Shore Conference Baseball Preview: Class A South

All of the superlatives used to describe the Class A North division - talented, deep, competitive - also apply to Class A South. The division has two preseason top-five teams and a total of four in the top 10 and as many as six teams that profile as a potential division title contenders. While Jackson Memorial and Toms River North are the best teams on paper, either will have to earn the title, not only by getting through the other, but by surviving the rest of the division.

Although Jackson Memorial has been the most successful team of the last several years, Toms River South has an outright title in 2010 and a shared title with the Jaguars in 2012, which were Jackson's two winningest seasons ever. The Jaguars also lost two games in the division last year despite sweeping the season series from both Toms River South and Toms River North. With Toms River North reloaded, those games against Jackson should be as heated as ever, but they won't be the only tough games in this division.

Jackson Memorial

Coach: Frank Malta, ninth season
Last Year's Record: 25-3 (8-2, tied for first place in Class A South)
Key Returnees: Matt Thaiss - Sr., C (.333 Avg., 6 2B, 7 HR, 31 RBI, .485 OBP, .720 Slug.); Spencer Young - Sr., SS (.347 Avg., 16 R, 10 2B, 17 RBI, .473 OBP); Ed Guippone - Sr., CF (.424 Avg., 26 R, 4 2B, 10 RBI, .519 OBP); Matt Guarino - Jr., 1B/P; Nick Dabrio - Jr., RF (.241 Avg., 14 R, 3 2B, 2 3B, 8 RBI); Anthony Rocco - Sr., P (19.1 IP, 3-0, 1.09 ERA, 16 K, 5 BB); Jake Harlinski - Sr., P (22 IP, 3-0, 1.91 ERA, 18 K, 3 BB); Brian Delesky - Sr., P/OF (6 IP, 2.33 ERA)
Key Losses: Joe Ogren - SS; Brandon Holup - P; Alex Daniele - P; Mike Folk - 3B; Nick Petrizzo - OF; Bryan Johnston - DH; Brian Kenny - 1B/P; Keith Jennings - P
Key Newcomers: Brandon Janofsky - So., INF; Kyle Johnson - Fr., INF; Chris Gehrsitz - Sr., P, Joe Demaio - So., OF; Matt Crispe - So., OF; Mike Petrizzo - Jr., OF

Burning Question: Will the pitching-and-defense model work for Jackson without a dominant pitcher?

The Jaguars will attempt to put together another 25-win season without scoring eight-or-more runs every game thanks to air-tight defense and reliable-but-not-dominant pitching. Brandon Holup put together one of the more remarkable runs by a Shore Conference pitcher last year, tossing five straight shutouts on the way to earning All Shore Media Pitcher of the Year honors. Although they have a reputation as a high-scoring team, the Jaguars would not have won the Shore Conference title without Holup's dominance on the mound.

Then again, who says Jackson Memorial will not have dominant pitching again? While no one should hold his breath waiting for another five-game shutout streak, the Jaguars will trot out an army of left-handers who logged a small sample of innings last year. Seniors Anthony Rocco and Jake Harlinski were particularly impressive with Rocco logging 19 innings with a 1.09 ERA and Harlinski striking out 18 and walking only three in 22 innings. Brian Delesky will follow those two in the rotation that will look to keep its talented offense in the game by keeping a strong defense involved. Senior catcher and University of Virginia recruit Matt Thaiss is poised for another big year and seniors Spencer Young and Ed Guippone are coming off excellent junior years, so there is plenty left in the tank at Jackson Memorial if the Jaguars get another good performance from the pitching staff.

