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Lawrence Baseball Preview

2007 record: 4-16, did not make state tourney

Returning starters (5): Jose Diaz, Sr., C; Jose Paulino, Sr., INF/P; Ruddy Espinal, Sr., P; Jovany Fernandez, Jr., OF; Mike Calzetta, Soph., P/INF

Returning lettermen: Devin Montanez, Soph., CF; Harvey Blanco, Soph., 2B; Luis Sosa, Soph., OF

Newcomers: Francis Aquino, Sr., 1B; Ruben Sosa, Jr., SS; Francisco Bonilla, Jr., C; Frederich Frias, Jr., OF; Danny Cruz, Jr., OF; Adderly Gonzalez, Jr., OF; Jose Sandoval, Soph., INF; Juan Lluberas, Soph., INF; Julian Vasquez, Frosh., OF

Candidates in all grades: 103

Captains: Not named

Returning leaders: Mike Calzetta, .259 avg., 1-2 record, 1.98 ERA in 28<1/3> innings; Jose Paulino, .274 avg.

Returning honorees: Jose Diaz, MVC All-Star  

Assistants: Arthur Halloran, varsity assistant; Kevin Fielding, varsity assistant; Chris Boardman, JV; Sean Casey, Frosh.

Opener: April 9, at Malden

Odds and ends: Talk about an impact addition. Transfer Ruben Sosa led the region in hitting back in 2006, batting .575 as a sophomore at Greater Lawrence Tech. He also placed fourth at All-States in the 55 meters in track this winter. "He might be the best kid I've ever coached," said Brendan Neilon. ... The Lancers got good news yesterday when fifth-year senior southpaw pitcher Ruddy Espinal received an MIAA waiver. ... As freshmen last year, the trio of Mike Calzetta, Harvey Blanco and Devin Montanez combined to hit .277. ... Lawrence is trying to snap a run of 12 straight years without a postseason appearance. ... Lawrence is still waiting on the final OK to use its new home field, right behind the high school.

Coach Brendan Neilon (6th year, 29-69): "We have athletes all over the field, the best group we've had, so we're going to make the plays defensively. With Harvey (Blanco) and Ruben (Sosa) up the middle, we're going to turn some double plays and save our pitchers some outs. I think we'll hit OK and we can run. Getting Ruddy (Espinal) on to the field is key. We need the pitching to come through. With him there, it allows the sophomore (Mike) Calzetta to ease into the No. 2 role. I think we'll be able to compete with every team in our league."