Portage Trail Conference-County and Metro Predictions

[BaseballRepresent]

Go ahead, tell us how you really feel.:thumb:

[DennyCrane]

County
1. Woodridge - I am going to predict they lose ONE league game to a county team in an upset. Baseball is a funny game sometimes.
2. Waterloo - Going out on a limb here. A lot returning with quality players.
3. Garfield - Should be a good team with solid pitching.
4. Rootstown - Always a solid team, will be real competitive when Luckie is on the mound.
5. Windham - Just like R-town, a solid team and real competitve when Apthorpe is on the mound.
6. Streetsboro - A question mark team. Could be higher in the middle of the pack though.
7. Mogadore - Starting to get some young baseball talent. Will move out of the basement finally and win some games.
8. East Canton - Probably will not be very good again.

The difference between Woodridge and the rest of the league is Wood will maybe lose a game in the county, whereas the rest are more balanced and will have 3-4 losses competing for second place.

As for the Metro, which I am not as familiar with, Field, Ravenna and Kent seem like the teams to beat this year.

[falcon5er]

I think in the Metro Field and Kent will compete for the league title. Field won it last year but Kent really came on at the end of the year.

[111411]

Windham is always tough, especially at tourney time.

[DennyCrane]

^^Windham will struggle this year. They lost the Fincham brothers and Hellar who were the stars of that team for the last 4 years. Hard to replace those kind of producers. When Apthorpe is on the mound they will compete and Cooper is a solid player, other than that it will be a rough year.

[The_Predator]

The thing with the PTC County is that there are really really bad teams so usually mid-season you have three above average teams like 7-0 and the bottom three teams are 0-7, 1-6. Therefore, an above average team just has to pull off an upset to the best team in the league just once and they have a great shot at maybe a tie for first. A lot will rely one or two games.

[Triple Crown]

I really like Denny Crane's list and rationale for his ranking, except I would flip Garretttsville and Waterloo. I believe the pitching staffs to be near equal (Collins/Hartman) and (Frame/Wartluft) getting most of the league game starts. The difference between these 2 teams is defense and confidence. The G-Men have a lot more of both, which usually equates to an overall better season.

Woodridge may also lose more than 1 league game this year. Here's why: Their non-league schedule is brutal, playing most of the top DI and DII schools in the area. Woodridge has had a knack of beating these top non-league teams in the past(Twinsburg, Tallmadge, Hoban, and Firestone come to mind) due to their coach's decision to throw one of his top 2 starters in these games. This hasn't cost Woodridge recently ( 2 PTC titles in a row and counting), but I have a feeling this philosophy may cost them at least one league game this upcoming season. But I still believe Woodridge is the top team in the County side.

[DennyCrane]

Triple Crown, I completely agree that Garfield and Waterloo can flip spots. Between those two at this point it is flip of a coin.

[BaseballRepresent]

Windham is always tough, especially at tourney time.

This is true, but even with apthorpe, they won't make it past the first round. They're a basketball school now. completely. Even last year the finchams weren't that special, even though the one got player of the year, but he played a good season with an injury, so in that respect he's deserving. If apthorpe wants to have a good season, he's going to have to contend with woodridge, and beat streestboro, waterloo, and rootstowns fairly potent lineups.

[BaseballRepresent]

County
1. Woodridge - I am going to predict they lose ONE league game to a county team in an upset. Baseball is a funny game sometimes.
2. Waterloo - Going out on a limb here. A lot returning with quality players.
3. Garfield - Should be a good team with solid pitching.
4. Rootstown - Always a solid team, will be real competitive when Luckie is on the mound.
5. Windham - Just like R-town, a solid team and real competitve when Apthorpe is on the mound.
6. Streetsboro - A question mark team. Could be higher in the middle of the pack though.
7. Mogadore - Starting to get some young baseball talent. Will move out of the basement finally and win some games.
8. East Canton - Probably will not be very good again.

The difference between Woodridge and the rest of the league is Wood will maybe lose a game in the county, whereas the rest are more balanced and will have 3-4 losses competing for second place.

As for the Metro, which I am not as familiar with, Field, Ravenna and Kent seem like the teams to beat this year.

