Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The two-time defending Class A state champion, which went 20-0 last year, has nearly its entire team back under a first-year head coach, Mike Coutts. Coutts is a former UMaine assistant coach who takes over for Mike D´Andrea.
2. Westbrook
The Blazes have seven starters returning from a team that lost to Deering by a run in the Western Class A final. The Blazes lost three close games to Deering last season. "I feel we´re on a par with Deering but we have to prove we can beat them," said Coach Mike Rutherford.
3. Cape Elizabeth
The Capers had a 13-8 record in reaching the Class B state final, where they lost to Gardiner. The team returns eight starters and three starting pitchers in Andrew Guay, Ryan Boyington and Conor Moloney.
4. Mt. Ararat
The Eagles have 11 seniors returning and look to be strong in all phases of the game. Coach Craig Rogers calls this his best team in his nine-year tenure -- even better he said, than the Eagles´ back-to-back Eastern Maine champions in 2003-04.
5. Portland
The Bulldogs have a new coach in a former standout, Mike McCullum. The team has 12 seniors, led by pitcher Brian Furey, one of the best in the Telegram League, and Ed Bogdanovich, a first baseman/pitcher.
6. Cheverus
The Stags have a solid nucleus for their new coach, Mac McKew. Pitcher Mick DiStasio and catcher Jake Watson form a strong battery. The team will be looking to turn some of those close losses of a year ago into wins.
7. Scarborough
With pitcher Chris Bernard, the Red Storm have the potential to be one of the best in the Telegram League. Catcher Jake Rutt could be another key for the team to move up in the rankings.
8. Thornton Academy
The Golden Trojans graduated seven starters, but the foundation of a solid program is still there. There´s pitching depth with Steve Trask, Keegan Sullivan and Sam Canales.
9. Yarmouth
The Clippers graduated only two seniors from a team that went 12-7 and lost to Lincoln Academy in the Western Class B semifinals. "We have high expectations. We have a lot of committed players," said Coach Marc Halsted.
10. Greely
The Rangers graduated six starters from a 13-4 team last season that was upset in the Western Class A quarterfinals. The team will count on pitchers Sam Stauber and Pat Copp, and outfielder Nate Martin.
