Pinellas: Baseball season preview

By Bob Putnam, Times Staff Writer
Published February 11, 2008

Dunedin and Clearwater Central Catholic have dominated their Pinellas County counterparts in recent seasons, by almost every measure, and the trend will continue this season.

The Falcons, who won the PCAC title last season, have all the tools - quality pitching, powerful hitting and air-tight defense.

The Marauders, the defending Class 3A state champions, return most of their lineup. Their strength is in pitching. But they also can pack a wallop at the plate.

Both teams could face one another in the final of the Dunedin tournament in March. But their ultimate goal goes beyond that.

"We want to go to states," Falcons shortstop Jake Rogers said.

Dandy dozen

Player School

Chris Calhoon Seminole

One of the Warhawks' leading hitters last year with a .423 average.

Joey Cuda Canterbury

Hit a team-leading .493 and helped Crusaders reach region final last season.

Patrick Eckelbarger Seminole

He had a 6-1 record with a 1.03 ERA and 47 Ks.

JoJo Hess Northside Christian

The Mustangs' ace went 5-2 with a 1.41 ERA and 34Ks last year.

Clay Kollenbaum Dunedin

Jacksonville recruit went 9-2 with a school record 104 strikeouts.

Max Krueter Dunedin

The Tampa recruit was 9-1 last season with a 2.05 ERA and 58 Ks.

Sam Mende Clearwater Central Catholic

Led state champs with .465 average, eight HRs, 14 doubles.

Matt Morelli Clearwater Central Catholic

The infielder turned up at states last season and finished with a .23 average.

Jeff Reynolds Shorecrest

The leader of a strong staff, Reynolds went 7-2 with a 1.69 ERA and 66 Ks.

Jake Rogers Dunedin

The UCF signee came close to the triple crown, hitting .481 with 11 HR and 47 RBIs.

Jamison Sweat Dunedin

The PHU transfer provides pop to the lineup and will bat cleanup.

Ryan Weber Clearwater Central Catholic

The Florida recruit went 11-0 with a 0.54 ERA and had 99 strikeouts with only eight walks.

Class 6A, District 7

Outlook, Teams

The Green Devils return most of their lineup, but they'll have difficulty getting through one of the toughest districts in the state., Alonso, Countryside, Gaither, Mitchell, St. Petersburg, Sickles

Class 5A, District 9

Outlook, Teams

The Falcons, last year's PCAC champion, have the county's deepest roster with 33 players on varsity. That should be more than enough to stay on top of the conference and district. The Tornadoes have a solid 1-2 punch in Tim Younger and Craig Goodman and the Spongers return pitcher Joey Kase. The Eagles and Hurricanes lost a lot from last season., Clearwater, Dunedin, East Lake, Largo, Palm Harbor University, Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs

Class 5A, District 11

Outlook, Teams

The Warhawks were the county's only public school to advance to the region semifinals. Seminole could repeat with the return of Patrick Ecklebarger and Chris Calhoon., Boca Ciega, Dixie Hollins, Gibbs, Lakewood, Northeast, Osceola, Seminole

Class 3A, District 11

Outlook, Teams

The Marauders are trying to become the first county program to win back-to-back state titles. CCC has a good shot, thanks to a stellar pitching led by Ryan Weber, the Times All-Suncoast pitcher of the year last season., Berkeley Prep, Clearwater Central Catholic, Lennard, St. Petersburg Catholic, Tampa Catholic

Class 2A, District 9

Outlook, Teams

The Golden Eagles and Warriors will battle Tampa Prep for district supremacy. , Bishop McLaughlin, Calvary Christian, Indian Rocks Christian, Tampa Prep

Class 2A, District 11

Outlook, Teams

The Mustangs and Chargers are the class of the district due mostly to pitching. Northside's ace is JoJo Hess; Shorecrest relies on Jeff Reynolds., Keswick Christian, Northside Christian, Bradenton St. Stephen's Episcopal, Shorecrest Prep

Class A, District 11

Outlook, Teams

The Crusaders have a trio of stars in Joey Cuda, Brandon Hamilton and Johnny Lancaster that will help them try to advance to state., Academy at the Lakes, Canterbury, Citrus Park Christian, Lakeside Christian, Oldsmar Christian

FAST FACTS

For the fans

Admission: Most schools don't charge for regular-season games.

Regular season: Practice officially began Jan.14 and the first regular-season games allowed are today. A team may not play more than 25 games, including tournaments. The season ends April19.

Playoffs: District tournaments are April21-25. The 16 district winners and 16 runnersup from each classification advance to region tournaments, which begin April29. The final four teams from each of six classes advance to the state tournament May14-20 at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota.

[Last modified February 10, 2008, 21:22:41]