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8 to keep an eye on Sweet 6 Teams
By JOHN C. COTEY
Published February 18, 2007
Anthony Santa, SS, Land O'Lakes Broke the coach's son's record last year with a .479 average; can he top that by breaking his own? Matt Fuglesang, RHP, Land O'Lakes The Gators have a bunch of pitchers, but this junior righty will be their ace. Jay Mattos, RHP, Ridgewood Bright future for this sophomore, who may have arrived with his 1-0 win over Land O'Lakes in last year's district final. Doug Burlett, C, Ridgewood Batted clean-up as a freshman last year and will be one of the county's top run producers and power hitters this season. Terry Newton, OF, River Ridge The senior flirted with .500 midway through last season and might just make another run at it in 2007. Robert Brady, OF, River Ridge Along with Newton, comprises part of one of the county's top outfields and is a tough out. Justin Johnson, C, Wesley Chapel Other catchers get more pub, but Wildcat coach Erik Shafer warns us not to sleep on Johnson and his cannon right arm. Jason Smith, SS, Wesley Chapel Hard-nosed player (his coach compares him to Pete Rose) will be Wildcats' No. 3 hitter, top base stealer and biggest leader. 1. Ridgewood starts on top, because it returns the most top players in the county and 1-2 pitching punch of Ben Koenigsfeld and Jay Mattos may be unmatched. If not, it's because ... 2. Pasco has the best duo in juniors Aaron Brandt and Dustin Brown. Pasco still has infield issues to sort out, but ... 3. Land O'Lakes doesn't, thanks to the return of Anthony Santa, the county's leading hitter in 2007. He might be the county's best player, though ... 4. Zephyrhills standout Geoff Parker might argue. The FSU-bound pitcher and shortstop is the perfect combination of ballplayer. His hot start is no surprise, unlike ... 5. River Ridge, which is cruising right along and is looking like a district and conference spoiler thanks to a large batch of eight seniors, which is one less than ... 6. Gulf has, as the Bucs will carry nine seniors on their roster, including the top two pitchers from last year.
[Last modified February 17, 2007, 20:45:14]
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by Bill
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02/19/07 11:13 PM
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How in the world was Zach Maggard (Pasco) left off of this list?? Leading power hitter (14 HR's)returning this year in not only Pasco County but Hillsborough County as well. 400 batting average wasn't bad either.
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