Prep PREVIEW | High school baseball

BADGER

Coach: Matt Vukovic, first year.

2009 season: 7-12.

Returning lettermen: C Zach Martin, OF/SS Joe Broho, OF/3B Kyle Myers.

Promising newcomers: IF Matt Kroml, IF Michael Cachko, IF Justin Oney, IF Mitch Givens.

Players not returning: Marcus Heath, Brian Logan, Jeff Ashcroft.

Team outlook: The Braves lack experience and depth, as evidenced by a freshman and sophomore-dominated infield.

WARREN JFK

Coach: Don Lee, 19th season, 202-155.

2009 season: 8-12

Returning lettermen: OF Kevin Wires, C Alex Cuckovich, 1B/C Mike Briach, P/3B Simon Vilsack, P/2B Mike Ledenko, OF Anthony Rossi, P/2B Joey Canann, P/SS Brendan Cox, P/OF James Coates, Jacob Schaefer is out for the season with a broken collarbone.

Promising newcomers: OF/2B Tyler Moten, 2B Marco Macali, P/1B Zach Cupples, P/2B Vince Infante.

Players not returning: Dominic LaPolla (.444), Nick Brown (.368) and Matt Joseph (.350).

Team outlook: Lee likes his team’s attitude and team speed, but the Eagles’ success will depend on a young pitching staff.

YOUNGSTOWN CHRISTIAN

Coach: Greg Finnegan, 11th season, 109-82.

2009 record: 7-5.

Returning lettermen: P/CF Brian Richey, P/3B Bobby Schmid, P/22 John Pecchia.

Promising newcomers: B. Bailey, S. McMillan, T. Tarver, B. Perry.

Players not returning: Pat Durkin, Joe Echevestre, Dave Suszczynski.

Team outlook: Seniors will be counted on for leadership but an unusually large freshman class will see a lot of playing time — how they perform will be key.

SEBRING

Coach: Douglas Eaton.

2009 season: 14-12.

Returning lettermen: SS/P Trevor Eaton, P/OF Zach Baddely; P/1B Tyler Whitlatch; 3B Tyler Rinehart; 1B/OF Jake Hubbs; LF Corey Baia.

Promising newcomers: C Mitchell Smith, CF Dakota Wagner, Ben Snyder, OF Aaron Oblosk, C/1B Jake Arbitter, 2B Jake Hurtund.

Players not returning: Four graduated seniors and one junior.

Team outlook: Defense will be the Trojans’ strong suit, and Eaton likes the overall athleticism of the team. Trevor Eaton batted .340 last season and Whitlatch will be the ace.

JACKSON-MILTON

Coach: Kevin Hogue, first season.

2009 season: 4-22.

Returning lettermen: P/OF Derek Rummell, C/P Jim Nagy, IF/C Joe Serisky, P/IF Briant Windt, P/OF Josh Trace, {/IF/OF Ryan Nagy, P/IF/OF Zach Nagy, P/IF Josh Krimm, IF/OF John Gheradi.

Promising newcomers: IF Mike Emery, OF Kody Gilespie.

Players not returning: Shawn Arn, Jeff Kerish.

Team outlook: A young team that will have to learn on the job in a strong ITCL Tier Two.

LISBON

Coach: Kevin Hogue, second season.

2009 season: 5-18.

Returning lettermen: 1B Kyle Weinstock, 3B/P Matt Wilson.

Promising newcomers: P Mike Rohm, P Zak Barnes, P Zak Leko.

Players not returning: All-ITCL selections Dustin Borg, Kyle Hiscox and Aaron Sweeney.

Team outlook: How the young pitcher develop will be the key to Lisbon’s success.

COLUMBIANA

Coach: Scott Knox, third season, 34-19.

2009 season: 21-7.

Returning lettermen: P/IF Josh Saverko, P/IF Jeff Davidson, C Jay Williamson, 1B Tyler Denmead, P Hank Slewter.

Promising newcomers: P/IF Andrew Burdick, OF Kyle Shaffer, P/OF Bryce Miner, P/OF Luke Barker, OF Jared Harold.

Players not returning: All-ITCL selections Josh Harold, Eric Kissel and Travis Denmeade.

Team outlook: The entire pitching staff from last season’s district runner-up team returns. That and defense will determine how far the Clippers go.