Suffolk League IX baseball preview

1. PIERSON/BRIDGEHAMPTON WHALERS

Coach: Jonathan Tortorella

2013 record: 23-2

Key players

Aaron Schiavoni, C/1B, 6-1, 200, Sr.

Forrest Loesch, SS/P, 6-0, 185, Sr.

Tim Markowski, OF/1B/P, 5-11, 160, Sr.

SEE PHOTOSHigh school baseball players to watch 2014

Nick Kruel, 1B/P, 6-2, 175, Sr.

Kyle Sturmann, 2B, 5-8, 150, Sr.

Outlook: Class C champs are strong as ever with 10 returners and deep pitching.

2. SMITHTOWN CHRISTIAN KNIGHTS

SEE PHOTOSLong Island in the pros: MLB edition

Coach: Craig Gorton

2013 record: 17-5

Key players

Timmy Gorton, C, 5-11, 190, Sr.

Jack DiNozzi, P, 6-1, 230, Sr.

Ronny Linsalato, SS, 5-8, 170, Jr.

Kyle Straker, RF, 5-7, 160, Sr.

Vinny Ciaravino, 2B, 5-7, 150, Jr.

Outlook: Strong pitching behind DiNozzi and St. Mary's transfer Jack Palma.

3. SOUTHOLD FIRST SETTLERS

Coach: Mike Carver

2013 record: 10-8

Key players

Anthony Fedele, P/C, 5-9, 170, Sr.

Robert Mahoney, P/SS, 5-8, 130, Sr.

Alex Poliwoda, P/3B, 5-11, 190, Jr.

Shane Johnson, CF, 5-11, 150, Jr.

Noah Mina, SS/2B, 5-7, 130, So.

Outlook: Mahoney and Poliwoda provide enviable depth in the rotation.

4. GREENPORT PORTERS

Coach: Chris Golden

2013 record: 5-15

Key players

Christian Angelson, C, 5-10, 170, Sr.

John Drinkwater, P/1B, 5-11, 185, Jr.

Matt Drinkwater, P/3B, 5-11, 185, Jr.

Austin Hooks, P/1B, 6-2, 180, Sr.

Brian Tuttle, SS, 5-11, 175, Sr.

Outlook: Improved, thanks to a group of three-year starters.

5. STONY BROOK BEARS

Coach: Kyle Cavanaugh

2013 record: 4-16

Key players

Bryce Jackson, P/2B/IF, 6-5, 210, Sr.

Tyler Hoegsberg, P/SS/2B, 6-3, 180, Sr.

Ben Walter, CF/P, 5-10, 175, Jr.

Erik Holvik, SS/P, 5-9, 160, Jr.

Rob Sparacio, 3B/P, 5-9, 175, So.

Outlook: The Bears continue to develop behind Jackson and Hoegsberg.