BASEBALL

As we finally thaw out from a winter that was way too long, parks around the metro are busy with the sights and sounds of baseball as each communities local nines take to the diamond in search of conference, section and State titles. Here's a look at a sampling of clubs looking to give their fans reasons to cheer this spring. Tartan The Titans return co-captains Sam Ryan (catcher/pitcher) and Aaron Hoverson (infielder/pitcher) as well as shortstop Ryan Abrahamson, third baseman/pitcher Hogan Jackson, pitcher Matt Sauka, outfielder Chris Mariano, as well as infielders Alex Yates and Jake Glass. Tartan looks to be in good stead as they bring back four starting pitchers and six counted-on players in a bid to unseat Classic Suburban champion Hill-Murray, who the Titans finished second to last season. North St. Paul After finishing 13-11 last season, the Polars welcome back eight starters including co-captains Matt Puhl (P, SS), Tom Horner (3B) and Forrest Murphy (1B). Puhl, the team's MVP, has signed to play baseball for the University of Minnesota. Ross Metcalf and Andrew Gunderson hold down key spots on the pitching staff, with Tyler Naughton and Shane Ekman patrolling the outfield and Alec Biegel at second base. North St. Paul welcomes outfielders John Cicchese, Kevin Brown and Patrick Ellwanger, as well as catcher Toby Kaplan and shortstop/catcher Ryan Anderson to the big club this spring. Cretin-Derham Hall Returning only six players from last year's State championship team, the Raiders kept three pitchers. 2007 All-State and Metro player of the year Jacob Esch returns to pitch and play shortstop. Junior Max Gregory and senior Nate Swanson are the other pitchers. Seniors Curt Swanson (C), Ryan Bohrer (IF) and Tim Tysk-Bell (OF) also are back. "We need to replace a number of people so it may take some time, but we believe we have a chance to be pretty solid come playoffs," coach Jim O'Neil said. Concordia Academy-Roseville Coach Eric Schutte has six returnees from last season's 15-6 squad. Senior Zach Schroeder and Adam Killa are key members of the pitching staff, while senior All-State honorees Travis Piepho and Andrew Harsted are back to roam the outfield. Zach Schroeder again takes his part on the infield, with Kevin Block behind the plate. Newcomers Cameron Kramer, Hunter Thompson, Joe Westerberg, Andrew Seifert, Drew Armstead and Trent Tolzien will take up valuable positions around the diamond. Mounds View The Mustangs move to Section 5 for this season and look again to be a tough squad to tame after going 14-11 last season. Senior Ross Laduke is a hitting machine. Senior David Freed and junior David Bothwell lend additional punch to the lineup. Coach Mark Downey's club boasts a talented pitching staff with Andy Gallagher, Paul Myers and Cam Dickison leading a well-hurled cast. Irondale After a 9-13 campaign in 2007, Irondale will look to improve as All-State Honorable Mention outfielder Nick Colwell returns to pitch, as well as play the field, after a muscle injury kept him off the mound last year. Joining Colwell on the bump are Aaron Page and Brad Carr. All-Conference catcher Matt Tetrick and outfielder Nick Stang are also back for another turn. South St. Paul A youthful South St. Paul squad returns four starters: Cody Schwantes (P/SS), Ryan Conway (C), J.P. Leary (1B/OF) and Tim Kohlman. Schwantes, a team co-captain with Taylor Krier (OF/DH), led the Classic Suburban Conference in hitting last season. The Packers bring back their top pitcher in Matt Bintliff, as well as Ben Garvey and Josh Palmquist. In the field, Ryan Crowe, Josh Fleury and Pete Rother man the infield, while Nick Ross, Jake Bennett and Pat Wilson help patrol the outfield. Hill-Murray Coach Bill Lechner's Hill-Murray team is looking forward to an exciting year with some young players. The team will be lead by University of Minnesota signee Troy Larson at shortstop. The Pioneers will be counting on the arms of juniors Mark Dominik, Joe Bruchu, Josh Olson and sophomore Rob Deutch. Coach Lechner stated, "If our young pitching and consistent weather will come through, we will contend". Other underclassmen to be counting on are Willie Faust and Alex Kimball. Woodbury The Royals are looking to again challenge in the Suburban East Conference after a slight downturn last year. University of Minnesota-Duluth signee Mike Stevenson brings a big bat and strong arm to the outfield, while a solid infield of Matt Godfrey (1B), Steve White (2B), Casey Dittel (SS) and Lars Heggernes (3B) can hit and field quite nicely. Catcher David Eddy is a sharp hitter and one of the Royals' top pitchers as well, joining a staff that includes Rich Klein and Bryce Bintzler. If coach Wayne Dietz's club can improve its defense, the Royals could push Cretin-Derham Hall for the SEC title.