Teams under the radar

Braves....you're right that was an outstanding team and fun to watch. They are a well coached team, have great fans and always come prepared to compete. This year's team could make a nice run in the playoffs if their pitching holds up.

 

When Savaiko is on he is as good as it gets. I know he was up and down last year but when he threw against us he was the best we saw all year. The coach has a lot of class.

 

Didn't Central Cabarrus lose Rob Lyerly to Piedmont?

 

Yes...Rob ,who is an 06 MIF, did transfer to Piedmont this school year. I'm sure he'll be missed at Central Cabarrus but they're lovin' it at Piedmont!!

 

If you go back and read my comment about Central Cabarrus, I said that they have "nearly" everyone returning. Yes they will miss Rob Lyerly, they also lost a key pitcher to graduation, but they played a lot of sophomores and juniors last year. Overall, they were very young last year, and again I'll say that CC will be very good this spring, especially in the hitting and defense departments. Pitching will be good also, but the pitching won't be on N.Meck or Indy's level.

CC is more dangerous this year because all of those young players are a year older and they just play such good fundamental baseball. CC will match anyone with their bats 1-9 and they just don't ever beat themselves. I look for CC to definitely push the 2 big boys in the Meca (Indy & N.Meck) this spring.

....btw NCBBALLFAN,,, I said "push", not pass...:xyzthumbs

 

I think Piedmont may be one of the "under the radar" teams. From what I am hearing, Rob is going to be a HUGE asset to Piedmont. Infield defense was not good last year and by him coming in will allow people to move to their more natural positions (ie. Danny Hermann to 1st). His left handed bat will also help a righty dominated team.

This team was very young and inexperienced last year but at the end of the year was playing good ball. Danny Hermann (1B), Dallas Tarleton (C), Rob Lyerly (SS) and Tim King (P) should be a solid bases for the team.

The big question mark areas are 2nd base, the corner outfield spots and pitching depth after Tim King. The graduation of Morgan Tyson (P) is the only significant loss from last year's team. He was an innings eater and seamed to win the big games. I heard Lyerly pitched some at CC. Does anyone know how much and how did he do?

If the pitching can come through, I think this team will be a contender for the conference crown. This group of kids when they were JV's two years ago were undefeated (Hermann was on varsity). So the talent is there.

 

Stumpman, not sure how much (if any) about Rob pitching at Central Cabarrus. He's mostly just an infielder, but (as your apparently starting to see) you guys will definitely like his bat...

 

And while I'm at it, I've already mentioned my top 4 teams in the NPC 3A conference this year,,,, but Northwest Cabarrus has got to be the favorite.

Northwest Cabarrus will be led by senior rhp Blake Ketner (Catawba College) and junior ss Kyle Seager (who's already on everybody's list). Senior lhp Nick Daniels is a very good #2 pitcher for anyone and NW also has a very strong cast of juniors led by Jerod Faggart-c, Jake Faggart-cf and Justin Thompson-dh. NW Cabarrus is simply one of the top 3A teams in the area (maybe the state), and they will be able to beat almost anyone whenever Ketner is on the mound.

 

Rob Lyerly plays with our showcase team and yes, he can pitch. Rob can give a good couple of innings in relief. But....he is much better and more at ease playing MIF. Rob's bat ain't too shabby , either!!:xyzthumbs