Agree, but have two points. Streetsboro moves to five, and windham drops to 7. (yes, mogadore will be better, but they still won't do well, simply because it's the wrong kind of field their playing on :p ) And if woodridge does get upset, that win will belong to waterloo. They will be the surprise team of the league. I'm telling you right now.

[BaseballRepresent]

The thing with the PTC County is that there are really really bad teams so usually mid-season you have three above average teams like 7-0 and the bottom three teams are 0-7, 1-6. Therefore, an above average team just has to pull off an upset to the best team in the league just once and they have a great shot at maybe a tie for first. A lot will rely one or two games.

True, but this year will be different. Woodridge will do well as usual, waterloo will shock and awe, garfield, rootstown, and streetsboro will all go 1-1 against each other, and windham, mogadore will split, and then good ol' east canton. They may not be the most prolific team in the league, but they are exceptionally classy.

[BaseballRepresent]

I think in the Metro Field and Kent will compete for the league title. Field won it last year but Kent really came on at the end of the year.

I believe field will repeat. Don't think Kent's pitching will hold up against field's lineup.

[jacmckvik]

Go ahead, tell us how you really feel.:thumb:

I say this every year as I keep tabs on all Stark Co. baseball, when is E. Canton going to hire a coach that knows the game and doesn't make Stark Co. look bad year after year in the Portage Co. league. They have the worst winning % of any school in the Co. since this guy has been coach! Could someone tell me why they retain this guy?

[fevertime]

I believe field will repeat. Don't think Kent's pitching will hold up against field's lineup.

Field will be really good this season, alot of talent!

[bpc21045]

alex wilk will be the next big thing coming out of woodridge

[tapNeo]

What was the first big thing to come out of Woodridge? Did I miss something.

[theface18]

What was the first big thing to come out of Woodridge? Did I miss something.
\
lol i would have 2 agree

[BaseballRepresent]

hah. young wilk needs to make varsity first.

[theface18]

the metro wont be decided till the end of the regular season when Field meets kent roosevelt in the final league games

[BaseballRepresent]

well, the only big thing i can recall to come out of woodridge is jeff phelps the tv personality for sports time ohio haha. is it jeff or jim phelps?

nick jones could be the "next big thing." He definitely is the most talented player on woodridge's team. Just needs to keep his head focused.

[BaseballRepresent]

team to watch on the county side- Waterloo.

They will have an above average year. after watching them play last year, it's no suprise they have the ability to do some hard damage to the PTC-County title hunters. This will not be a gutter team this season.

[wordhasit5339]

County
1. Woodridge - The players are alright but the coaching is some of the best in the state for it's schools size. Baseball is Woodridges best any only real sport. Them come to play year in and year and have a great summer program. They also get the overflow of players from walsh, cvca, and C-falls that don't make the starting line-up but don't want to sit the bench.
2. Garfield - Don't know much but I'll talk what i hear about them.
3. Streetsboro - They are going to have a really good team this year. Miller should really step up this year as a Jr. Other players to look for is Ryan
Steinbrok (not sure about the spelling).
4.Rootstown - They are losing a lot but they will have some pitching and the baseball team plays harder then any other sport rootstown has. Well besides the girls basketball team.
5.Windham - They will be a good team biggest probelm they have a big overlap from basketball to baseball. The players always do really well in basketball and don't have down time or a lot of preporation till the season starts.
6. Mogadore - They will be the team to come out of know where word has it cody destro who has been playing summer league all through high school is going to play this year along with other seniors who didn't play in the past because of coaching issues.
7.Waterloo - They are terrible and they have a young coach who doesn't know anything about baseball also happens to be the golf coach and doesn't know anything about it go figure.
8. East Canton - Probably will not be very good again.

