IMAGE GALLERY: Tanners Have Eyes on the Prize

For a perpetual baseball powerhouse like the Peabody Tanners, every season comes with high expecations. This year is no different.

Under Head Coach Mark Bettencourt, the Tanners have won five straight division championships. But Bettencourt isn't going to give his players any slack, even after last season's impressive 16-6 campaign.

"We've never won a state championship," Bettencourt said Tuesday, after his squad scrimmaged with North Andover at . "Every year it's what the kids are hoping for and expecting."

Last year's season ended in the second round of the MIAA tournament with a loss to Lawrence, but Bettencourt has set a goal for his team to go deep in the tournament this year.

The first goal is to qualify for the tournament, something the Tanners have done every season in recent memory. The second goal is to win the Northeastern Conference Large.

The next goal? A state championship.

"Peabody has a great baseball tradition," Bettencourt said. "I tell them they don't just represent themselves," but every team before them.

The Tanners begin the regular season at home on Tuesday, April 5 against St. John's Prep.

Here are some of the players Bettencourt is expecting big things from this spring.

Ramses Vittini: Senior captain, center fielder. Big bat plus speed.

Nick Allen: Senior captain, righthanded pitcher. Had three wins last season mostly in a relief role. Will be part of the starting rotation this year. "He's earned his way to start," Bettencourt said.

Bobby Losano: Junior outfielder. Had a monster season last year, hitting for better than a .450 average.

Genaro Ciulla: Junior catcher. Another .400-plus hitter. Strong arm that can shut down other teams' running game.

Patrick Ruotolo: Sophomore righthanded pitcher. Started seven games as a freshman. Pitched a complete-game win over state runners up Xaverian.