Toms River North

Coach: Ted Schelmay, 20th season
Last Year's Record: 17-9 (4-6, fourth place in Class A North)
Key Returnees: Ron Marinaccio - Sr., OF/P (.444 Avg./5-0); Karl Blum - Sr., P/1B (.398 Avg., 4-3); Cory Cordasco - Sr., OF; Julian Feliz - Jr., 1B/3B; Quintin Garvin - Sr., OF; Sal Smith - Sr., C; Mike Miraglia - Sr., C/OF; Steve Slagmolen - Jr., P
Key Losses: Brett Fontenelli - 3B; Scott Buxbaum - 2B; Nick Brebner - LF; Tom Viera - SS; Nolan Diaz - P/OF; Adam Chiaravalotti - C; Ryan Mihalkovitz - P; Aaron Howell - P
Key Newcomers: Jordan Silvestri - Sr., P/OF; Bobby Seflick - Sr., 3B; Anthony Ferlise - Jr., 1B/OF; Joey LaCava - Jr., INF; Carmen Sclafani - So., INF; Brett Hyers - So., P; Mike Tiplady - So., C

Burning Question: Can the talented Mariners roster put it all together this year?

On talent alone, Toms River North might be the best team in Class A South and right there with Christian Brothers Academy and Red Bank Catholic for the best top-to-bottom rosters in the Shore Conference. Like many good teams, it all starts with the pitching for Toms River North, which returns senior right-handers Ron Marinaccio and Karl Blum at the top of the rotation. Marinaccio is coming off a 5-0 season on the mound despite missing the first three weeks of the season with mononucleosis and Blum is a Duke University recruit who tops out in the low-90-miles-per-hour range. Add in promising junior Steve Slagmolen, and the Mariners boast one of the best three-man rotations in the conference.

Marinaccio and Blum are also standout hitters for the Mariners, while junior Julian Feliz, senior Cory Cordasco and senior Mike Miraglia all figure to be major producers in the lineup. The talent is in place for Toms River North to reclaim the Class A North championship, but Jackson Memorial has had the Mariners' number in recent years. Before Toms River North is considered a favorite, it will have to get over the hump against the very formidable Jaguars.

Toms River South

Coach: Ken Frank, 35th season
Last Year's Record: 22-6 (8-2, tied for first place in Class A South)
Key Returnees: Casey Cranmer - Sr., P/INF (5-1, 38.1 IP, 2.01 ERA, 34 K); Russell Messler - Jr., OF/P (.505 Avg., 25 R, 9 2B, 6 3B, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 12 SB); Kevin Fox - Sr., C/OF/INF (.225 Avg., 3 RBI, .404 OBP); Ryan Sweeney - Sr., 1B/DH (2-for-2, 2 RBI); Dylan DePolviere - Sr., P/3B (1-0, 7.1 IP, 0.95 ERA); Clayton Kapp - Sr., 1B/DH (.273 Avg., 2 2B, 4 RBI); Eric Fricks - Sr., P/OF (.286 Avg., 2 2B, 1 3B, 6 RBI); Ryan Shiffer - So., C (.412 Avg., 2 2B, 2 RBI); Justin Pratt - Sr., OF
Key Losses: R.J. Devish - SS/P; Kyle Driscoll - P; John Leiter - P; Rob Cashin - 2B; Andrew Hourigan - 3B; James Burke - 1B/P
Key Newcomers: Christian Campbell - Jr., INF; Austin Gonella - So., INF; Anthony Carfora - So., P; Vincent Scrudato - So., P; Tyler Mellot - So., P; Spencer Kapp - So., OF; Chandler Thompson - So., P/OF; Ray Liguori - So., 3B/P; John Puelo - Sr., P/INF; Cory Fowler  - Sr.; Matt Coleman - Sr., INF; Mark DeBlasi - Jr., OF; Jesse Polozzo - Jr., P/DH; Chris Wolfe - Jr., OF/C/P; Paul Donini - Jr., P

Burning Question: Is this finally the year that Toms River South is just an ordinary team?