[wordhasit5339]

The metro is always weird with two and three way ties year to year it's hard to predict. Teams to look out for Kent, Ravenna, Field, and Norton. Kent has had the same starting base for the past three years. The will have almost a full varsity team of seniors. People like to forget they lost twice to Ravenna last year and Ravenna has the meantal edge. Ravenna lost a lot of players but they have the best non-league games in a long time and the competition they'll face during spring training will help for the league games. Field didn't lose much from last year the only problem that comes to mind is who to play SS when boggs is on the mound. The biggest hurt they will have is their ace pitcher who was the PTC-MVP graduated and now plays for Hiram(still don't know why). Norton is always a solid team and last year they had a decent year but it was an offer year. This year they will come back strong looking to be in the title race.
Other teams such as Crestwood, Southeast, and Springfield will try and prove me wrong but are long shots. Crestwood has a lot coming back and almost upset ravenna last year but a late triple by Corey Trusso upset their hopes. Southeast doesn't have the pitching or catching they once did. Their pitchers are to slow and don't have the mental part of the game. Catching wise they'll most likely start G. Lemly again and teams ran all over him. If his arm hasn't gotten better teams will again try to set new school records for steals in a single game. Springfield has great coaching one being the Head coach of the Ohio Thunder (which helps because some of his players play in the league). They still don't look to be very strong.

[DennyCrane]

County
1. Woodridge - The players are alright but the coaching is some of the best in the state for it's schools size. Baseball is Woodridges best any only real sport. Them come to play year in and year and have a great summer program. They also get the overflow of players from walsh, cvca, and C-falls that don't make the starting line-up but don't want to sit the bench.
2. Garfield - Don't know much but I'll talk what i hear about them.
3. Streetsboro - They are going to have a really good team this year. Miller should really step up this year as a Jr. Other players to look for is Ryan
Steinbrok (not sure about the spelling).
4.Rootstown - They are losing a lot but they will have some pitching and the baseball team plays harder then any other sport rootstown has. Well besides the girls basketball team.
5.Windham - They will be a good team biggest probelm they have a big overlap from basketball to baseball. The players always do really well in basketball and don't have down time or a lot of preporation till the season starts.
6. Mogadore - They will be the team to come out of know where word has it cody destro who has been playing summer league all through high school is going to play this year along with other seniors who didn't play in the past because of coaching issues.
7.Waterloo - They are terrible and they have a young coach who doesn't know anything about baseball also happens to be the golf coach and doesn't know anything about it go figure.
8. East Canton - Probably will not be very good again.

Wow! That was a great job butchering the English language.

Everything seems ok in your predictions except for Streetsboro and Waterloo. You must be from Streetsboro because that is the only team you mention the players names. Except for Miller, no baseball talent there. Streetsboro will probably finish towards the bottom of the league. To say that about Waterloo is just ignorant. They return practically everyone from last year from a team that finished middle of the pack. They should be top 4 at least and anyone who knows anything about the PTC will predict that.

[wordhasit5339]

Denny Crane if you think waterloo will be good then you must be from waterloo or just a slow. Waterloo has never been a good team and never will be a good team. NO talent and no coaching.

[DennyCrane]

Denny Crane if you think waterloo will be good then you must be from waterloo or just a slow. Waterloo has never been a good team and never will be a good team. NO talent and no coaching.

Well, for one, yes I am from Waterloo. I am not a player or coach if you are wondering. Yes, Waterloo does have some talent and should have a good season.

Finally, I am not going to argue with someone that can not type a coherent sentence. That is just embarassing. Good luck to you and your team this year!

[wordhasit5339]

If this was english class I'd try harder. This is about telling people what's going on such as: Cory F from Ravenna will have a late start this season due to injuries.

[theface18]

wordhasit that field swept ravenna last year and won the league. and will do so again this year

[BaseballRepresent]

[QUOTE=wordhasit5339;2996432]County
1. Woodridge - The players are alright but the coaching is some of the best in the state for it's schools size. They also get the overflow of players from walsh, cvca, and C-falls that don't make the starting line-up but don't want to sit the bench.


No, the players are better than alright. Three returning all-ohio kids and a bunch of above-average complimenting ball players. And they do have some of the best coaching in the state. However, they don't get all the players from cvca, walsh, c-falls. The only transfer was wilhite.

[Shiloh]

Springfield has great coaching one being the Head coach of the Ohio Thunder (which helps because some of his players play in the league). They still don't look to be very strong.

Yeah- One of those players is his own son.
He better be a great coach because they've cancelled about a dozen practices and workouts since January. They should still be good since they are mostly seniors this year.

Norton and Field will be very good again, Kent is improved, Crestwood, Southeast and Ravenna will be decent.

Should be an interesting race.

