Kinnelon Baseball: Colts Have High Expectations

With spring around the corner, it's time to turn our attention to warm weather and baseball, among many other spring sports. The Kinnelon Colts are anxious to get the season started, as both the coaches and players expect significant improvement over last year's season. Last season the team lost 10 games by a 1-2 run margin, but this year, the Colts expect to turn the losses into wins. 

OVERVIEW

Led by second-year head coach John McDonald, the Colts come into the 2011 season a very poised and confident team.

This season, they return 10 varsity players who will provide the Colts with experience and leadership. There is offensive talent throughout the lineup and the pitching staff consists of eight pitchers ready for the season.

LAST SEASON'S RESULTS

The Colts finished 8-15 in the regular season last year. They went 1-1 in the Morris County tournament, beating Madison in the first round before losing 6-3 to a talented No. 3 seeded Delbarton team in the second round.

In the state tournament, the Colts, a 16 seed, gave No. 1 seed Warren Township High School all it could handle, but lost 4-3 in extra innings. They finished the season out by defeating a very good Pequannock team 10-4 on Senior Day, and will be looking to carry that late momentum into the upcoming year. 

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

• Billy O'Brien, Pitcher/Center Field (Sr.)—O'Brien is a returning three-year varsity player who led the team in hitting last year, batting over .400. He also received numerous postseason honors, which included being an all-county utility player and an all first-team conference player at infield. This year, O'Brien will be moving from his previous positions in the infield and will take over in centerfield. He is also one of the Colts' top pitchers, using a fastball, curveball and changeup, as well as developing a sinker ball.
• Ryan Price, Pitcher (Jr.)—Price led the staff in wins (four), innings pitched, strikeouts, and was the Colts No. 1 starter last year. He's worked very hard with his strength, conditioning and flexibility during the off season and coaches are looking for Price to have a big year.
• Ben Van Put, Pitcher/Left Fielder (Jr.)—Van Put was a first-team all-conference outfielder last year. He has an explosive bat that will be counted on for offensive production in the No. 2 slot. He will play left field and will also be the Colts' No. 2 starting pitcher this year. He possesses a very good fastball, along with a good curveball and changeup.

THEY'LL MISS

• 1B Joe Saccamanno—Saccamanno was a staple on this team and the Colts will miss his glove.
  
• OF Drew Argiriou—Argiriou transferred to Old Dominion this year and will be playing there in 2012. 
• SS Tom Guillan- Never easy replacing you starting shortstop and like Saccamanno and Argiriou, Guiilan was a four-year starter.

COACH'S TAKE

• "Our schedule will be tougher this year, which we wanted. We'll need to take one game at a time in competing with our tough conference. Also, our top goal will be going deeper in the Morris County tournament along with the state tournament."—McDonald

THEY SAID IT

• "Last year, we were very talented, but we underachieved with so many one-run losses. But I think it shows some promise coming into this year and I think we will be really good."—Starting Pitcher Ryan Price
• "This year we have a lot of good guys coming back and we're looking to get a home game in the state tournament. I think everyone has progressed well. We had a good off-season, we put a lot of work in the weight room and the batting cages, and we're looking to put it all together." Starting Pitcher/Center Fielder Billy O'Brien
• "I think we are gelling a little bit better this season and I think that team camaraderie is going to help us out. I feel like we got a strong core of kids, were hitting the ball really well, fielding well, and our pitching is doing great. I think compared to last year were going to do a lot better." Starting pitcher/left fielder Ben Van Put