an in-depth look at the Red Division.
Follow sports writer Greg Tufaro on Twitter for links to future previews and for complete coverage all season.
Here’s a look at the rest of the preseason lineup: White Division preview; Blue Division preview; Gold Division preview; Preseason All-Conference and All-Division selections; Preseason Top 10 team rankings; Opening weekend schedule (coming soon); Feature story on the league’s top hurlers (coming soon); Statewide scene (coming soon); Preseason GMC podcast (coming soon).
Please consider bookmarking this page as links to the aforementioned preview items will be added to it throughout the week.
A list of last year's top hitters in the division can be found HERE, while a list of last year's All-Division selections can be found HERE.
EAST BRUNSWICK
Coach: Chris Kenney, 5th season (56-41).
Last year: 13-12 overall, 9-7 division.
2016 schedule: Click HERE to view the schedule.
Twitter:Follow Coach Kenney
Key losses: Tyler McNamara (C), Victor Dudka (1B), Nick Smutko (CF).
Probable lineup: Nick Clemente (Sr., 2B); Chris Cap (Sr., LF); Danny Iannarone (Sr., SS); Juan Ganzaroli (Sr., RF); Tyler Burnham (Jr., 1B-P); Sanjay Mangroo (Sr., 3B); Nick Martino (Jr., OF); Ryan Flynn (Jr., OF); Jay Marchese (Jr., C).
Pitchers: Chris Cap (Sr., RH); Nick Clemente (Sr., RH); Tyler Burnham (Jr., LH); Jared Deszkiewicz (Jr., RH); Ryan Flynn (Jr., RH); Even Dekhayser (Jr., RH); Mike Falco (So., RH); James Schuld (So., RH).
Top reserves: Gerard Pepe (Sr., 2B-LF); Alfredo Arias (Sr., INF); Christian Shelley (Jr., 1B); Mat Bartus (Jr., C); Even Dekhayser (Jr., 1B-LF); David Paribello (Jr., OF); Mat Nelson (Jr.,2B); David Bermudez (So., INF); James Schuld (Jr., INF); Mike Falco (So., 3B-P).
Outlook: The Bears look to rebound from a subpar year. They return three quality starting pitchers including Cap, Clemente and Burnham. Newcomers Falco, Flynn, Dekhayser and Schuld help comprise a deep rotation. All will be counted on to compensate for the graduation of Dudka. He posted a 5-3 record with a 1.48 ERA including 64 strikeouts and just 17 walks over 56 and two-thirds innings. Dudka also led the team with 23 RBI while batting .400 (30 for 75) with a team-high 11 extra-base hits. He had three homers including a grand slam off Monroe’s Robbie Peto, who is regarded among the top pitchers in the country. Four-year starter Juan Ganzaroli, who has been among the leaders in all offensive categories for East Brunswick each of the last three years, paces the offense. He batted .378 (28 for 74) with a team-high 26 runs and 21 RBI. Ganzaroli also clubbed eight extra-base hits including four homers. Smooth fielding shortstop Iannarone batted .333 last year with 16 runs and 13 RBI. Flynn, Marchese, Martino and Bartus should add depth to the lineup that will sorely miss McNamara (.468, 25 runs, 12 RBI, 10 extra-base hits) and Smutko (.345, 20 runs).
2015 division scores: Click HERE to see how team fared against division opponents last spring.
READ: Bears honored former teammate last season
EDISON
Coach: Vinnie Abene, 14th season (198-146).
Last year: 13-16 overall, 6-10 division.
2016 schedule: Click HERE to view the schedule.
Twitter: Follow Edison baseball
Key losses: Gregg Toro (1B), Luis Sanchez (P), Nick Clausen (P), Matt Daniels (P).
Probable lineup: John Zanfordino (Sr., 3B); Lenin Gomez (Sr., C); Nick Peterson (Sr., OF); Santos Cruz (Sr., OF); Brandon Radd (Sr., OF); Kyle Telesnick (Sr., P-OF); Brett Douches (Sr., INF-OF); Mike Fogarty (Sr., INF); Justin Hernandez (Sr., INF-P); John Redman (Sr., 1B-P).
