Manalapan Braves

Head Coach: Brian Boyce, ninth season
Record Last Year: 13-13 (5-9, sixth in A North)

Returning StartersYr.Position2013 Batting Stats2013 Pitching Stats
Matt ParkeSr.2B.325/.402/.390, 3 2B, 1 3B, 17 R, 10 RBI, 3 SB
John DianaJr.SS.396/.475/.528, 7 2B, 13 R, 8 RBI, 4 SB
Alex WolfSr.P.273/.333/.364, 1 2B40 IP, 36 H, 12 BB, 25 K, 2.80 ERA, 3-3
Returning PlayersYr.Position2013 Batting Stats2013 Pitching Stats
Nick SerraJr.P1-for-1, 2B, 2 RBI13.1 IP, 9 H, 2 BB, 7 K, 0.53 ERA, 2-0
Ryan TsangSr.P11.2 IP, 11 H, 2 BB, 2 K, 3.60 ERA, 3-0
Dan RussoSr.3B.179/.200/.205, 1 2B, 3 SB
Jon StrouseSr.C/OF.125/.300/.125

 

Key Losses: Bill Moed (3B), Mike Knauf (C), James Halasy (OF), Chris Tipaldo (OF), Matt Simonetti (P), Dennis Girolamo (P), Greg Yip (OF), Luke Becker (1B)
Key Newcomers: Jake Sadowitz (So., 1B/P), Ryan McGrane (Jr., 1B), Chris Rodriguez (So., OF), Stephen Hansen (So., OF), Matt Kleper (Jr., 3B), Stephen Carbonara (So., C), Chris Winter (So., C)

Team Outlook

Howell and Freehold Township have the most seasoned rosters in the division, but Manalapan’s collection of talent may have the highest ceiling. Whether or not the Braves can realize that potential this season remains to be seen, but with a mix of returning senior and junior talent, Manalapan has a nice core that will get some help in the form of a talented sophomore class.

Senior second baseman Matt Parke and junior shortstop John Diana return in the middle of the infield to lead the defense and the lineup. Parke was the second baseman on the Braves’ 2012 Group IV championship team and Diana was one of the best offensive shortstops in the conference during his sophomore season in 2013 (.396 with seven doubles). Senior right-hander Alex Wolf is the only other returning player with significant playing time, having thrown 40 innings with a 2.80 ERA. Junior Nick Serra also logged 13 1/3 innings as a sophomore and allowed only 11 baserunners, struck out seven and posted a 0.53 ERA.

Wolf, Serra and Ryan Tsang bring the most experience to the rotation and sophomore Jake Sadowitz is a left-hander who is ready for a role as a varsity starter. Sadowitz will also play first base and is one of four potential sophomore starters the Braves will employ. Center fielder Chris Rodriguez is a standout athlete, while Stephen Hansen is also a front-runner for a starting job in the outfield. Stephen Carbonara and Chris Winter will also vie for playing time behind the plate, along with senior Jon Strouse – who can also play in the outfield if need be. Senior Dan Russo is the front-runner to play third base, but junior Matt Kleper will push for time at the hot corner as well.

Although young, Manalapan has a lot of young talent that is hungry not only to prove itself but to get started on a run similar to the group that won so many games and hung so many banners from 2010 to 2012. There are more experienced teams in the division, but the Braves have a chance to eschew experience and make a run at the division title with their youth movement.

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