Our Greater Middlesex Conference high school baseball previews for the 2019 season commence today with an in-depth look at the White Division.
Follow sportswriter Greg Tufaro on Twitter for links to future previews and for complete coverage throughout the season.
Previews of the league's four other divisions are on deck, along with our preseason Top 10 rankings and preseason All-Conference and All-Division selections.
In case you missed it, please consider checking out our Hot Stove Report, taking a glance at the opening week schedule or reflecting upon last season in our 2018 Year in Review.
A complete list of the division's top returning hitters and hurlers can be found at the bottom of this article
Following are team-by-team White Division baseball previews (schools appear in alphabetical order).
COLONIA
Coach: Mike Scialfo, 2nd season (20-7)
Last year: 20-7 overall, 9-3 White Division
Social Media: Follow on Twitter
2019 Schedule: Mark your calendar
Key losses: Frank Lehman (SS), Anthony Palmisano (C), Chris Michael (P), Nick Michael (OF), Jason Hilenski (1B).
Probable lineup: Louie Matten (Sr., OF); Tommy Mitch (Sr., INF); Nick Nielson (Jr., P-INF); Matt Flammia (Jr., C); CJ Miller (Sr., P-INF); Nick Scherb (Sr., U); Kenny Shinski (Jr., OF); Will Orak (Sr., OF); Noah Ruiz (P-INF).
Pitchers: Nick Nielson (Jr., RH); Noah Ruiz (Jr., RH); JT Kroner (Fr., LH); CJ Miller (Sr., RH); Sean Ragan (Sr., RH); Harrison Brindley (So., LH).
Top reserves: Ryan Balog (Sr., OF); Sean Ragan (Sr., INF-P); Chris Waldron (So., INF); JT Kroner (Sr., P-OF).
Outlook: The Patriots have been among the conference’s most consistent programs over the past four years, averaging nearly 16 wins per season. Colonia will be hard-pressed to replace a quintet of players that combined for 129 of the team’s 218 hits last season. They include Lehmann (.437 BA, 38 H, 3 2B, 2 HR, 31 R, 22 RBI), Hilenski (.364 BA, 28 H, 9 2B, 18 R, 16 RBI), Chris Michael (.316 BA, 24 H, 4 2B, 2 3B, 14 R, 15 RBI), Palmisano (.316 BA, 18 H, 7 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 6 R, 14 RBI) and Nick Michael. Chris Michael (1.25 ERA, 5-3 REC, 67.1 IP, 62 K, 6 BB, 12 ER, 49 H) and Lehmann (1.80 ERA, 3-0 REC, 23.1 IP, 28 K, 15 BB, 6 ER, 18 H) will also be missed on the mound. During his brilliant four-year career, Chris Michael compiled a 17-8 record while fanning 160 batters and walking just 26 over 173 and a third innings. The Patriots should still have pitching depth and will continue to play sound defense. They boasted a .956 fielding percentage last season. Nielson (0.91 ERA, 8-1 REC, 46.1 IP, 35 K, 19 BB, 6 ER, 31 H) returns as the staff ace. He has committed to Wagner College. Ruiz complements him as the No. 2 starter. Miller hurled 16 and two thirds innings a year ago. Nielson is also the team’s top returning hitter. He batted .280 with 20 hits (five for extra bases) and was second on the club with 19 RBI last season. Mitch (.278, 20 H, 14 RBI) and Matten (.283, 13 H, 7 RBI) also have pop in their bats.
EDISON
Coach: Vinnie Abene, 17th season (229-191)
Last year: 9-15 overall, 3-11 Red Division
Social Media: Follow on Twitter
2019 Schedule: Mark your calendar
Key losses: Colin Lombardo (Sr., INF); Jason Smith (Sr., P); Frank Shipman (Sr., P); Alex Sommer (Sr., P).
Probable lineup: Sammy Cruz (Sr., INF); Ethan Vargas (Jr., INF); Christian Biolsi (Sr., P-1B); Mike Smith (Sr., OF); Frank Vega (Sr., C); Evrin Virola (So., OF-P); Walker Zampella (So., INF); Sal Della Fave (Fr., 1B-DH); Nico Lopez (So., OF); Alex Reyes (So., OF).
Pitchers: Christian Biolsi (Sr., RH); Dom La Pelosa (So., RH); CJ Banyacski (Jr., LH); Nico Chipoco (Sr., RH); Owen Fogarty (Sr., LH); Nick Montesanoi (Sr., RH); Evrin Virola (So., LH).