Pitchers: Justin Hernandez (Sr., RH); Nick Peterson (Sr., RH); Kyle Telesnick (Sr., RH); Christian DeCastro (Sr., RH); Brandon Radd (Sr., LH); John Redman (Sr., RH).
Top reserves: Javier Urquia (Sr., 1B); Lucas Ogletree (Sr., OF).
Outlook: The senior-laden Eagles return nine starters from a team that hopes to improve upon its anemic .234 batting average and .285 slugging percentage. Edison batters fanned 145 times and drew 56 walks. Gomez supplied all of the team’s power, accounting for Edison’s three homers, including two in one game against North Brunswick. Radd (.319) and Cruz (.309) were the only regulars to bat above .262. Radd led the club in hits (30) and runs (18). Gomez paced the Eagles with 16 RBI, while Zanfordino (12) and Peterson (10) were the team’s other top run-producers. Edison must replace three pitchers who combined for 58 innings. The staff workhorse, Hernandez hurled 55 innings, throwing four complete games while compiling a 3-5 record with a 2.80 ERA. He returns along with Radd , who posted a 4-1 record with a 2.89 ERA. Zanfordino (2-1, 3.73) pitched 15 innings of relief. Peterson made four starts on the mound a year ago, while Telesnick made one. Opponents jumped on Edison early last season, scoring 66 of the 170 runs the Eagles allowed over the first two innings of games. The staff compiled a 4.85 ERA, registering 121 strikeouts and 90 walks.
2015 division scores: Click HERE to see how team fared against division opponents last spring.
READ: A look back at Lenin Gomez as a student of the game
OLD BRIDGE
Coach: Jimmy Freel, 3rd season (39-19).
Last year: 20-13 overall, 11-5 division.
2016 schedule: Click HERE to view the schedule.
Twitter: Follow Old Bridge baseball
Key losses: Evan Graulau (C), Jimmy Freel Jr. (1B), Tyler Hopman (P-2B), Vin Donofrio (3B), James Gabriel (OF-P), Jordan Fetterman (DH-P), Brian Hulasiya (OF), Hector Reyes (OF), Dan Barracato (INF), Augie Garbellotto (OF-P).
Probable Lineup: Don Dugan (Sr., C); Zach Attianese (Sr., P-OF); Luis Cruz (Sr., P-INF); Rob Laconti (Jr., SS); Connor Romano (Sr., INF); Rob Dacunto (Jr., 3B-1B); Peter Marottoli (Sr., OF); Joe Papeo (Jr., P-OF); Sam Allen (Sr., 1B-OF); Tom Giasi (Jr., 1B-DH).
Pitchers: Zach Attianese (Sr., LHP); Luis Cruz (Sr., RHP); Joe Papeo (Jr., LHP); Jake Kodros (Jr. RHP); Carlos Lopez (Jr., RHP); Nick Concepcion (Sr., RHP); Billy Geiger (Jr., RHP); Connor Freel (So., RHP).
Top reserves: Zach Scire (Jr., C); Mike Russo (Jr., INF); TJ Angstadt (Jr., OF).
Outlook: Graduation left the Knights with only three players with significant varsity experience from last year’s team, which shared the division title and won the school’s first ever sectional title (Central Group IV). Old Bridge lost 70 percent of its at-bats, 74 percent of its hits, 77 percent of its RBI and 138 innings pitched. The Knights will rely heavily on senior University of North Carolina commit Attianese (4-4, 1.28 ERA, .295 batting average) to lead the pitching staff, as well as to be the cornerstone of the offense, which may struggle to generate runs. Also returning to the starting lineup is Cruz (2-0, 0.57 ERA, .222 AVG) and Laconti (.217). Kodros (1-1, 1.31 ERA) and Papeo (1-0, 2.33 ERA) round out the rotation. Old Bridge once again will rely on pitching and solid defense. Can Old Bridge manufacture enough runs to win games during a rugged 19-game April stretch which includes meetings with South Plainfield (reigning Group III champion), Kearny, Elizabeth, perennial parochial school powers Seton Hall Prep, Notre Dame and its division foes?
2015 division scores: Click HERE to see how team fared against division opponents last spring.
READ: A look back at how Old Bridge won sectional title
PERTH AMBOY
Coach: Alex Perez, 3rd season (10-36).