The reactionary answer should be "When is Toms River South ever just ordinary?" It is, however, a question worth asking after scouring through the Indians roster. Junior outfielder Russell Messler, fresh off a season in which he hit over .500 with 18 extra-base hits and 12 stolen bases - is right there with Mike Rescigno as the best right-handed bat in the Shore Conference. In order for Toms River South to thrive though, Messler may have to be a standout on the mound because the Indians enter the season thinner than usual in the pitching department. While there have been years in which Toms River South has had to replace a lot of players, it has always had a Division I arm to fall back on, at least in recent years. Casey Cranmer should be solid at the top, but there are questions following him in the rotation.

The same can be said about the offense, which returns only Messler to the lineup. The natural tendency is to expect that veteran skipper Ken Frank will cook up a winning formula with a standout hitter and pitcher, but in a tough Class A South, winning is never a guarantee, not even at Toms River South. If there is enough talent on hand, as there usually is, Toms River South should again be in the hunt.

Brick Memorial

Coach: Evan Rizzitello, third season
Last Year's Record: 15-10 (6-4, third place in Class A South)
Key Returnees: Michael Martone - Sr., 3B (.259 Avg., 3 R, 3 RBI); Ryan Melia - Sr., C (.308 Avg., 9 RBI); Kyle Cala - Jr., CF (.325 Avg., 12 R, 8 RBI, 9 SB); Brian Cottrell - Sr., P (6-2, 54 IP, 1.58 ERA, 34 K, 9 BB); Corey Zytko - Sr., P (2-3, 35 IP, 2.80 ERA, 21 K); Tyler Hobbs - Jr., SS (.286 Avg., 6 R); Kyle Skoog - Sr., 1B/P (10 R, 11 SB/10 IP, 9 K, 0 BB)
Key Losses: Kevin Nilsen - SS/P; Ray Triano - 2B; Spencer Cohen - LF; Zach Santos - CF; Kevin Corris - 1B/P; Mike O'Neill - 3B
Key Newcomers: Brian Pintinics - Sr., INF/P; Evan Kachelhoffer - Sr., OF/P; Mike Shea - Sr., DH/3B; Mike D'Amato - Sr., P; Matt Hall - Sr., 2B; Pat Franzoni - Jr., OF; Tyler Goodman - Jr., OF; Joe Pipher - Jr., OF; Anthony Assante - Jr., 1B/P; Joe Trafficante - Jr., P

Burning Question: Is the new-look Mustangs infield good enough to complement the experienced pitching staff?

There is no denying Brick Memorial returns two quality pitchers from the second-best rotation in the division last year, but both Brian Cottrell (34 strikeouts in 54 innings) and Corey Zytko (21 strikeouts in 35 innings) relied a lot on weak contact rather than swings-and-misses. That means the defense will have to be sharp, not necessarily a given considering that Brick Memorial will need to replace its middle infield and center fielder from a year ago. Center field should not be a problem with talented junior Kyle Cala shifting to the middle of the outfield, but shortstop and second base will go to less experienced players.

Junior Tyler Hobbs will take over at shortstop after hitting .286 in part-time duty. If his glove plays in the middle of the diamond, Brick Memorial should be a tough opponent again with the pitching it returns. Senior third baseman Michael Martone and senior catcher Ryan Melia will be leaders on the field after starting last year, while senior Kyle Skoog brings speed to the lineup (11 stolen bases) and great control (nine strikeouts, no walks in 10 innings) to the mound. The offense was hot-and-cold last season, so if the Mustangs can put a few more runs on the board, there is more than enough pitching in place to make them a contender for the division title.

Toms River East

Coach: Bill Frank, 29th season
Last Year's Record: 9-12 (3-7, fifth place in Class A South)
Key Returnees: Brandon Bloodgood - Sr., 1B/P; Christian Danyo - Sr., 3B; Paul Schifilitti - Sr., P/1B; C.J. Hirschy - Jr., 2B/P; Max Lasky - Jr., CF; Dave Lewis - Sr., RF; Tyler DeFillipo - Sr., C; Charlie Mule - Jr., 3B; Jerry Caporale - Jr., LF; Jon Meola - So., SS
Key Losses: Jordan Hoefling - C; Trevor Fitzsimmons - P; Dan Foley - P; Kyle Dietrich - P/OF
Key Newcomers: Tom Vincent - Jr., INF; Tyler Folger - Jr., P; J.T. Burdge - Jr., P; Jeff Canova - Jr., P; Anthony DeBlasio - Jr., P; Rob Spillane - Sr., P

Burning Question: If the window of opportunity is open in Class A South, can the Raiders step through?

