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Gloucester Baseball Preview

Last year's record: 13-8 (lost to Andover in first round of Division 1 North state tournament)

Coach: Joe Orlando  (Fourth year)  

Key returnees: Trevor Curley Jr., 1B; Dylan Maki, Jr., SS, Zak Kendall, Sr., OF; Jake Alves, Sr., C; Taylor Burbine, Jr. OF; Brett Smith, Jr., P/1B; Ryan Cusick, Jr.,DH; Andrew Fulford, Sr., IF; Ricky Gallant, Jr., 3B; Kyle Habecker, Sr., SS; Brett Cahill, So., C.

Strengths: Offense shouldn't be a problem for the Fishermen, who can hit up and down the lineup and possess good speed. There is especially good speed in the outfield and the defensive alignment is starting to shape up.

Concerns: The pitching lacks experience. A few sophomores will be counted on to step up and push the best out of the seniors. But Orlando wants to avoid putting too much pressure on the underclassmen. Improvement on defense is also a must throughout the season.

Coach's outlook: "We're have a tough schedule. Peabody, Winthrop, Danvers and Swampscott will all be strong. We're  hoping to stay in games with those teams. Our goals is a little higher than the tournament, we want to take another step forward."

Season opener: Friday vs. Masconomet