Top reserves: Tyler Mellinger (So., C); Yashil Patel (Sr., OF); Chris Sommer (Jr., OF); Ricardo Avellan (Sr., OF); Anthony Giordano (Jr., C).
Outlook: The Eagles finished strong last season, winning five of their last 10 games with four of those losses coming by a single run. Edison, however, returns just one win on the mound, which Fogarty recorded. Biolsi signed a National Letter of Intent to continue his career at Southern New Hampshire University. Edison must replace 92 innings lost through the graduation of Smith (3.39), Shipman (4.20) and Sommer (3.23). Abene believes if his inexperienced staff can throw strikes, Edison will be competitive. The Eagles batted .273 as a team last year and graduated leading hitter Lombardo (.388 BA, 26 H, 6 2B, 19 R, 13 RBI). Cruz (.386 BA, 27 H, 6 2B, 2 HR, 14 R, 11 RBI) is the top returning hitter and one of five returning position players. Virola was third on the club with 24 hits for a .293 average last season. Biolsi led Edison with 15 RBI and 15 runs scored.
NORTH BRUNSWICK
Coach: Mark Blevins, 3rd season (26-27)
Last Year: 18-10 overall, 8-4 White Division
Social Media: Follow on Twitter
2019 Schedule: Mark your calendar
Key losses: Danny Reardon (P-1B), Damian Ortiz (C), Mike Scimone (P), Kelson Hopson (OF), Stephen Mihalenko (P).
Probable lineup: Dylan Glassman (Jr., OF-P); Caleb Rodriguez (Jr., INF); Christian Petrillo (Sr., P-CF); Andrew Tan (Sr., C-SS); Sean Breheney (Sr., OF); Dylan Farrell (Jr., 1B-P); Stefan Rojas-Ayala (Jr., 3B); Anthony Partazana (So., INF); Tyler Sommer (So., OF-P).
Pitchers: Christian Petrillo (Sr., LH); Tyler Sommer (So., LH); Eriel Relagado (So., RH); Dylan Glassman (Jr., RH); Paul Kuchler (Jr., RH); David Nazario (So., RH); Dylan Farrell (Jr., RH).
Top reserves: Alex Bursac (Sr., C); Paul Kuchler (Jr., 2B-P); Derek Rossman (Jr., OF); Oscar Castanos-Reyes (Jr., OF-P); Nazario (So., OF-P); Eriel Relagado (So., P-OF) Omar Carreras (Fr., INF-C).
Outlook: The Raiders graduated 146 of 184 innings pitched. The only returning hurler of note is Petrillo (30 IP, 3-1, 3.03 ERA). Sophomores Sommer and Relagado will complete the starting rotation. Juniors Glassman and Kuchler will make spot starts and appear in relief. Offensively, the Raiders will be led by seniors Petrillo (Southern New Hampshire signee) and Tan (Binghamton signee). The pair were both All-White Division selections last season, while Tan earned All-Conference honors. Petrillo (.375 BA, .475 OBP, 33 H, 7 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 13 RBI) led the team a year ago with 25 runs scored. Tan (.400 BA, .455 OBP, 34 H, 11 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 38 RBI) led the county with 38 RBI. Glassman (.299 BA, .396 OBP., 23 H, 3 2B, and 22 R) and Rodriguez (.316 BA, .436 OBP, 25 H, 2 2B, 22 R) will be asked to set the table for Petrillo and Tan. With the graduation of Reardon, Ortiz and Hopson, the Raiders lose pop in the form of nine homers and 61 RBI. North Brunswick will look for senior Breheney and juniors Farrell and Rojas-Ayala to fill the offensive void.
SAYREVILLE
Coach: Mike Novak, 18th season (216-189-2)
Last year: 14-11, 7-5 White Division
Social Media: Follow on Twitter
2019 Schedule: Mark your calendar
Key losses: Kyle Richards (C), Bryan Fernandez (CF), Anthony Gambardella (3B), Drew Zimmerman (1B-P), Cameron Carey (P), Kyle Lewis (P).
Probable lineup: James Ryan (Jr., CF); Ryan Casano (Sr., 2B); Dan McDonnell (Sr., C-RF); Constantino Pena (Sr., DH); Dylan McTonic (Sr., LF); Tommy Kearns (Jr., SS); Ethan Calcano (Sr., 3B); Joe Haytas (So., C-OF); Ryan Ament (Jr., 1B); Nick Lodzinski (Jr., DH); Jake Dougherty (Sr., 1B-DH), Christian Aich (Sr., 1B-DH).