Toms River North is exceedingly talented and Jackson Memorial is on a tremendous run with a handful of great players back, but if Jackson slips up just a little bit and the Mariners get off to a slow start again, there will be a chance for some team to step up. With almost its entire lineup back from a club that had its moments last year, Toms River East could be that team. The Raiders lose catcher Jordan Hoefling and starters Dan Foley and Trevor Fitzsimmons, but return the rest of the lineup. East should boast a solid rotation that features three position players at the top as the season opens.

Senior Brandon Bloodgood returns as a middle-of-the-order hitter and a top pitcher in the rotation, while fellow senior Paul Schiffilitti will head-up the rotation and play first when Bloodgood is on the mound. Senior Christian Danyo provides punch from the left side in the middle of the order and junior Max Lasky will man center field alongside fellow returnees Dave Lewis and Jerry Caporale. Sophomore Jon Meola - son of former U.S. soccer goalkeeper Tony Meola - took over the shortstop job as a freshman and should be an anchor on the infield for three more seasons. Inconsistency has plagued Toms River East in recent years, but coach Bill Frank - who is 10 wins shy of 500 for his career - has a good mix of youth and experience in a program that has a chip on its shoulder. Even if Jackson Memorial and Toms River North live up to the hype, this may be the year Toms River East baseball returns to prominence in A South.

Brick

Coach: Jason Groschel, eighth season
Last Year's Record: 9-15 (6-4, third place in Class B South)
Key Returnees: Tyler Iannarone - Sr., 1B (.375 Avg., 8 2B, 15 RBI); Brad Applegate - Sr., OF (.305 Avg.); Nick Zbranak - Jr., 3B/P (4 2B); Brian Henry - Sr., SS/P; John Fuino - Sr., OF (.302 Avg.); Evan Lobato - Jr., P/SS (4-1, 1.82 ERA) ; Trevor Mastria - Sr., P (1-4); Tyler Wicker - 2B/SS; Matt Olsen - Jr., OF
Key Losses: Bill Berg - 2B; John Kizzman - OF; Brian Mayer - C; Brandon Kieslor - P; Dan Mnich - P; Jake Voorhees
Key Newcomers: Brian Gallagher - Jr., C; Rick Metro - Jr., C; Harry Eaton - Sr., P; Brendan Darcy - Sr., P/3B; John Sullivan - Sr., OF; Nick Muzzio - Sr., OF; D.J. Kerrigan - Sr., 2B; Nick Moglia - So., P; Jordan Rassman - Jr., P

Burning Question: Did Brick's tough non-division schedule while playing in B South prepare them for a return to A South?

When last we saw the Green Dragons in Class A South, they were a junior-loaded team that was just starting one of its best two-year stretches in the recent history of the program. Brick had a lot of reloading to do and although the 9-15 record is not striking, the Green Dragons played a very tough schedule for a team of mostly new starters. Losing an all-division catcher (Brian Mayer) and two top pitchers (Brandon Kieslor and Dan Mnich) will not be easy to overcome for this year's team, but the Dragons have more in place this year than they did a year ago.

Senior first baseman Tyler Iannarone has quietly put together two very good varsity seasons and will lead the offense. Senior Brian Henry will be the regular shortstop while junior Evan Lobato will headline the rotation and play shortstop when Henry pitches. Senior outfielders Brad Applegate and John Fuino, as well as junior third baseman Nick Zbranak, all had successful 2012 seasons at the plate as well. With a little bit of everything back at Brick, it is safe to add the Green Dragons to the list of teams that can compete for a top spot in Class A South.

