By richard jerome
Staff Writer
With a returning senior pitching staff and some solid bats in the lineup, coach Bill Toncic is looking for his Spotswood High School baseball team to improve on last year’s 12-10 mark. But for the Chargers to progress, one key area needs some refinement.
"We had a lot of problems with defense last season," said Toncic, whose club was scheduled to open on Tuesday against South Brunswick at home, only to have the game rained out. "We were throwing the ball all over the place in the infield. Our pitchers are also going to have to throw more strikes. We walked too many guys."
The likely staff ace is senior Colin Feneis, a power-pitching righty who went 6-1 as a sophomore but fell victim to poor glovework last spring and only managed a 1-4 mark.
"Colin has had some nice outings in scrimmages and his bat has come alive," said Toncic about the hurler, who plays shortstop when not on the mound and bats third in the order.
The other senior pitchers, lefty Greg Slavicek and righthander Chris Shanahan, will be the second and third starters. Shanahan relies on changing speeds and control while the 5 foot 8 inch Slavicek is a fastballer who hopes to cut down on his walks this campaign. Behind the plate, junior Gene Scheicher starts his first varsity season. He’s showing a rifle arm, a strong bat and good running speed.
"He needs to take charge and be a leader," Toncic said.
Switch-hitting sophomore Scott Dyckman is an excellent first baseman with a promising bat, while junior second baseman Eric Hines, a transfer from Immaculata, is also smooth defensively and adroit at the plate. Freshman Garrett Andren may see time at the keystone sack.
Splitting shortstop with Feneis and third base with Shanahan is versatile junior Jason DeMarco, a fine hitter who should bat fifth in the lineup. Shanahan himself is a steady fielder and line-drive hitter.
The outfield is strong, paced by right fielder Jim Corbett, a junior who starred at running back for the football team.
"He’s a junior and he’s a man already," said Toncic. "Jim has tremendous outfield instincts and hits with power out of the cleanup spot."
In center, the speedy Slavicek, the leadoff hitter, makes excellent contact and shows great intensity.
"He eats and sleeps baseball," said his coach.
In center or left field is another live wire, Ricki Pace who has shown fine defensive skills in the outfield after moving from second base. Another possible outfielder and likely designated hitter is senior Joe Biancamano. Junior Tim Retzlaff, an outfielder and lefty pitcher, will split time between the varsity and jayvee squads.
Assisting Toncic this year are junior varsity coach Matt Koger, freshman coach Jeff Lawton, and two volunteers, Chris Nesi and Scott Neumyer, both SHS alums.
"We’re still putting the puzzle together," Toncic said. "But better defense and control on the mound are definitely goals for us."
The Chargers hope to open their season today at Metuchen in an important Greater Middlesex Conference Blue Division game.