Tough schedule awaits Oceanside

Oceanside was one of Nassau’s most surprising baseball teams in 2009, winning 14 of 21 games, and coach Andy Morris has been encouraged by its performance in March scrimmages as it prepares for a rugged Conference I schedule.

“For what it’s worth, we won six of seven scrimmages,” Morris said. “It’s encouraging because we didn’t bring back a ton of experience. I’m hoping some kids step up like last season.”

The Sailors, who lost to Port Washington in the first round of the Class AA playoffs a year ago, are seeded No. 7 in the newly formed 10-team Conference I. They’re guaranteed a postseason berth and will play a two-game series against each conference opponent. “It’s just a one-year deal,” Morris said of the conference alignment, which beginning in 2011 will no longer be based on ability. “Some coaches prefer the two-game series because you get to play more teams,” he added. “But I’m a traditionalist. I’d rather play a team three times.”

Given its unproven pitching staff, Morris said defense has been Oceanside’s focus in the early going. “We’ve made all the defensive plays [in scrimmages], and we’ve hit the ball pretty well,” he said. “The biggest question mark we have is pitching.”

Senior left-hander Danny Frisch, who enters his third year on varsity, heads the staff and brings experience to the mound. “Danny has won games at this level and we need him to be consistent,” Morris said. “It’s important that he stays ahead in the count and keeps walks to a minimum.”

Juniors Erik Kondak and Michael Curti are the projected second and third starters, in no particular order, according to Morris. Both right-handers pitched at the JV level in 2009 and “had their moments” in varsity scrimmages so far. “They need to pitch smart and get batters out with off-speed stuff,” Morris said.

Senior Mike Connell and junior Mike Hertling will do the catching and fill the designated hitter spot between them. “They know what we’re asking them to do,” Morris said. “We’ve always had the catchers call games.”

Sure-handed junior shortstop Chris Flynn leads the infield defense and was one of the team’s hottest hitters out of the gate. He played every inning of every game last spring. If healthy, senior Joe Totino will be a key contributor at second base and the top of the lineup. He is being pushed by sophomore Eric Mandell. Senior Matt Strandberg flashes a fine glove at the hot corner, while senior Alex Palatto provides a big target at first.

In the outfield, senior Joe Gallub returns in center and comes off an All-Conference campaign. The likely cleanup batter has a great arm, hits for power and runs well. Junior Nick Iodivio is back in right and senior Justin D’Angelo has made a strong push to start in left.