Lacey

Coach: Corey Hamman, first season
Last Year's Record: 5-16 (3-7, fifth place in Class B South)
Key Returnees: Eric Reitmeyer - Jr., CF; Sean McGovern - Sr., C; James Angellella - Sr., P/OF; Donovan Waller - Sr., P/OF; Austin Peck - Sr., 1B; Connor Rooney - Jr., SS/P; Ken Ferrante - Sr., C/OF; Andrew Capatasto - Sr., 2B/3B
Key Losses: Ryan Reitmeyer - SS/P; Victor Kochanowski - LF/P; Anthony Marotta - 2B; Ryan Hanula - OF/P
Key Newcomers: Justin Striffler - Jr., LF; Frank Horvath - Jr., RF; Justin Weigand - So., 3B/P/OF; Rich Hurley - So., 3B/P/1B; Paul Lynch - Jr., C/1B/DH; Connor Davies - So., SS/2B; Brandon Olowiany - Jr., P; Pat Loua - Jr., P/3B; Brett Kinsey - So., P/OF

Burning Question: Are the Lions ready to make the jump back into the A South jungle?

Literally speaking, of course Lions can handle the jungle. But while Lacey may be the Lions, Class A South is a different kind of jungle, one that will pose a challenge to a young team looking to establish a winning foundation. Lacey returns only three senior starters and six overall from last year, so it will be up to that group to guide the group of young incoming players.

Senior hurlers Donovan Waller and James Angellella will anchor the rotation, while Austin Peck, Ken Ferrante and Andrew Capatasto move into starting roles. Lacey has two impact juniors back this season, headlined by third-year starting center fielder Evan Reitmeyer. Classmate Connor Rooney will play at shortstop and also give Lacey some innings on the mound after seeing some time last year. Waller is one of the top pitchers in the division and should give Lacey a chance to win on days he pitches, but the challenge will be matching the depth of the top teams in Class A South.

Southern

Coach: Tom Natoli, fourth season
Last Year's Record: 9-13 (1-9, sixth place in Class A South)
Key Returnees: Dan Higgins - Sr., SS/P (.333 Avg., 5 2B, 10 RBI, .389 OBP, .417 SLUG); Mark Heslin - Sr., C (.254 Avg., 7 2B, 10 RBI); Anthony Speziale - Sr., 3B/P; Zach Brown - Sr., OF; Ethan Rutter - Jr., 3B; Eric Hammell - Jr., CF; Nick Sinopoli - Jr., 3B
Key Losses: Jack Bush - CF; Joe Fiorello - LF; Nick Morrison - P/OF/1B; John Hasney - 2B
Key Newcomers: John Begonia - Sr., 2B; Dan Steadman - Sr., OF; Ryan Brown - Sr., OF; Jesse Essinger - Sr., P; Brannon Sweigart - Jr., P; Jake Galan - Jr., SS/OF; Chris Starner - Jr., 1B; Nick Scalone - Jr.; Zach Mason - So., P; Ethan Fonteix - So., P; Chris Leung - So., P

Burning Question: Now that a number of top players have moved on from the program, can the Rams start to restock the roster?

Although Southern struggled in Class A South competition, the Rams went 8-4 outside the division and were generally competitive against other A South teams. While no one is seeking moral victories, Southern's players should feel confident that they were right there with most of the teams on their schedule, even if most of those games went the wrong way for them.

The problem for Southern is many of the players that hung tough in A South last year are gone. Jack Bush was an All-Shore outfielder while Joe Fiorello, Nick Morrison and John Hasney were all productive hitters last year and replacing their offense is a tall order. Senior shortstop and No. 1 pitcher Dan Higgins is a potential all-division player and will form a formidable battery with third-year starting catcher Mark Heslin, who socked seven doubles last season. Those two are the only returning everyday players for the Rams, but Southern should get a lift from senior third baseman Anthony Speziale, who missed last season due to injury. If those seniors have big years and Southern can start to develop its next core of talented players, then the Rams will have a competitive season.