Last year: 6-18 overall, 5-12 division.
2016 schedule: Click HERE to view the schedule.
Key Losses: Omar Jimenez (2B), Kyle Arias (P), Steven Ramos (P-OF), Ismael Alejandro (CF), Juan Pena (C), Angel Flore (SS), Alexis Guerra (P).
Probable lineup: Devin Rodriguez (Jr., CF-P); Bryan Marte (So., 2B); Christopher Brito (So., SS); Darius Diaz (So., C); Sergio Ramos (Sr., LF); Jordanny Nunez (Sr., 3B); Manuel Pozo; (Jr., RF-SS); Jahzeel EspirituSantos (So., P-1B); Anjuery Peralta (Jr., LF); Pedro Rodriguez (Sr., P-OF); Gary Galan (So., C); Elvis Iglesias (Jr., CF-2B).
Pitchers: Alex Nunez (Jr., RH); Jose Peralta (So., RH); Allen Ramos (Jr., RH); Devin Rodriguez (Jr., RH); Melvin Gonzalez (Jr., RH); Alam Castillo (Sr., RH); Bryan Guzman (Sr., LH); Pedro Rodriguez (Sr., RH); Winel Jimenez (Fr., RH); Virgilio Cabrera (Fr., RH); Jahzeel EspirituSantos (So., RH).
Top reserves: Yendry Valdez (Jr., 1B); Enger Jimenz (Jr., 3B); Daniel Tirado (Sr., CF).
Outlook: After graduating 12 players the Panthers look to rebound with a blend of youth and experience. Leading the way offensively will be All-Conference infielder Brito, who led the Red Division with a .501 batting average (31 for 61) last spring. Brito hit safely in all but three contests and finished with nine multiple-hit games. He recorded five doubles, three homers and paced the Panthers with 22 RBI and 16 runs scored. He moved from shortstop to third base late in the season. Diaz, Rodriguez, Nunez and Ramos project as Perth Amboy’s other top players. On the mound, the Panthers have a deep staff as Perez will carry 11 pitchers. The starting rotation will consist of Rodriguez, Jimenez, EspirituSantos and Ramos. Brito and Peralta will serve as the team’s closers. The Panthers look solid this year in all three phases of the game. Perth Amboy must replace two of its top hitters. Pena (.431) and Jimenez (.319) graduated.
2015 division scores: Click HERE to see how team fared against division opponents last spring.
READ: Brito was a first-team All-Area selection last season
PISCATAWAY
Coach: Scott Gleichenhaus (12-15).
Last year: 12-15 overall, 8-8 division.
2016 schedule: Click HERE to view the schedule.
Twitter: Follow Piscataway baseball
Key losses: Charles Mitchell (1B-P), John Nesler (CF), George Carson (RF), Mike Campbell (3B), Jerrid Guerra (C), Anthony Sawiki (P).
Probable lineup: Zach Merring (Sr., 2B); Chris Corvil (So., CF); Kevin Tamsula (Sr., P-3B); Dan Tricarico (Sr., RF-P); Brian Jeziorski (Sr., SS); Pete Nagy (Sr., 1B); James Ingram (So., C); Justin McKeown (Jr., DH-OF) John Swier (Jr., INF-OF-P).
Pitchers: Kevin Tamsula (Sr., RH); Jacob Vitalicio (Sr., RH); Drew Patel (Jr., RH); Zach Spishock (Jr., LH); John Delair (Sr., RH); Jason Moscowitz (Jr., RH); John Swier (Jr., RH); Dan Tricarico (Sr., RH).
Top reserves: Zach Spishock (Jr., P-1B); Nick Bucci (Jr., C-INF-OF); Drew Patel (Jr., P-INF-OF); Matt Peterson (So., DH); Vinny Koster (Sr., OF); Sean Nugent (So., OF); Parris Washington (So., OF); Joe Maisano (So., P-INF-OF).
