Delfino Park, White Plains
by Chris Lima
Modsquad Reporter
A sharp crack of the bat, the smell of freshly cut grass, a little too much dirt on your ass after you slide into second base.
All signs point to the start of another Modsquad Softball season, one ripe with potential and promise.
This year's spring training (which technically only lasts two weeks) is loaded with story lines that will determine the eventual outcome of the 2010 season.
Injuries:
The Modsquad is another year older which translates into more opportunities for injury. Strength and Conditioning coach Kristen Bladel oversaw shortstop Nick DiFranza's offseason knee surgery and is currently working on rehabbing left fielder Chris Lima's "dead shoulder" issue.
Experience:
Another year older also means another year under the team's belt. This will mark the third consecutive season that the team's major pieces have played together. As evident in the first practice of the season, everyone knows their job this year and everyone knows how to execute to win.
New Equipment:
The secret to the Modsquad's success may lie in two offseason acquisitions that went quietly unnoticed.Outfielder Todd Dias, in the wake of leading the team in Home Run, oversaw the purchase of two Demarini f3 Double Wall ASA approved bats (26oz and a 28oz). The bats proved, within the first round of BP, to have a ton more pop that those the 'Squad has used in previous seasons.
Centerfielder Chris Iannantuoni also upgraded his glove from "missing" to Mizuno.
Positional Battles:
One way to determine how good a team will be is to take a look at the amount of preseason position battles. The Modsquad is stocked with talent at every position this season, and Skipper Brogdon will be rubbing his head when it comes to filling out a lineup card:
Outfield: With left and centerfield locked up by Iannantuoni and Lima, the remaining two outfield spots are up for grabs. Dias, Alfrin Vallejo, and Bobek all figure to compete for those final two spots. The defensive rotation in the outfield will most likely be decided by who'll take the mound on opening day.
Starting Rotation: With ace Peter Coletta's future with the team in doubt (due to injury) Modsquad management is looking into a contingency plan to fill the team's void on the mound. Todd Dias looks to be the front runner in a potentially deep competition. Frank Vitale has thrown his hat into the ring for consideration and Big Joel has had some success pitching for the 'Squad in previous seasons.
Infield: The infield looks to be crowded again, with Scott Berns and Big Joel competing for time at first and Vitale, John Leahy, and 2009 Rookie of the Year Vince Sampugnaro all vying to be DiFranza's double play partner.
by Chris Lima
Modsquad Reporter
A sharp crack of the bat, the smell of freshly cut grass, a little too much dirt on your ass after you slide into second base.
All signs point to the start of another Modsquad Softball season, one ripe with potential and promise.
This year's spring training (which technically only lasts two weeks) is loaded with story lines that will determine the eventual outcome of the 2010 season.
Injuries:
The Modsquad is another year older which translates into more opportunities for injury. Strength and Conditioning coach Kristen Bladel oversaw shortstop Nick DiFranza's offseason knee surgery and is currently working on rehabbing left fielder Chris Lima's "dead shoulder" issue.
Experience:
Another year older also means another year under the team's belt. This will mark the third consecutive season that the team's major pieces have played together. As evident in the first practice of the season, everyone knows their job this year and everyone knows how to execute to win.
New Equipment:
The secret to the Modsquad's success may lie in two offseason acquisitions that went quietly unnoticed.Outfielder Todd Dias, in the wake of leading the team in Home Run, oversaw the purchase of two Demarini f3 Double Wall ASA approved bats (26oz and a 28oz). The bats proved, within the first round of BP, to have a ton more pop that those the 'Squad has used in previous seasons.
Centerfielder Chris Iannantuoni also upgraded his glove from "missing" to Mizuno.
Positional Battles:
One way to determine how good a team will be is to take a look at the amount of preseason position battles. The Modsquad is stocked with talent at every position this season, and Skipper Brogdon will be rubbing his head when it comes to filling out a lineup card:
Outfield: With left and centerfield locked up by Iannantuoni and Lima, the remaining two outfield spots are up for grabs. Dias, Alfrin Vallejo, and Bobek all figure to compete for those final two spots. The defensive rotation in the outfield will most likely be decided by who'll take the mound on opening day.
Starting Rotation: With ace Peter Coletta's future with the team in doubt (due to injury) Modsquad management is looking into a contingency plan to fill the team's void on the mound. Todd Dias looks to be the front runner in a potentially deep competition. Frank Vitale has thrown his hat into the ring for consideration and Big Joel has had some success pitching for the 'Squad in previous seasons.
Infield: The infield looks to be crowded again, with Scott Berns and Big Joel competing for time at first and Vitale, John Leahy, and 2009 Rookie of the Year Vince Sampugnaro all vying to be DiFranza's double play partner.
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