Division Lineup

Matt Thaiss, C, Jackson Memorial - The worry around the Shore is that Thaiss won't get pitched to this year, but the same thing happened last year (23 walks). Plus, that means Jackson's fastest bench player will be on base a lot as the courtesy runner.

Tyler Iannarone, 1B, Brick - An unsung player as a sophomore on the Ocean County championship team in 2011, Iannarone did not let up last year, hitting .375 with eight doubles.

Spencer Young, SS, Jackson Memorial - Another unsung player on a good team, Young has been a steady player at third base as a sophomore, second base as a junior and now will be the shortstop as a senior.

Dan Higgins, SS, Southern - A dual threat who will also be a top pitcher in the division, Higgins will have to carry a big load for the young Rams to open some eyes this season.

Christian Danyo, 3B, Toms River East - The Raiders' most powerful hitter is a three-year starter who will see some time at third and as the designated hitter.

Russell Messler, OF, Toms River South - How is this for a debut as a sophomore?: .505 average with nine doubles, six triples, three home runs and 12 stolen bases. In a long line of great TRS outfielders, Messler fits right in at this point in his career.

Kyle Cala, OF, Brick Memorial - Played a corner outfield spot in his first two seasons and in his junior year, takes his glove and a good bat to center field.

Ed Guippone, OF, Jackson Memorial - The latest Jaguar to go from role player to standout, Guippone hit .424 in his first year as a full-time starter with an on-base percentage (.514) better than that of teammates Joe Ogren (.451) and Matt Thaiss (.485).

Brandon Bloodgood, 1B, Toms River East - Solid on both the mound and at the plate, Bloodgood may be the Raiders' most polished player.

Division Rotation

Ron Marinaccio, RHP, Toms River North - Despite missing the first three weeks of the season because of mononucleosis, Marinaccio posted a 5-0 record on the mound and a .444 average at the plate in earning second-team All Shore honors.

Karl Blum, RHP, Toms River North - Headed to pitch at Duke next season, Blum is looking to have a big senior season to cap off a stellar four-year varsity career.

Brian Cotrell, RHP, Brick Memorial - The senior was a groundball machine in his first full season on the mound and will look to continue his assault on the worms of Ocean County this season.

Donovan Waller, LHP, Lacey - Tall left-hander has been a solid pitcher over his last two seasons and with a chance to mature physically, he should be even better.

Casey Cranmer, RHP, Toms River South - An underrated link in the pitching chain last season, Cranmer will be the man this season as the Indians try to reload around the senior right-hander and Messler.

Evan Lobato, RHP, Brick - An impressive 4-1 record with a 1.82 ERA was a great start to his career, and doing it again - this time in Class A South - should provide a healthy challenge for the talented right-hander.

Breakout Players to Watch

Anthony Rocco, LHP, Jackson Memorial - Rocco and Jake Harlinsky are likely two of the top eight-or-so pitchers in the division, and now it's just a matter of proving it. Rocco posted a 1.09 ERA and a 16-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 19 1/3 impressive innings as a junior.

Mike Miraglia, OF, Toms River North - Like many players in deep programs, Miraglia has had to wait his turn for a full-time gig and the byproduct is a player who can play a few positions. The patience will pay off this season.

Ryan Shiffer, C, Toms River South - Hit .412 in a small dose of playing time with the varsity squad and is primed for a solid career going forward for an Indians team that has a lot of holes to plug from last year's starting lineup.

Nick Dabrio, OF, Jackson Memorial - The Jaguars are reloading with a lot of young talent, but players with a year under their belts like Dabrio are the key to another great season for the Jags.

Connor Rooney, SS/P, Lacey - The 6-foot-4 triple-threat will be a key on the mound, in the middle of the defense and at the plate for a Lacey team looking to open some eyes as it moves into Class A South.