Outlook: The Chiefs return five varsity starters. They are: seniors Tamsula (.286, 24 hits, 10 RBI), Tricarico (.257, 17 RBI), Jeziorski (17 hits, 14 runs), Merring (18 hits, 13 runs) and Vitalicio. Tamsula (3-4, 3.50) and Vitalico (2-2, 5.01) are at the top of the rotation, while Patel, Moscowitz, and Spishock compete for starting spots at the back end. Delair, Swier, and Tricarico will be called upon in relief. Piscataway’s pitchers will be asked to work quickly, locate and take advantage of their defense. Newcomers Ingram or Bucci will start behind the plate. The team’s strength should be defense. Piscataway is solid up the middle with seniors Jeziorski (a three-year starting shortstop with good range and a strong arm) and Merring (2B) and newcomer Corvil (CF). Corvil is a tremendous athlete who can track down fly balls with the best. Tricarico (RF) is another another strong-armed outfielder. The Chiefs enter the season with competition for the starting left field position. Swier or McKeown are in the running, but a few talented sophomores can step in at any time. Tamsula, another strong-armed, slick fielder, will play third when he isn’t pitching, while Nagy and Spishock compete for time at first base. Merring (leadoff), Tamsula, Tricarico and Jeziorski will be relied upon most heavily at the plate. Piscataway has been able to reach base and move runners in the preseason. The Chiefs emphasize being aggressive early in the count or whenever ahead and to shorten up late in the count to put the ball in play and pressure the defense. Timely hitting was an issue in 2015 as the Chiefs stranded 242 runners, or an average of 8.96 per game. With the graduation of Mitchell, Nesler, Carson, Campbell and Guerra the Chiefs lost 102 hits and 45 RBI. Piscataway, which batted .257 and had a 4.51 ERA last season, also looks to utilize its team speed. The Chiefs stole 36 bases last year.
2015 division scores: Click HERE to see how team fared against division opponents last spring.
READ: A look back at Piscataway's 2015 win over East Brunswick
ST. JOSEPH
Coach: Mike Murray Jr., 1st season.
Last year: 19-10 overall, 9-7 division.
2016 schedule: Click HERE to view the schedule.
Twitter: Follow St. Joseph baseball
Key losses: Nick Johnson (OF), Justin Willis (P-2B), Pat Geiger (C-DH), Conner Dolan (P).
Probable lineup: Jon Sot (So., CF); Nick Loffredo (Jr., 2B-3B); Ross Maertz (Jr., RF); JT Shorter (Sr., 1B); Brandon Warick (Jr., C); Gabe Mejias (Jr., OF), Travis Adams (Sr., SS); George Favetta (Sr., INF); Anthony Favor (Jr., 2B), Joe Weaver (Sr., INF), Kyle Angel (Jr., DH-3B).
Pitchers: Mike Farr (Jr., RH); Kyle Angel (Jr., RH); Tyler Guensch (Sr., RH); Kyle Subers (So., RH); Nick Estes (So., RH); Massimo Agresti (Sr., LH); John Fresco (Jr., RH); Joe Weaver (Sr., RH).
Top reserves: Matt Hennelly (So., OF); PJ Catalano (Jr., C); Luke Spallone (Sr., INF).
Outlook: Rookie head coach Murray, a former San Francisco Giants farmhand and All-State catcher from Westfield, must replace Willis, who transferred to Memorial, and slugger Johnson. A Vanderbilt University commit, Willis led the conference with a 0.74 ERA and 0.894 walks/hits per inning. He fanned 70 batters and allowed just 34 hits in 66 innings while posting a 7-1 record including a no-hitter of Piscataway. He also had two saves. Johnson led the Falcons in batting average (.386), hits (32), RBI (17) and runs scored (25). He collected five doubles, two triples and five homers for a team-leading .625 slugging percentage. Johnson blended power with speed (8-for-8 on stolen base attempts) and walked 19 times for a .527 OBP. Farr (3-3, 3.53), who showed flashes of brilliance last season, emerges as the new No. 1 starter. He was third on the team in innings pitched last year behind Willis and Dolan (55), who fashioned a 6-2 record with four saves and a 2.15 ERA. Guensch (5 IP) is the only other hurler with varsity experience. He and Angel are expected to be the other frontline starters. Sophomores Subers and Estes will have early opportunities on the mound. A sturdy bullpen features Agresti, Weaver, Fresco and Hennelly. St. Joseph pitchers benefitted from solid defense a year ago as the Falcons boasted an impressive .952 fielding percentage. St. Joseph struggled at the plate, batting .274 with 128 strikeouts and 99 walks. Johnson was the only player to homer. St. Joseph returns nine players with varsity at-bats including Sot (.439), who emerged as one of the conference’s best outfielders. Shorter (.337 with 14 RBI and 14 runs) is the league’s best defensive first baseman. After switching from wood to a metal bat last season, his average rose nearly 50 points. Maertz (.310 with 13 RBI) and Warick (.279 with 10 RBI) are the club’s other top returning hitters. Loffredo will be a table setter for the likes of Mejias. Weaver, Favetta and Favor will lengthen a lineup that should be more productive. Adams is one of the division’s most talented defensive infielders. He will also be relied upon for quality at-bats. In addition to his mound duties, Angel has flashed good power.