[windhamhistorian]

In the County, it's Woodridge, Woodridge and Woodridge. The Bulldogs should easily win the County crown and will make a serious run at a Final Four appearance...maybe even a State title.

At Windham, the whole season is devoted to the tournament and anything short of a Regional appearance is a disappointment. However, this may be the most interesting campaign in sometime for the Big Gold. In order to keep their post-season success going, they will need to find a solid #2 man behind Apthorpe and, of course, someone to replace Heller's hitting prowess.

GO BOMBERS!

[BaseballRepresent]

County
6. Mogadore - They will be the team to come out of know where word has it cody destro who has been playing summer league all through high school is going to play this year along with other seniors who didn't play in the past because of coaching issues..

Who has destro been playing for, and how credible is your source for this statement? And who are the other seniors and are they any good.

[wordhasit5339]

Destro was playing for Coach Farrel, The Hurricanes out of northeast ohio. The same team alex loftin plays for during the summer

[wordhasit5339]

Cody has come along way and should have a really good year! good luck windham

[Irish87]

[QUOTE=Shiloh;3009434]Yeah- One of those players is his own son.
He better be a great coach because they've cancelled about a dozen practices and workouts since January. They should still be good since they are mostly seniors this year.QUOTE]

How do you become a great coach, when he has never coached a H.S. team in his life. Trust me, he is far from being a great coach. Lets not go overboard here.

[BaseballRepresent]

Destro was playing for Coach Farrel, The Hurricanes out of northeast ohio. The same team alex loftin plays for during the summer

The same hurricanes who's homefield is Woodridge High School?

[BaseballRepresent]

Wordhasit, destro hasn't played for the hurricanes since his 8th grade summer going into ninth grade.

[The_Predator]

Woodridge does have some BIG concerns when it comes to middle infield. For such important positions for any pitching staff, they are really lacking experience and depth there.
With Painter being out for the year, and James graduating, I'm hearing Krusinski is going to play shortstop. This is definitely not his position, he is really a 1B/3B, I'm sure he has a the arm for shortstop, but he has not really shown the lateral quickness and footwork needed even for an above average shortstop.
As for second base, I really have not heard anything on who has the inside track on the spot. They have a sophomore, Derek Morgan, who is pretty solid, but he has not played a lot of varsity. That is the only kid I can think of that could play there.
Still, with Woodridge's pitching staff and super-offence, they can make up for it at least when its comes to playing in the PTC. But come tournament time when double plays are crucial, it may become a different story.

[Shiloh]

[QUOTE=Shiloh;3009434]Yeah- One of those players is his own son.
He better be a great coach because they've cancelled about a dozen practices and workouts since January. They should still be good since they are mostly seniors this year.QUOTE]

How do you become a great coach, when he has never coached a H.S. team in his life. Trust me, he is far from being a great coach. Lets not go overboard here.

Oh I totally agree with you Irish87. This is why I am upset about the hiring of coaches in that district. The cupboard was full this year with all those seniors and instead of hiring a guy to continue to build on the program they bring in a guy who will be one and done.

[BaseballRepresent]

Woodridge does have some BIG concerns when it comes to middle infield. For such important positions for any pitching staff, they are really lacking experience and depth there.
With Painter being out for the year, and James graduating, I'm hearing Krusinski is going to play shortstop. This is definitely not his position, he is really a 1B/3B, I'm sure he has a the arm for shortstop, but he has not really shown the lateral quickness and footwork needed even for an above average shortstop.
As for second base, I really have not heard anything on who has the inside track on the spot. They have a sophomore, Derek Morgan, who is pretty solid, but he has not played a lot of varsity. That is the only kid I can think of that could play there.
Still, with Woodridge's pitching staff and super-offence, they can make up for it at least when its comes to playing in the PTC. But come tournament time when double plays are crucial, it may become a different story.


As of now Krusinski is the starting shortstop with morgan at second base. Jones will be backup first basemen when not in his normal center or on the mound. Barracato, Westren, Capaldo, and Cooper will all see various time up the middle.

[Tressel4Prez]

When do the PTC league games begin?

[wordhasit5339]

As of now Krusinski is the starting shortstop with morgan at second base. Jones will be backup first basemen when not in his normal center or on the mound. Barracato, Westren, Capaldo, and Cooper will all see various time up the middle.