Pitchers: Christian Aich (Sr., RH); Jacob Dougherty (Sr., LH); Kunal Vani (Sr., RH); Michael Romanello (Sr., RH); Nick Lodzinski (Jr., RH); Ajay Churaman (Jr., RH); Ryan Ament Jr., LH).
Top reserves: Ethan Gutzlaff (Sr., OF); Kevin Cruz (So., INF); Diego Rodgriguez (So., INF).
Outlook: Sayreville graduated its top four hitters. Gambardella, Richards, Fernandez and Zimmerman combined for 99 hits. Aich (1.78 ERA, 7-1 REC, 47 IP, 66 K, 32 BB, 12 ER, 33 H), who has signed a National Letter of Intent with Pace, returns as the staff ace. Carey (2.13 ERA, 1-3 REC, 33 IP, 30 K, 15 BB, 10 ER, 39 H), who statistically was the team’s second most effective hurler a year ago, has graduated. Lodzinski returns after a solid sophomore year as the team’s closer, registering four saves. Seniors Romanello, Dougherty, Vani, and juniors Churaman and Ament will round off the staff. Each member of the quintet is coming off strong jayvee campaigns. McTonic, Calcano and Ryan are Sayreville’s top returning hitters.
ST. JOSEPH
Coach: Mike Murray Jr., 4th season (51-35)
Last year: 15-13 overall, 7-5 Red Division
Social Media: Follow on Twitter
2019 Schedule: Mark your calendar
Key losses: Jon Sot (CF), Kyle Subers (RHP), Nick Estes (RHP), Austin Neal (3B), Matt Hennelly (OF), Tim Leano (2B).
Probable lineup: Matt Sot (Jr., CF); Aidan Drury (Sr., 2B); Tom Faggioni (Sr., C); Sebastian Mueller (Jr., 1B); Adam Boucher (Jr., P-OF); John Zarnowski (Jr., INF); Caleb Carter (Jr., INF); Braden Ramirez (So., OF); Derek Zelesnick (Sr., SS); Dave Razzano (Sr., INF).
Pitchers: Adam Boucher (Jr., RH); Jake Hellwig (Sr., RH); Donovan Zsak (Fr., LH); Brett Subers (Jr., RH); Tom Spallone (Sr., RH); Lew DeAngelis (Sr., LH); Nikko Matos (Jr., RH); Logan Olsen (Sr., LH); Colin Leyner (So., RH); Braden Ramirez (So., RH).
Top reserves: Adam Thompson (Sr., OF); Miguel Zavalla (Jr., C); Garrett Smith (Sr., 3B); Nikko Matos (Jr., INF); Dylan Graham (Jr., OF).
Outlook: A versatile and deep roster includes seven college commits and a team that has its sights set on division and conference tournament titles while preparing to compete against some of the state’s elite in Non-Public A South. The Falcons must replace career hits leader Jon Sot, as well as Subers (1.45 ERA, 5-2 REC, 48.1 IP, 58 K, 24 BB, 10 ER, 34 H) and Estes (1.91 ERA, 3-5 REC, 44 IP, 50 K, 19 BB, 12 ER, 41 H), a couple of three-year starters on the mound who hurled many big games. St. Joseph should have the depth to replace those two arms with Duke commit Boucher (2.67 ERA, 2-1 REC, 21 IP, 22 K, 19 BB, 8 ER, 19 H), Hellwig (1.77 ERA, 3-0 REC, 39.2 IP, 47 K, 6 BB, 10 ER, 40 H) and Virginia commit Zsak. Talented sophomores Ramirez and Leyner, as well as seniors Spallone and DeAngelis, round out the back end of the rotation. Brett Subers, Kyle’s younger brother, will also see innings. Offensively, the Falcons will lean on returning All-Red Division selections Mueller (.388 BA, 33 H, 5 2B, 6 HR, 19 R, 32 RBI) and Tom Faggioni (.400 BA, 32 H, 5 2B, 2 HR, 13 R, 21 RBI). Mueller has committed to Quinnipiac and Faggioni has committed to Alvernia. With steady senior Drury, Catholic University commit Zelesnick, Mt. St. Mary’s commit Carter and versatile newcomers such as Matt Sot and Ramirez, the Falcons should be able to produce a strong lineup. Seniors Thompson and Razzano, along with junior Zarnowski, have the ability to do damage at the plate. The Falcons, who move from the Red Division, will again play one of the league’s toughest nonconference schedules with games against perennial powers Seton Hall Prep, Bergen Catholic, St. Peter’s Prep, and St. Joseph of Montvale. The Falcons will also face Kings Christian Academy at Staten Island Yankees Stadium. St. Joseph has added 20-win opponents Rutherford and West Morris Central to the slate.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Anthony Guida, 11th season (195-96)
Last year: 20-10 overall, 6-6 White Division
Social Media: Follow on Twitter
2019 Schedule: Mark your calendar
Key losses: Connor Adams (CF), Billy Keane (1B-LHP), Mike Stanczak (SS), Niko Vasquez (C), Austin Feltham (RHP).
