Pitching Will Tell the Tale for CLC Baseball

When seven of your nine starters head to college, it might be time to rebuild a program.

That is unless those two starters come from the pitching and catching department. That would be the best case scenario.

Crystal Lake Central won 21 games a year ago. The Tigers won 13 conference games for a third-place showing in the Fox Valley Conference (FVC).  But coach Dan Badgley's club still has some pitchers and a strong catcher in camp for the 2011 spring season.

"I think pitching should be a strength for us,'' Badgley said.  "The key is going to be the newcomers adjusting to the speed of the varsity game.  Attention to detail has been a focus for us. "

The CLC pitching staff gets help from senior right-hander Dylan Cysewski. Now in his third season with the varsity, he should be a pitcher to watch in the FVC.

Central has a hard thrower in Nate Pollock.

"He could be a huge asset for us on the mound,'' Badgley said.

Pollock also is very capable with a bat in his hand. A year ago, he was the team's second baseman. Now the senior will see time in the outfield to give his arm a rest for his pitching duties.

From that successful basketball team comes John Nemcek. He's seen time on the mound as a closer and starter for the Tigers.

"He is a lot like Dylan in that he throws a lot of strikes and really competes,'' Badgley said.  "John could be our best hitter and will be a mainstay in the infield when he is not pitching for us."

Look for left-hander Ronnie Jozwick to see time on the mound as well. Another southpaw is Demetri Gounaris.  From the right side is Alex Marski.

Badgley is glad he has a steady backstop to handle the pitching staff. Senior catcher Jake Walkner will bring his skills to St. Joseph College next year.

"His biggest asset is his arm,'' Badgley said.  "He can really throw and enjoys it. He swings the bat from the left side and I look for him to increase his power numbers this year."

Filling spots in the infield and outfield will be the next assignment. Badgley is excited about the prospects of sophomore shortstop Connor Skrypek.

"He is our shortstop and likely will hit leadoff,'' he said.  "He can steal bases and is aggressive.  He is also a very hard worker."

Also listed as outfielders on the CLC roster are: Brian Branecki, Mitch Chartand, Alex Corcoran, Alex Delfiaco, James Guzak, Ryan Mannix, Cal Moyer and Tyler Schaefer. Heading for infield duty is second baseman Teddy Frake, Anders Freund, Andy Gertonson, Sean Iwamoto and Stuart Streit.

There are two road games on the schedule for this weekend. On Friday, the Tigers will play at Marian Central. Saturday it's a doubleheader at NSC power Mundelein.