I have played with barracato and capaldo before and they are good players and work hard. Hopefully they will get a lot of time and have a good year.

[wordhasit5339]

Who has destro been playing for, and how credible is your source for this statement? And who are the other seniors and are they any good.

Yes Cody Destro is playing it was even in the paper on Sunday. Whatever I post does come from great sources.

[BaseballRepresent]

Yes Cody Destro is playing it was even in the paper on Sunday. Whatever I post does come from great sources.

Who has he played for summerball wise? If at all?

[BaseballRepresent]

League play starts up on monday. Anyone have a thought on who will prevail in the league openers?

[GRIP&RIP]

Whats The Outlook On Coventry This Year? Ive Heard They Had Some Good Kids Transfer In. Could They Make A Run In The Metro?

[BaseballRepresent]

honestly... Coventry probably won't do too much, but will have a winning season overall. Cargnel transferred from woodridge how's he holding up over there?

[theface18]

honeslty it wont matter cause field willwin the metro easily

[BaseballRepresent]

honeslty it wont matter cause field willwin the metro easily


well...yea. unless kent roosevelt upsets them, which i don't forsee, then Field will cruise.

[theface18]

ya they will they have the talent to do it this year and next

[GRIP&RIP]

Where Can I Get Ptc Standings It Doesnt Seem Like Anyone Has Them Posted Anywhere? Have They Been In The Beacon And Ive Missed Them?

[DennyCrane]

County Standings
Garfield 2-0
Waterloo 2-0
Woodridge 2-0
East Canton 1-1
Rootstown 1-1
Mogadore 0-2
Streetsboro 0-2
Windham 0-2

Metro Standings
Field 2-0
Ravenna 2-0
Springfield 1-0**
Kent 1-0**
Norton 0-1**
Coventry 0-1**
Crestwood 0-2
Southeast 0-2

**Did not get their scores.

[BaseballRepresent]

Woodridge over Field 13-6.

[The_Predator]

Woodridge over Field 13-6.

I guess that settles that debate. Woodridge threw their 4th starter too.

If you can't handle the heat, get outta the kitchen.

[BaseballRepresent]

I guess that settles that debate. Woodridge threw their 4th starter too.

If you can't handle the heat, get outta the kitchen.

Well, at least we liked the lunch they served us. :angel: I'm very proud of how the boys swung the bat for us. Hopefully it carries over against Stow.

[playball1]

Field didn't play a good game, but they also werent prepaired. If umbright or Boggs pitched it would of been a closer game, but got to hand it to them they were a good team

[DennyCrane]

Please do not give excuses. I know neither coach would use excuses if their team lost.

Woodridge and Field both had the same amount of time to prepare. Neither team threw one of their top three.

Both teams played under the same circumstances.

[bulldawg25]

Both coach's at Feild and at Woodridge have alot of respect for each other.

They game was played, it does not matter who threw or who was ready.

9 players for each team took the feild.

I think Feild will be the team to beat on the Metro side and Woodridge will be the team to beat on the county side.

Each team last night made some errors. Field had a kid score on a wild pitch and two scored on a "inside the park homer" on a ball that fell in right field that got stuck in the mud and no one could find.

Also Woodridge scored twice on two droped balls in the outfield.

Yes if both teams run their number "one's" out on the bump mabey score would have been lower but with that said, Woodie still came out on top.

Woodie has an important game tonight at Stow with Loftin on the pimple and we will see if the bats come alive for the DAWGS. Must see game....

[BaseballRepresent]

Yes.

I heard from one of the player's parents that the players had to go home right after school and get their UNI's!!! Talk about unprepared...

But they got over it, because your uniform doesn't make you play better or worse.

Field's a solid team. They'll have a good year.

[GRIP&RIP]

ya they will they have the talent to do it this year and nextHOW MANY DOES FIELD LOSE (SENIORS) THIS YEAR? I KNOW UMBRIGHT IS A JUNIOR. WHAT ABOUT BOGGS? I KNOW SOME OF THE YOUNGER KIDS COMING UP LIKE PEREZ AND DEMYAN THEY SHOULD MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE NEAR FUTURE!!1

[GRIP&RIP]

How Is Springfield Are They That Good Or Are They Lucky? It Seems Like They Would Have A Shot In The Metro.