Probable lineup: Matt Cassio (Sr., 1B); Justin Jones (Sr., 1B); Chris Shine (Sr., 2B); Rob Gonzalez (Sr., INF); Mike Marrero (Sr., INF); Chris Born (Sr., INF-OF); TJ Massaro (Sr., OF); Ryan Massett (Sr., OF); Sam Nieves (Jr., C-OF); Brody Donovan (Jr., C-INF); Ashwin deGroot (Jr., OF); Joe Walker (Jr., C-INF); Jordan Hamberg (Jr., OF); Cooper Smith (Jr., INF-OF); Ryan Frontz (Jr., OF); Dominic Faustini (Jr., C-OF); Cody Hunterton (Jr., INF); Dylan DeLisa (Jr., INF); Vincent Esposito (So., INF); Brandon Shine (So., INF); Austin Scott (So., OF).
Pitchers: Chris Shine (Sr., RH); Matt Cassio (Sr., LH); Justin Jones (Sr., LH); Rob Gonzalez (Sr., RH); Mike Marrero (Sr., RH); Chris Born (Sr., RH); Ryan Massett (Sr., LH); Sammy Nieves (Jr., RH); Jordan Hamberg (Jr., LH); Ryan Frontz (RH); Dylan DeLisa (Jr., RH); Vincent Esposito (So., RH); Austin Scott (So., LH).
Outlook: The defending conference tournament champions graduated hurlers Keane (7-2, 1.68) and Feltham (3-0, 2.05), who combined to throw 77 and a third innings. Ace Shine, who has signed a National Letter of Intent with Seton Hall, brings his deceptive 4-2 record and conference-leading 0.39 ERA back to the mound. The workhorse hurled a team-best 53 and two thirds frames a year ago. Gonzalez, Marrero and Jones combined to throw 50 and two thirds inning last season. Several newcomers will help solidify the pitching staff. South Plainfield still does not have its starting lineup etched in stone, which is a good thing, reflecting outstanding competition at many positions. South Plainfield must replace Stanczak, who led the conference with nine homers and batted .308, along with the fleet-footed Adams, who batted a team-high .343 with 34 hits. Keane was a contributor at the plate, as well, hitting .326 with 28 hits. The Tigers return four strong bats including Marrero, who had 22 hits and led the team with 24 runs scored, Gonzalez (.323), who had 30 hits and was second to Stanczak on the club with 23 RBI, Born (.338), who belted 24 hits, and Shine (.298), who had 17 hits and 13 RBI.
WOODBRIDGE
Coach: Mike Monaco, 2nd season (18-10)
Last year: 18-10 overall, 6-6 White Division
Social Media: Follow on Twitter
2019 Schedule: Mark your calendar
Key losses: Carlos Marte (SS-P), Mike Medvetz (INF-P), Darren Gonzalez (OF-P), Andrew Galvach (OF), Zach Delvalle (RHP), DJ Scher (LHP), Anthony Coyle (OF).
Probable lineup: Ismael Reynoso (Jr., SS-2B); Joe Muccilli (Sr., CF); Thomas O’Halloran (So., OF); Sam Duffy (Sr., 1B); Jack Golden (Sr., C); Matt Medvetz (So., P-INF); Brandon Schmitt (So. 2B); Eric Jefferson (Jr., 3B-DH); Anthony Santino (So., OF-C); Rob Nunez (Sr., P-OF).
Pitchers: Robert Nunez (Sr., LH); Joe Muccilli (Sr., RH); Matt Medvetz (So. RH); Ryan Pozo (Jr., RH); Zach Tighe (Sr., RH); Joe Saez (Jr. RH); Tom O’Halloran (So., RH); Melvin Rodriguez (Sr., RH).
