RCAC SEASON PREVIEW

EAST HIGH EAGLES (Class A1)

Last season: Finished 20-3 and won third straight RCAC Tournament. Eagles beat Churchville-Chili, 5-2 in AA quarter-finals and Penfield 4-0 in semi-finals before losing to eventual state finalist Webster Schroeder, 14-0 in AA finals.

Coach: Kyle Crandall (16th season/222-105) 

Top returners: Jordi Agosto (SS .486, .652 OBP, 44R, 7 2B, 4 3B, 1 HR, 27 RBI, 20 SB), Pablo Garcia (P 7-2, 4 CG, 2 SHO, 52 K 54 IP, 2.05 ERA), Eric Maldonado (C/P .408, .586 OBP, 28R, 8-2B, 4-3B, 1 HR, 36 RBI; 2-0, 21K 11IP, 0.00 ERA), John Segarra (OF/P .500, .682 OBP, 34 R, 13 RBI, 28 SB; 4-0, 2 CG, 63K  29IP, 2.39 ERA).

Top newcomers: Joel Alicea (5-foot-10, 230), Jean Carlos Alomar (OF/P 6-foot, 195), Tyrone Roundtree Jr. (3B/OF 5-foot-8 165) and Sam Sheldon (2B/P 5-foot-8 160).

First game: March 29th vs. SOTA 4:30 pm.

Outlook: East returns several key players from a historic season last year.  The majority of the pitching staff returns along with several key hitters in the heart of their lineup.  A few holes will be filled by JV players who had a solid season last year.  East hopes to win its fourth straight RCAC Tournament and make noise again in Sectionals. Their biggest challenge is to following up on last year’s success. Expectations are high and the team will need to stay focused and avoid undue pressure and distractions. East learned last year that they can compete at a high level. Working ahead on the mound, limiting pitch counts, manufacturing runs, having timely hits and playing solid defense will lead to wins.

EDISON TECH INVENTORS (CLASS AA)

Last season: Finished 2-18 and lost Hilton in the first round of Class AA sectionals.

Coach: Kyle Tickner (first season) 

Top newcomer: Jacob Heredia (C)

First game: April 5th vs. Franklin.

Edison is looking to lay the ground work for playing together and most importantly studying together.

FRANKLIN QUAKERS (CLASS A1)

Last season:  Finished 10-10 and lost to Pittsford-Sutherland in the Class A1 quarter-finals.

Coach: Eddie Lee (29th season/119-302).

Top returners: Julian Cotto (.273, 31SB) and Frankie Santiago (.500, 52 SB*, 30 RBI).

Top newcomers: Justin Morales (So./1B).

First game: March 29th at Greece Olympia 4:30 pm.

Outlook: Julina Cotto and Santiago give the Quakers a strong nucleus up the middle. Michael Lopez on the mound and Angel Cotto behind the plate could add to the mix. Franklin will win if they put in the work and stay focused both on the field and in the classroom.

JAMES MONROE REDJACKETS (CLASS A2)

Last season: Finished 11-9, and lost to HF-L, 12-4 in the Class A2 second round.

Coach: Chris Golamb (fifth season/40-41)

Top returners: Gregory Romero (P/INF), Christian Sanchez (1B) and  Victor Torres (SS/P).

Top newcomers: Ernesto Perez (INF/P).

First game: March 30th vs. Wilson 4:45 pm.

Outlook: Monroe will have to overcome the loss of several veterans from last year’s squad in order to be competitive in every game.

NE DOUGLASS PANTHERS (Class A2)

Last season: Finished 6-13 and lost to HFL, 11-0 in first round Class A2.

Coach: Tim Sova (third season/9 – 29, 2 years).

Top returner: Luis Colon (Sr. 1B .300, .432 OBP, 9RBI, 6SB).

First game: March 29th at East, 4:45 pm.

Outlook: The Panthers will be replacing the 10 seniors including eight starters who graduated last year. With only one returning player, it will be difficult to duplicate their limited success from last year. Younger players will need to develop quickly.

SCHOOL OF THE ARTS SILVERHAWKS (Class A2)

Last season: Finished 9-10 and lost Wayne, 8-0 in the A2 quarter-finals.

Coach:  Jason Cronberger (12th season/99-123).

Top returners:  Reece Correa (So.), Ross Janezic (Fr.) Brennen Johnson (So.) and Justice Salamone (So.).

First game:  March 30th at East High, 4:30 pm.

Outlook:  SOTA is looking to build on the experiences from last year in order to be better prepared with their approach in game situations.

WILSON MAGNET WILDCATS (Class A2)

Last season: Finished 1-16 and lost to SOTA in the opening round of A2.

Coach: Barry Burke (first season). 

Top returners: Ahshabibi Ahmed, James Baldrich, James Basco, Joey DeMeyer, Finn Gallivan and David Stefko.  

Top newcomers: Carlos Cruz, Dasjon Dash and Isaac Delorisses-Flores.

First game: March 30th at Monroe.

Outlook: With a number of returning players as well as several former Junior Varsity players who saw significant varsity time last season, Wilson’s outlook is very bright. The Wildcats also have a strong influx of new and younger players that bring a lot of talent to this year’s roster.Concentrating on fundamental baseball and working together will be keys to success. .

*Frankie Santiago set a Section Five record with 52 stolen bases.