2015 division scores: Click HERE to see how team fared against division opponents last spring.
READ: Former San Francisco Giants farmhand Murray named head coach
SAYREVILLE
Coach: Mike Novak, 15th season (180-152-2).
Last year: 17-11 overall, 9-7 division.
2016 schedule: Click HERE to view the schedule.
Twitter: Follow Sayreville baseball
Key losses: Josh Guarnera (SS), Chris Eveigan (C), Nolan Rivera (3B), Ryan Shereyka (P).
Probable lineup: Bryan Fernandez (So., 3B); Connor Johnson (Sr., P-SS); Pete Soporowski (Sr., P-1B); Chris Hauber (Sr., 1B-DH); Jayson DeMild (Jr., RF-P); Brett Dzamba (Sr., CF); Joe Polomene (Jr., 2B); Kyle Richards (So., C); Josh DeJesus (Jr., C); Sean McDonnell (Sr., LF); Mike Bertrand (Sr., 2B).
Pitchers: Connor Johnson (Sr., RH); Pete Soporowski (Sr., LH); Kyle Lewis (So., LH); Jayson DeMild (Jr., RH); Marc Pearson (Jr., LH); Chris Hauber (Sr., RH); Tyler Dusko (Sr., RH); Cameron Carey (So., RH).
Top reserves: Marc Pearson (Jr., OF); Tyler Dusko (Sr., 3B-OF); Kyle Lewis (So., OF); Bryan Marra (So., SS).
Outlook: Sayreville rode timely hitting and the arms of Soporowski (5-3, 1.70) and Johnson (3-2, 2.12) to the conference tournament final, where the Bombers dropped a 1-0 decision to Monroe a year ago. Both stoppers return, but Sayreville must find a third starter to replace workhorse Shereyka (51 IP), who fashioned a 5-4 mark with a 2.06 ERA and 49 strikeouts. Soporowski has signed a National Letter of Intent with Rider University. Of Soporowski, who fanned a team-high 67 batters in a team-leading 57 innings, Rider head coach Barry Davis said: “Anytime you can get a left-handed pitcher who can spot the fastball plus add multiple offspeed pitches, it’s a bonus. He could pitch in a number of roles for us.” Sayreville, which returns six starters, will miss the bats of Rivera (.348) and Guarnera (.322), who combined for 59 of the team’s 163 hits, as well as the throwing arm and overall defense of Eveigan (.279), who served as a deterrent for would-be base stealers. DeMild, whose clutch at-bats resulted in a team-leading 24 RBI and eight extra-base hits (including a team-high two homers), is returning from a fractured right fibula. Arguably the conference’s best quarterback, he suffered the injury while engineering Sayreville to an impressive 23-21 comeback victory at Piscataway last football season. Dzamba (.311, 28 hits) and Hauber (.333, 27 hits) are the only other regulars to bat over .300. The free-swinging Bombers fanned 158 times and drew just 82 walks.
2015 division scores: Click HERE to see how team fared against division opponents last spring.
READ: Sayreville played a perfect game to defeat Monroe last year
SOUTH BRUNSWICK
Coach: CJ Hendricks, 1st season.
Last year: 7-17 overall, 5-11 division.
2016 schedule: Click HERE to view the schedule.
Twitter:Follow South Brunswick athletics
Key losses: Kevin Kessler (3B), Aidan Rogers (P), Andrew Avots (OF).