Top reserves: Joe Brucato (Sr., OF); Chris Villegas (Jr., 1B); Max Tavarez(Jr., INF); Tyler Alaimo (Jr., C); Melvin Rodriguez (Sr., OF- P).
Outlook: Woodridge graduated seven seniors from a team that reached the conference tournament quarterfinals and won eight one-run games. Woodbridge swept reigning GMCT champion South Plainfield, split with sectional finalist Colonia, registered a first-round GMCT victory over 2017 finalist Monroe, and posted a walk-off victory over Union County power Scotch Plains-Fanwood. The Barrons will have to try and replace the offensive production of Medvetz, Marte and Gonzalez. Over his career, Marte garnered All-State, All-Conference and All-Division honors. Medvetz last season was named All-White Division and second-team All-Conference. Gonzalez was an honorable mention All-Conference selection. The three combined for 86 hits, six homers, and 35 extra-base hits. On the mound, Woodridge will have to replace Delvalle, who won 13 games over the last two seasons. Nunez, who posted a 6-1 record last season over 45 innings while pitching to a 2.25 ERA and registering 49 strikeouts, returns. Muccilli, who went 5-2 last season over 30 innings while fanning 32 and posting a 2.54 ERA, is also back. Newcomers Matt Medvetz and Pozo round out the rotation. Offensively, the top returning hitters are Duffy (23 H, seven extra-base hits, .315 BA), Jack Golden (18 H, .298 BA) and O’Halloran, who batted .283 with 15 hits in an injury-shortened 2018 campaign. Reynoso will slide from second base to shortstop. He is expected to provide a spark at the top of the order and solid defense up the middle. Muccilli, when not on the mound, will patrol center field. Duffy will look to solidify himself as one of the GMC’s premier power hitters. Matt Medvetz, Jefferson, Schmitt and Santino hope to provide the additional offense Woodridge will need to be successful. With the combination of pitching experience and hungry newcomers, Woodbridge looks to contend in a competitive and pitching-rich division.
RETURNING PITCHING LEADERS
(minimum 14 innings)
Chris Shine, South Plainfield 0.39 ERA, 4-2 REC, 53.2 IP, 67 K, 13 BB, 3 ER, 24 H
Nick Nielson, Colonia 0.91 ERA, 8-1 REC, 46.1 IP, 35 K, 19 BB, 6 ER, 31 H
Jake Hellwig, St. Joseph 1.77 ERA, 3-0 REC, 39.2 IP, 47 K, 6 BB, 10 ER, 40 H
Christian Aich, Sayreville 1.78 ERA, 7-1 REC, 47 IP, 66 K, 32 BB, 12 ER, 33 H
Robert Nunez, Woodbridge 2.25 ERA, 6-1 REC, 45.2 IP, 49 K, 30 BB, 15 ER, 24 H
Joe Muccilli, Woodbridge 2.54 ERA, 5-2 REC, 30.1 IP, 32 K, 21 BB, 11 ER, 30 H
Adam Boucher, St. Joseph 2.67 ERA, 2-1 REC, 21 IP, 22 K, 19 BB, 8 ER, 19 H
Christian Petrillo, North Brunswick 2.88 ERA, 3-1 REC, 24.1 IP, 17 K, 14 BB, 10 ER, 21 H
RETURNING BATTING LEADERS
(minimum 13 hits)
Tom Faggioni, St. Joseph .400 BA, 32 H, 5 2B, 2 HR, 13 R, 21 RBI
Seb Mueller St. Joseph .388 BA, 33 H, 5 2B, 6 HR, 19 R, 32 RBI
Andrew Tan, North Brunswick .386 BA, 32 H, 10 2B, 1 3B, 3 HR, 20 R, 37 RBI
Sammy Cruz, Edison .386 BA, 27 H, 6 2B, 2 HR, 14 R, 11 RBI
Christian Petrillo, North Brunswick .376 BA, 32 H, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 25 R, 13 RBI
Chris Born, South Plainfield .338 BA, 24 H, 1 2B, 11 R, 10 RBI
Caleb Rodriguez, North Brunswick .329 BA, 25 H, 2 2B, 21 R, 9 RBI
Rob Gonzalez, South Plainfield .323 BA, 30 H, 10 2B, 3 HR, 17 R, 23 RBI
Dylan Glassman, North Brunswick .315 BA, 23 H, 3 2B, 1 3B, 21 R, 5 RBI
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