2012 Central Mass Baseball Players on the Rise

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Phil Price, GoLocalWorcester Sports Contributor

Central Mass baseball is so loaded this year, that even talented players like Westborough's Justin Marcy may have to spend some time on JV.

With high school baseball tryouts starting up this week, it’s safe to say that the 2012 high school baseball season is underway – finally! Teams and players have worked hard this off-season, with all of them aiming for one goal, the High School Baseball State Championship! In order to attain the ultimate prize, each team will need to battle and remain focused. These past few weeks, we got a glimpse of some of the players who are expected to be impact players not only for their respected teams but also within Central Mass. For this final article, let’s take a look at some of the underclassman who are not only going to be players to watch in 2012, but also future CMASS players to watch. These are the 2012 CMASS PLAYERS ON THE RISE…

Luke Brennan (Doherty High School; Sophomore – P/1B): In 2011, Brennan didn’t play JV until late in the due to head injury. However, he is expected to be quite the player for the Highlanders as Brennan not only possesses skills on the baseball diamond, but is also the school quarterback, point guard on the basketball team and one of the top students in his class. Brennan will be looked at to be a contributing factor on the 2012 Highlander Baseball team.

Mike Power (Westborough High School; Sophomore - OF): Powers is a tremendous athlete with outstanding power. The sophomore has an excellent chance to see some time in RF and on the mound in 2012 for the Rangers. He is still un-proven however and has not made the varsity roster yet. Look for Powers to begin the season on JV, but could be a late season/play-off call up this season.   

Kevin Blackney (Westborough High School; Sophomore - INF): Another young Ranger who could see time on varsity at some point in 2012. Blackney is an excellent infielder and projects to be a top of the order bat at some point in his career. He is currently battling some Hockey injury issues which could see him working his way onto the varsity roster towards the tail end of the 2012 season.   

Justin Marcy (Westborough High School; Sophomore – 1B/OF/P): Marcy brings a big bat in the 2012 season for the Rangers, but could still be one year away from making the varsity roster. Like fellow teammates, Powers and Blackney – he could be listed on the JV roster to start 2012. Once he does arrive on varsity, he will be expected to be an impact player right away. Time will tell how impactful Marcy will be.

Brandon O'Connor (Saint Peter-Marian High School; Sophomore - C): O’Connor batted .290 as a freshman for the Guardians in 2011. With very good receiving abilities and an above average arm, look for him to be asked to handle a talented pitching staff in 2012. Projects to be a leader behind the plate in years to come.   

Jack Riley (Saint Peter-Marian High School; Sophomore – 1B/P): Riley already has varsity experience and batted .285 last season for the 2011 Guardians. He is a solid defenseman but Riley will be looked to be a main contributor on the mound in 2012. Possessing poise beyond his years, Riley is perhaps a leader in the making for St. Peter’s.   

Nate Frederick (Saint Peter-Marian High School; Sophomore – 2B/P/OF): Frederick is going to be expected to be a contributor right away in 2012. A good hitter with great speed, there’s no reason for the 2012 Guardians to look for him to do so. Last season, he batted .299 as a freshman and has tremendous upside.

Mitchell Page (Uxbridge High School; Sophomore - P/1B): Page is a part of a sophomore battery that will be something to watch the next few years at Uxbridge. A tall, hard throwing lefty with good control it’s easy to see why. With his talents, the 2011 JV Spartans compiled a 15-3 record. Page could be the staff ace in time.

Jared Stewart (Uxbridge High School; Sophomore – C): Jared Stewart is a great young catcher. He works hard and is not only a student of his position – but of the game. He works well with the pitching staff – as a show of confidence, the 2011 coaching staff allowed Stewart to call all games that he caught in 2011. A notion that proved successful as the team was 15-3 in 2011.

Scott Manea hopes to break into the starting lineup at state power St. John's as just a sophomore.

Scott Manea (St. John’s High School; Sophomore – CA): A 2011 play-off call up as a freshman, Manea will get his chance to battle for a catching position in 2012. At the plate, he’s got lightning quick hands, explosive hips and a terrific eye – the make up for a great hitter. Behind the plate, Manea receives and blocks well – but his greatest two assets are his ability to call games and that cannon of an arm.

PJ Browne (St. John’s High School; Sophomore – LHP/OF): Browne was a mid-season call up after throwing 5 innings of no-hit baseball against conference rival St.Peter Marian in 2011. He may not possess an over powering fastball (yet), but his ability to spot pitches and live on the black is an effortless strength. With a smooth delivery and sound mechanics, Browne will have the opportunity to fight for a prominent role in 2012.

Phil Price is the Operations Manager and Professional Baseball Instructor for Hit Quarters LLC, and also the General Manager for the Worcester Heat Travel Baseball Club.
*The following schools were contacted but did not respond: Wachusett, Quabbin, Algonquin, Marlboro, Tantasqua, Worcester Academy, Holy Name and Worcester Tech.