2017 SEASON PREVIEW

Taproom Black Sox – 2016 Finish: 18-3 (Champions)

The Black Sox are returning essentially their entire 2016 Championship Roster, while also adding veteran Pitcher Dave Preston following a one-year layoff, and slugger Joe Borowski. The return of Preston should take some of the pressure off of their ace Tom Hopkins and keep him fresh for a deep playoff run. Adam Defruscio and Steve Zimring have been solid out of the bullpen. Offensively, the Black Sox remain stacked, returning Manager/1B Phil Wienman, SS Dave Balsamo, OF Tom Hopkins, Evan Yacowenia, and Jordan Bernacet. It’s championship again or bust for the Black Sox.

Over/under wins: 19

Chatham Pirates – 2016 Finish: 15-6 (Lost in semi-finals)

The Pirates success will depend on how intact their roster remains from 2016. It took several years but the Pirates have built a highly talented young ball club after recruiting all over Columbia County. They have a legitimate pitching staff with 2016 Cy Young Winner Troy Conklin, as well as Evan Young and Kevin Gorman. Offensively, the Pirates have been led by Dustin and Darren Conte, Troy Conklin, and Jordan McComb. Given the amount of college aged players on the roster, the Pirates may have difficulty early on until their reinforcements arrive in late May/early June. Look for the Pirates to win a playoff series but struggle with pitching depth in the long playoff series of the semi-finals.

Over/under wins: 17

Breathe Easy Mets – 2016 Finish: 15-6 (Lost in Round 1)

After a down year by their standards, the Breathe Easy Mets overhauled their roster in the offseason. The Mets say goodbye to Walter Sepulveda and Kevin Manilenko who have been mainstays on their pitching staff. The Mets have added lefty Justin Brooks and brought in former SCCC product Zach Andi. Offensively, the Mets have added slugger Luuk Visser and returned Dan Ciarmiello and Bret Samboy to help in the infield. The Mets have been looking to get younger after down years by several veterans who are looking to rebound. The Pitching staff will likely continue to be a strength with Joe Slater, Brady Farkas, and the additions of Andi and Brooks. Dan Ciarmiello and Scott Buniak can help out on the back end.

Over/Under Wins: 18

Jankow Ducks (Formerly Diamondbacks) – 2016 Finish: 13-8 (Lost in Championship)

The “Ducks” are hoping a rebranding brings them some luck after a tough championship series loss to the Blacksox in 2016. The Ducks will be returning their top two pitchers Dan Jones and MVP Matt Simoni to give them one of the best 1-2 combinations in the league. However, with the long playoff series the Ducks will need another pitcher or two to emerge as legitimate contributors. Look for John Ripepi, Eric Sahegian, and Johnny Mancini to fill that role. The staff will be handled by veteran catcher Jimmer Kisselburgh. The Ducks return arguably the best shortstop and hitter in the league with Ripepi, along with Mike Bushee, Mike Designue, Steve Mohr, Matt Simoni, and Brian Hoffman who hopes to rebound following an off year.

Over/under wins: 17

Marino’s Pizza – 2016 Finish: 11-10 (Lost in First Round)

With the emergence of young stars, Marino’s finished over .500 for the first time in franchise history. Matt Trestick and Aaron Valvo led the pitching staff with solid contributions from Will Coons and Paolo Audino. Offensively, Marino’s had their best year to date, with exceptional seasons from Aaron Valvo, Dan Cook, Zach Waldek, Dom Bianci, Will Coons, and Joe and Ryan Harper. Marino’s proved they were no pushovers in 2016. To make a deep playoff run in 2017, some of the load will need to be taken off of Matt Trestick. Who will step up?

Over/under wins: 14

Colonie Diamond Dogs – 2016 Finish: 9-12 (Lost in Semi-finals)

The Diamond Dogs upset the Mets in the first round of 2016, ending their 3 year Championship run. However, they quickly ran into the Blacksox buzzsaw while also having difficulty with roster numbers. If 2016 showed anything, it’s that the Dogs could play with anyone when they were at their best. The Dogs return ace CJ Leisenfelder with several talented arms to follow. Offensively, the Dogs will be led by Wayne Burt, Casey Schoonmaker, Jon Montesanti, and Kris Scarano. However, to be successful the Dogs need to establish roster stability over the long 24 game season.

Over/under wins: 13

Chem Energy Angels – 2016 Finish: 8-13 (Lost in first round)

Longtime manager Kevin Harrigan has departed and longtime player Joey Sportman has taken over. Perhaps the biggest free agent acquisition this season was the Angels picking up former pro Sean Conroy, brother of current pitcher Brian Conroy. With the departure of Dan Ciarmiello, the Conroys will be carrying the load for the Angels with help from Pat Landers and Ryan Gaffney on the back end. Offensively, Pat Landers, Pete Furey, Joey Sportman, Mitch Landers, and Ryan Gaffney all return after solid seasons. If the Angels can get solid contributions from the Conroy brothers look for the Angels to make a playoff run.

Over/under wins: 11

Glenville Construction Bombers – 2016 Finish: 5-16 (Lost in First Round)

After a solid 2015 the bottom fell out for the bombers in 2016 as they dropped to 5-16 after standing pat in free agency. With the Brewers folding, the Bombers picked up sluggers Nigel Gorman and Nick Burek to add to a lineup which includes Rick DiJohn, Justin Cushing, and First Team All-League catcher Rich Yanatos. The Bombers return their solid pitching staff consisting of Andrew Wildrick, Josh Wolin, and the fiery Spencer Marcus. To compete at the highest level the Bombers will need 15+ RBIs from Gorman and hope that Burek can return to his prior form.

Over/under wins: 9

Capital Region Rockies – 2016 Finish: 5-16 (Lost in First Round)

No GM has worked harder to improve his team in the offseason like all-star outfielder Jason Koney. The Rockies return 2016 Home Run Derby Champion, third basemen Josh Coreno, former all-star John Lucas, and Lucas McLaughlin who led the Rockies in batting average in 2016. The Rockies return ace Anthony Musto and also add solid arms Andrew Kramer and Kyle McAlonie.  

 Over/under wins: 9