Ok, it is starting to get cold and the baseball talk is dying down. Lets get a discussion going about teams to watch in 2010 in both the MIAA and Anne Arundel Public schools. Any predictions?

For Anne Arundel County Start with Severna Park. Lots of talent coming back and also moving up from JV!

They were definitely tough last year.
Who are the top 4 in AA County public?
What do you think about Calvert Hall this year. I know they lost alot of pitching but they are always tough. Loyola won the JV when these Sr's were Sophs. Gibbons, Spalding? who else is gonna challenge

I look for CHC to decline a little bit. Pitching is suspect-top 3 pitchers are 80-81, certainly not overpowering. Offense for them will not be as good as last couple years, but still above average. I think Spalding should be the favorite, but look for Gilman to have a really good year. Better Coaches and didn't lose anything.

In AA County Severna Park should go undefeated as there is no one in the county that can come close to their talent.

Spalding should be the favorite with Cardinal Gibbons close behind. Spaldings starting line up will be all Jrs. & Sophmores. I understand that Spaldings team has been working out the last two months five days a week. They are loaded with pitching and have two Jr pitchers almost touching 90..(89).......

How does Arundel look this year in its first year without Bernie?
The MIAA should be interesting. CH always seems to find a way though I do agree they aren't as dominate as past years. Also, what about Loyola? I know they lost a little bit pitching wise but that group won JV as sophomores so they should be good. Gilman will be interesting to see considering the Sheets/Ripken connection.

I'd like to know who the two kids from Spalding are who are throwing 90..

Grant & Smallenbroek, I heard that they both touched 89 during fall workouts.....

Not sure of who is throwing 90 or close to it but from being a former pitcher 90 and straight with no 2nd pitch will get hit by good teams. Give me a guy who throws 83 with a good breaking ball, good change and good command and he will give HS teams fits.
For the sake of good debate who are the best pitchers in AA and MIAA to look out for in 2010.
Who the number ones will be from the Severna Parks, Arundels, Calvert Halls, Gibbons, etc.
How is the Ripken kid? A Sophomore right? Will he be one of the dominate MIAA guys?

I have seen some pitchers pitch this fall and splading has two horses. CHC has young depth but they all have plus out pitches. The splading arms look as if they are very free and loose which should be scary for opposing teams but the command is an issue. It should be a fun season to watch but I will contest I have not had any kid at splading at 90, but I had Grant at 88 and Smallenbrook at 87 so it should be a fun season to watch and recruit. Can't wait for the season to start!

Moonbounce

quote:

Moonbounce

Even more scary without the command.

Ling Ling

I have seen Ripken pitch, and yes he will be dominant if he is healthy. When it is working he has a sick 12/6 curveball and above average fastball (85-87)

The Spalding kid - was hitting 82 late last season(late July). He may have gained 5-7 MPH since then - Im not certain - but his max was 82 at the end of July. Seems many are in awe of how hard a kid throws ...but if he doesnt have command or a 2nd pitch that he can get over - then he is going to struggle. Holding runners on and knowing how to actually "Pitch" are other concerns as well. Better suited for relief - a couple of innings and thats it , not a guy thats going to give you 6-7 innings.

Also , Ripken does have a nice 12-6 - when its working. He didnt utlize it very much last season. Also didnt break 77MPH all season - this could be due to the fact that he wasnt 100% the entire yr. He could very well be a break out pitcher this season in the MIAA - if healthy.

I believe the MIAA will be wide open this season.Pitching will be at a premium.Expect alot of offense in 2010. Loyola , CH , MSt Joe all have solid hitting teams. Basically - it comes down to the pitching. CH w/Sorgi , Spalding has Wagner , ST Joe's pitching is totally up in the air. Loyola doesnt have a number one either. It should be interesting.

Also , no way Spalding is the favorite. I'll take CH , Loyola , ST Joe - if they get the pitching in order. Sure the Hall has lost some talent to graduation but they are still solid. If St Joe gets some pitching - they could be a tough as well. Remember - MSJ was one strike away from winning the MIAA JV championship 2 yrs ago vs. Loyola. ST Joe beat CHall @ CHall in the semi's to earn the right to face the Dons in that Championship game.

I think all of those schools will be in the mix.
To me if Spalding hits then they would be the favorite. I know they are really deep on the mound and solid up the middle defensively. The question is if they hit consistently. We can't forget Gibbons either. It should be a good race.

I totally agree with "Field of Dreams" Spalding should have the best pitching in the league if everyone stays healthy but thier offense may be suspect, their 3,4 and 5 hitters are studs but after that there is a drop off. Gibbons, Loyola and Mt St Joe can really hit but the pitching will be the big question. Gilman is similar to Spalding lots of good pitching but not sure about the bats??

This will be one of the best seasons as far as parity goes. Alot of young teams and every game should be a dogfight. I admit it would be nice to see someone else on top instead of CH but they are not going down without a fight I am sure.

Offense will be big as the Oriolanders had 8 position players on their roster this fall. Only 1 pitcher. How will JC fair after they lose Wolfe...I would imagine KJ Hockaday will see a ton of walks

Have to disagree with your assessment of Spalding's "Depth" in pitching. I know Wagner is a solid "Pitcher". Not sold on the other guys mentioned - lack of command and an inability to hold runners and the overall mental approach lacking. That adds up to a struggle.That being said , kids can and do improve - we shall see.Also , will Spalding have enough "Pop" in their lineup? CHall will probably have the most depth and talent on the hill - this - despite losing their top 2 guys from last season. They are still the team to beat. Loyola close behind - the Dons should be able to out slug a lot of their opponents. St Joes has a handful of juniors who will really help that team - including the SS and a couple of solid pitchers. Aside from the pitching questions , 3b will be an issue for the Gaels - but they should be in the thick of things. Dont discount St. Pauls !