Preseason Countdown: No.28 Mullen

By John Cackowski
State Director

Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage. The top 50 teams are picked from all classifications, and are not divided up by class level. To see the entire list click here

Team: Mullen
Preseason Rank: 24
2014 Record: 8-12
Conference: Centennial
CHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Vince Porreco
Playoff Run: Lost to Cherry Creek 8-0 in Class 5A District 1 Championship
2014 Final Rank: 32
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers:

TOP PLAYERS:
Maverick Handley, C/MIF, No. 4 2016 (Stanford)
Jonathon Miranda, OF/2B No 67 2016
Sam Oswald,C/1B No. 74 2016, (Benedictine College)
Andrew Nuanes, RHP, 2016
Rocco Porreco, 3B/P No. 37 2017
Marcus Salvato, MIF, No. 57 2017
Jake Barr, INF, No. 14 2018

OTHER PLAYERS THAT COULD MAKE AN IMPACT
Anastacio Salas, 3B, RHP, 2018
 

X-FACTOR:
 The Mustangs got a lot of quality innings from seniors who started in 2015. They will have to find a way to replace those 114 innings pitched.

KEY PLAYER LOST:
Landon Urban: Graduated

STAT RAT:
The Mustangs scored the most runs in the tough Centennial League last year (114). 
 
BOTTOM LINE: 
The Mustangs had one of the tougher strength of schedules in 2015, and were a factor in the tough Centennial League, but lost two close games in league to Cherry Creek, then matched up with them again in the playoffs and lost again. If they would have one one of those games in league to Cherry Creek they could have hosted for the 5A District Playoffs. In 2016 they return a solid core of offense, but pitching will be the question. No. 4 2016 and Standford commit C Maverick Handley returns as the best catching prospect Colorado has to offer. Handley will shut down everyone's running game, and  last year he hit .483. MIF Marcus Salvato will most likely lead off. Last year he hit .358 and scored 21 runs leading the team with 9 stolen bases. No. 74 2016 and Benedictine College commit Sam Oswald is a solid catcher himself but will most likely play 1B and provide protection for Handley in the lineup. No. 67 2016 OF Johnathan Miranda will also provide some pop in the middle of the order. No. 14 2018 Jake Barr could be a 2-hole type of hitter after getting a lot of experience as a freshman last year. Pitching will be where the Mustangs will have to catch up in a hurry. No. 37 3B/RHP Rocco Porreco is a big presence on the mound with a mid 80's fastball. 2016 RHP Andrew Nuanes pitched 10 innings in 2015 with 11 strikeouts. If the Mustangs can get quality innings on the mound they can be in the mix again in what will be a another tough Centennial League Season.

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