Probable lineup: Marco DiIusto (Jr., OF), Mike Casillas (Sr., OF), Brandon Siroki (Sr., OF), Alex Pollock (Jr., 1B), Ryan Moran (Jr., INF), Sean Nally (Sr., INF), Tom Leavy (Sr., C).
Pitchers: Anthony Sjolund (Sr., RHP), Will Drost (Sr., RHP), Brendon Zircher (Sr., LHP), Abhi Gupta (Sr., RHP), Brandon Siroki (Sr., RHP), Ryan Moran (Jr., RHP), Alex Pollock (Jr., LHP), Troy Sweeney (Jr., RHP), Jacob Ciccone (Fr., LHP).
Top reserves: Dillon Beck (Sr., OF), Kevin Reyes (So., OF), Gavin Vandemark (Sr., C), Victor Heutz (Jr., INF), Chris James (Jr., 3B), Jaren Almonte (Sr., 3B).
Outlook: Rookie head coach Hendricks describes the Vikings, who graduated seven seniors – only two of which were everyday starters – as “young, energetic and gritty.” An inexperienced group last season, expect South Brunswick to be more competitive. The senior-laden pitching staff includes Sjolund (3-2, 2.56), Drost (0-1, 3.28), Zircher (1-0, 1.24) and Siroki (1-4, 5.18). Sjolund and Siroki combined to throw 52 innings last season. The starting infield returns intact with Moran, Nally, Pollock and Byrne. Offensively, the Vikings look to be tough outs throughout the lineup with discipline at the plate and speed on the bases. Avots (.271), who led the team with 19 hits, and Rogers (2-4, 3.31), who led the team with 36 innings pitched, must be replaced. Siroki (.258) and Nally (.283) were second on the club with 17 hits apiece, while Byrne (.200) collected 14 hits. South Brunswick batted .223 as a team and had a 4.40 club ERA. Twenty players recorded at least one at-bat and 12 hurlers pitched at least one inning.
2015 division scores: Click HERE to see how team fared against division opponents last spring.
READ: Ball did not bounce South Brunswick's way early last season
J.P. STEVENS
Coach: David Marzano, 11th season (160-106).
Last year: 17-8 overall, 11-5 division.
2016 schedule: Click HERE to view the schedule.
Twitter:Follow J.P. Stevens baseball
Key losses: Dennis Cooper (2B), Collin Pastor (SS), Max Heskes (OF).
Probable lineup: Luke Jacobi (Jr., C); Frank LoGuidice (Sr., P-CF); Zach Marzano (Sr., 1B-P); Matt Elko (Sr., LF); Mike Katims (Sr., P-RF); Alex Zilli (Sr., P-3B); Matthew Pastor (Sr., SS); Kevin Wu (SR., 3B); Joe Pecararo (Sr., 3B); Steven Zederbaum (Fr., INF); Sagaar Pande (Jr., OF); Anthony Castelo (Sr., OF).
Pitchers: Frank LoGuidice (Sr., LH); Alex Zilli (Sr., RH); Zach Marzano (Sr., LH); Mike Katims (Sr., RH); Jared Fraraccio (Sr.,RH); Aditiya Chandel (Jr., RH).
Top reserves: Corey Jason (Sr., 3B); Rudro Biswas (Sr., 3B); Ben Mandell (Sr., 1B).
Outlook: The defending Red Division co-champions, who earned the top seed for last year’s conference tournament, have enough talent to contend for the division title. With the exception of the middle infield, the Hawks return all of their starters. J.P. Stevens also returns all but 18 of its inning pitched. LoGuidice (7-3, 1.92) hurled a team-leading 54 innings. Zilli (3-1, 1.91) worked 39 frames, while Marzano (2-1, 1.64) and Katims (2-2, 5.96) each pitched more than 22 innings. The Hawks fashioned an impressive 2.45 team ERA with pitchers registering 121 strikeouts and 75 walks. The bullpen was a perfect 5-for-5 in save opportunities. Touted as one of the league’s best hitting teams a year ago, the Hawks lived up to their billing, batting .279 with 48 extra-base hits and 134 runs against high quality pitching. Marzano (.426, 27 RBI), Jacobi (.367, 35 runs) and LoGuidice (.309, 22 RBI) carried the club offensively. J.P. Stevens is a league title contender.
2015 division scores: Click HERE to see how team fared against division opponents last spring.