[TheRealJayDubb]

Woodridge moves up to 6-0. But how about this: Waterloo is 6-0 in the league, too. Wartluft lead them on the football field, now he's leading them on the pitcher's mound. And Frame is having the year of his life right now. WATERLOO! last year they were a joke, now this year their contending with woodridge for the title and making the middle of the packers like streetsboro and garfield look silly.

Next week Woodridge faces Rootstown who gave them their only loss last year in the league. Payback time.:stirthepot:

[DennyCrane]

Woodridge moves up to 6-0. But how about this: Waterloo is 6-0 in the league, too. Wartluft lead them on the football field, now he's leading them on the pitcher's mound. And Frame is having the year of his life right now. WATERLOO! last year they were a joke, now this year their contending with woodridge for the title and making the middle of the packers like streetsboro and garfield look silly.

Next week Woodridge faces Rootstown who gave them their only loss last year in the league. Payback time.:stirthepot:

I am going to disagree that they were a joke last year. This has been building for Waterloo. 2 years ago they were not a very good playing sophomores on varsity. Last year they were a .500 team. The senior class, now in their 3rd year of varsity experience, are contending. Even the juniors are in their 3rd year of varsity ball. Also, Frame was 1st team last year with a monster year, and is just continuing his outstanding play this year.

[TheRealJayDubb]

Well, going by ptc records they were lower-middle of the pack. They gave woodridge a good game 3-0, then woodridge went to town 23-3 at there place. I know for a fact that woodridge won't score 23 runs this time around and the games between the loo and the ridge will be close.

[TheRealJayDubb]

How about Rootstown? WTF happened there?:shrug:

[theface18]

HOW MANY DOES FIELD LOSE (SENIORS) THIS YEAR? I KNOW UMBRIGHT IS A JUNIOR. WHAT ABOUT BOGGS? I KNOW SOME OF THE YOUNGER KIDS COMING UP LIKE PEREZ AND DEMYAN THEY SHOULD MAKE AN IMPACT IN THE NEAR FUTURE!!1

we are only losing 2 seniors. but they are both very important are catcher zack maccutchen and are 3rd basemen cory y. other than that they are all juniors and theres are a couple really good sopomores and freshmen

[BaseballRepresent]

How about Rootstown? WTF happened there?:shrug:

They're just having a rough time right now athletically.

[BaseballRepresent]

Waterloo wasn't exactly a joke, jaydubb, they've been gradually getting better the last couple of years. They'll contend with the league title, but it will remain at woodridge IMO. The bulldog staff is just too much.

[bulldawg25]

Waterloo wasn't exactly a joke, jaydubb, they've been gradually getting better the last couple of years. They'll contend with the league title, but it will remain at woodridge IMO. The bulldog staff is just too much.

Good thought represent. Waterloo took St V to the brink of elimination in the sectionals last year and should have beat them if not for 2 misplayed balls in the 7th inning and a hit batter. Waterloo brings alot to the table this year, Frame is good, Warluft and MC Broom can swing it.

Woodie will have to have it screwed on tight to beat this team twice this year.

I am taking Woodridge to win both because of defense and pitching.

GO DAWGS

[BaseballRepresent]

The Rootstown-Woodridge baseball rivalry will be re-awakened next monday at Rootstown at 4:15 and then back at woodridge on tuesday same time. The game between these two teams always seems to be intense and emotions are always elevated. :stirthepot: It will be a great series.

[itsa3]

Wow! That was a great job butchering the English language.

Everything seems ok in your predictions except for Streetsboro and Waterloo. You must be from Streetsboro because that is the only team you mention the players names. Except for Miller, no baseball talent there. Streetsboro will probably finish towards the bottom of the league. To say that about Waterloo is just ignorant. They return practically everyone from last year from a team that finished middle of the pack. They should be top 4 at least and anyone who knows anything about the PTC will predict that.

Streetsboro is just plain bad. Their only chance is most teams will pitch their 4 or 5th starter which will give them a chance but they are really weak.

[BaseballRepresent]

monday woodie-rootstown game move to wednesday, 4:15, at rootstown.

[BaseballRepresent]

Pull out the brooms for the woodridge sweep tonight!