Preseason NH All-State

http://espn.go.com/high-school/baseball/story/_/id/7630792/new-hampshire

ESPN preseason all state NH baseball players

Interesting there are 5 catchers on that list........

My guess is between our Baseball regulars here we could come up with a better list. There's not even an author on that article. Not to slight the kids on this list but I am always wary of any ESPN "list" as they don't tend to do their diligence in the smaller States. They go off statistics mostly I think. So....anybody have any preseason predictions? Who are the players to watch this year?

It's my understanding that an ESPN writer emailed all the NH baseball coaches for their input. Clearly by picking 20 kids only, there are arguably some omissions. I have seen about half the kids on the ESPN list play live and I certainly wouldn't take any of them off of it.

Good info Carl - thanks for clearing that up. Refreshing to hear they are doing their homework, and not just looking at their statbook. The amount of Catchers threw up a flag for me.

I compared this list to the All-State teams from last year. All of the underclassmen that made first team all state last year in D1 and D2 are on this list. The makeup of the list is:

D1 1st Team - 5 (Curran, McIntire, Szelog, Dionne, Kinnon)
D2 1st Team - 4 (Chase, McCauley, Bean, Dugdale)
D1 2nd Team - 6 (King, Fortin, Hudon, Maloney, Peters, Provencher)
D2 2nd Team - 2 (Holt, Frick)
D1 3rd Team - 1 (Beeson)
Not all-state - 2 (McCarthy, Mellin)

The list incorrectly has Jordan Bean as a junior. He is a senior, and will be attending Tufts next year.

Good catch seacoast. I don't think there was extensive research...likely feedback from the coaches and cross checking against all state lists and Newspaper All-Star teams. I know some of the text was lifted right from the Nashua Telegraph capsules of last year. What it all means in the big picture is very little being pre-season, but a nice piece of exposure for the kids that did make the list.

With the new bbcor rule in affect, it will be interesting to see all these .400 and above batting averages from last year in comparison to the end of this year. All you have to do is look at the major decline in college ball last year. So the quetion is does any non pitcher have a chance at player o the year. This guy thinks there is a diamond in the ruff or at south. Keep a solid look out for Nick Reed, last year RF this year probably center, complete 5 tool or now 4 tool player because there will be very few home runs this year. If it is a pitcher McCarthy would have to be the top choice with his bat compared to the other top pitchers in the state (Mellon, Hudon). Also keep an eye out for potentially the best junior pitcher over at HB in Tim Reneken.

There are errors, as I see it, with positions as well as the arms with which the pitchers throw. So much for credibility.

Crazy Carl Everett wrote:http://espn.go.com/high-school/baseball/story/_/id/7630792/new-hampshire

ESPN preseason all state NH baseball players

Nick Massa from Kennett may very well be the best Junior in the state. He tends to get overlooked playing up north but you can ask the other D2 and travel team coaches and players about Nick.

He was 3rd team all state as a freshman (led Kennett in hitting with close to .500 average) and 2nd team all state as a sophomore despite having an off year at the plate by his standards (batted just under .400). He consistently bats .400 - .500 whether in high school or the travel circuit. Because he's selective at the plate and hits line drives to all fields, the bbcore impact should be somewhat minimized. Needless to say he won't hit 10 HR's (who will?) but his average should stay up there. After his off year at the plate in 2011 he's been working very hard on his hitting this offseason so he can get back on track at the plate. Don't bet against him. Nick's also a great centerfielder.

A RHP, Nick will be Kennett's #1 starting pitcher (he was #2 last year with great stats as a Sophomore) and by the time this HS season roles around, he should be throwing consistently in the high 80's with his fastball to go along with a great late breaking curve. He's also been working on a circle change that works its way in against RH batters. If he can throw this for strikes look out. 3 quality pitches at this level will be pretty intimidating. Former travel teamates Connor McCauley and Ricky Holt (both on this preseason list) will tell you Nick's one of the best players they've ever played with.. and that's saying something coming from this Portsmouth crew.

Rawlings announced their All Senior Team today. Three NH kids made the honorable mention team for the Northeast. Northeast is all of NE plus, NY, NJ, and Delaware.

Looks like Bean, Dugdale, and Mellin.

Rawlings All Senior Team

Nashua South should be interesting this year with a new coach. Have a lot of seniors. Keep your eyes on Jr. Centerfielder, Nick Reed. Made D1 2nd team as a sophmore. 2nd in team with Ba behind Gendron. led team in doubles. Should be an interesting year for the Panthers.

Kennett Junior Nick Massa hit for the cycle today on Coach Bob Burns Field dedication day. He's having an outstanding season at the plate and on the hill.