Four for 2010 (Part 1)

As is the case each year, it's time to look ahead at what to expect next spring from the area baseball scene.

Taking a page from Baseball America's Eight for Omaha feature, we're selecting four teams we think will do some damage next year. If we're right, look for these four to make a run through the district playoffs and possibly qualify for the state field.

Last year we said to watch out for Camp Hill (PIAA Class A champion), Trinity (District 3-AAA quarterfinalist), Northern (District 3-AAA first round) and Susquenita (District 3-AAA preliminary round).

Because we know you're waiting, here are two teams from this year's crop. Check back later this week for the other two.

Red Land (12-9 in 2009; District 3-AAAA first round)
For a team that lost nearly every starter from the 2008 PIAA Class AAAA quarterfinalist, the Patriots shocked everyone and won the Mid-Penn Commonwealth for the third straight year.

Red Land also took Lancaster-Lebanon League champion Penn Manor to the brink the 3-AAAA playoffs before falling short, 2-1, in the first round. Next spring, look for the Patriots to be back in the district quarterfinals.

The most notable returnee is Nick Chester, who went 10-2 with a 2.74 ERA, 48 strikeouts and 25 walks in 72 2/3 innings and was named first-team All-Sentinel.

Adam Keller (.348), Brad Medellin (.305) and Jeff Scaramuzzino (.294) will pace the offense, which needs to improve. For Red Land to notch its fourth straight division title, it will need to do better against top-of-the-line pitching and cut down on the errors that cost it too many games this year.

West Perry (8-10 in 2009)
A young team in Elliottsburg took its lumps this year and ended up missing the playoffs one year after the Mustangs reached the District 3 Class AAA quarterfinals as a No. 22 seed.

Next year, the Mustangs should be back in the postseason party. The team’s offensive leader and first-team All-Sentinel first baseman, Devin White, has graduated but West Perry welcomes back shortstop Kenny Baum, who batted .400, and Jade Wilson, a .308 hitter.

In terms of pitching, the team’s ERA leader, Cody Richard (3.33), returns but the X-factor may be how much Brandon Dupert improves. This year, Dupert had a 5.75 ERA with 15 strikeouts and 11 walks. To do damage once the postseason rolls around, it’s vital to have at least two quality starters.

Pictured: Kyle Zimmerman, who will be a sophomore next spring, started Red Land's Mid-Penn Tournament loss to Northern in May.