WHO'S HOT? - PRESEASON
A look at the top 5 teams heading into the season
| #1 - Warren County Shockers |
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| There's no reason not to place the defending league champs as the hottest team coming in to the season. The Shockers steamrolled through the 2011 playoffs on their way to their franchise's first MVABL title. With 90% of the returning starters back from last year, the Shockers will look to hit the ground running come opening day in April. Rookie of the Year, First Team All-League and Playoff Co-MVP Matt Stiffler returns to CF after batting .558 last year with 12 HRs and 42 RBIs. The Shockers return 5 players who received All-MVABL Second Team honors last season. So we all know the offense is there, but the thing to watch will be the new battery mates. Top draft pick Mike Hartman was a huge pickup and should provide additional offensive support. The mound will be anchored by returning playoff Co-MVP’s Chris Smith and Chris Flaherty. Jeff Cherry looks to get his groove back as one of the Shockers starters. Newcomer Tyler Fugate who played at Wooster will jump into the mix as a starter and will provide great depth as the Shockers await the return of Ben Schlater and David Steele from their college team Rio Grande. |
| #2 - Fairborn Post 526 Athletics |
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| The Athletics return for their second year in the MVABL with hopes of improving on a division title. The A's return 2011 All-Stars Kyle Combs, Joey Watson, Chris Estep, Jared Whited, and Jared Ramsey. Added to the roster are MVABL veterans Shawn Haffner and Chris Copeland. The A's may have one of the better pitching staffs in the league with Watson anchoing the staff alongside newcomers Zach Swartz, Zach Yike, Brandon Christopherson and Mario Ramerez. Hard throwing righthander Matt Addis and Jared Ramsey may be back as they are pitching in college. The Athletics hope to be able to switch divisions and bring home another division title but they know their work is cut out for them. Again, the A's will dedicate their season to Chris Kernich, a star athlete cut down senselessly, and will add a dedication to Jesse Snow, a marine who lost his life in serving his country. |
| #3 - Ohio Mariners |
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| The 2012 Mariners look to improve upon their inaugural season which saw them lose in the MVABL finals. This year's team returns its leaders, including MVP Chris Ranstead as well as other power hitters Gregg Foster and Gabe Thomas. PJ Dobbins looks to be the run scoring and SB machine at the top of the order again and Matt Klaus (2011 MVABL K leader) will anchor the pitching core, that includes Dan Comes (7-1 in 2011), David Pearson, Jordon Pergrem and rookie Dave Posma. Line drive, doubles hitter Matt Piskor had a tremendous rookie season last year for the Mariners and he looks to continue his consistent valuable DH role. The M's picked up a couple of longtime league players in Chris Musick and Evan Tennery to help lead this veteran-laden team in the early part of the season until the collegiate cavalry arrives. Rookies worth watching that Coach Sullivan expects to make an immediate impact include 1st round draft pick Dave Posma (UD) and Nic Watkins (WSU) both of which have shown high talent level this spring. The 2012 wild card for the Mariners will be if Brad Thoma (former Frontier league player) can overcome injury and see the field in 2012. |
| #4 - SD Slammers |
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| The Slammers look to feed off their franchise-high 22-win regular season with a switch over to the Miami Division for 2012. Coach Rick Anderson picked up his second Coach of the Year honors last season, and will use his experience of building a championship-caliber team to overcome the offseason loss of All-MVABL first teamer Chris Copeland to the A's. This team will still have the bats in Anderson, Dunlap, Ashworth, Owens and the speed in Dixon and Grandfield, but the Slammers will need consistent pitching to keep them atop the division. |
| #5 - Dayton Rangers |
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| The Rangers return for their 16th season in the MVABL. Coach Lippincott's oldie-but-goodie lineup features a combined total of over 85 years of MVABL experience! The Rangers will lean on their experience early on before a host of young guys (hopefully) arrives after May. Shawn Schmitt anchors the pitching staff, coming off a 10-6 season with nearly 100 innings of mound time. Newcomer Mike Parr will toe the rubber, and should help out Schmitt and Joe Becker atop the rotation. Several other veteran infielders, turned hurlers, should help eat innings along the way. As is with most team with long tenures, the Rangers should topple their latest statistical achievement in 2012 by registering their 5000th franchise hit. One lucky Rangers player is in for a great incentive! |
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