Prep Baseball Report

Become a Member

More +

On the Bubble: New Trier

March 9, 2020
By Andy Sroka
Staff Writer, Associate Scout

The Illinois high school baseball season kicks off on March 16, opening day for regular season action under IHSA regulations. Over the next several weeks, leading up to opening day, we’ll be publishing our team previews ahead of the 2020 spring season, touching on programs spanning all state classifications, leading into a countdown through the official PBR Illinois Preseason Power 25 Rankings.

Perennially, we’ve submitted a Preseason Questionnaire to high school head coaches across the entire state. Their responses have been flooding in and we’re using the detailed insight they’ve provided in our team-by-team preseason analysis.

Our 2020 preseason coverage continues today.

Team: New Trier
Preseason Rank: On The Bubble
2019 Record: 21-15
Conference: Central Suburban South
IHSA Class: 4A
Head Coach: Mike Napoleon
Playoff Run: Sectional Semifinals appearance
2019 Final Rank: NR
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 2

OUTLOOK

New Trier are perennially competitive, that much is clear and to be expected this spring, but the Trevians are a little leaner on arms than they have been in the past.

Four wins shy of the second ever IHSA head coach to win 900 games, Mike Napoleon will have to use his legendary powers at the helm to get the most from this pitching staff, an inexperienced one. Presently, LHP Jack Lipert (2020; uncommitted) and OF/RHP Drew Robinson (2020; Kenyon College commit) look primed to handle their share of work from the mound. Lipert helps return five wins and a 3.15 ERA to this staff, though Robinson’s most valuable assets actually show themselves best from the batter’s box and on the basepaths; he hit .311 last spring with 12 steals.

Eddie Harvey (2020; Denison) has been a statistical force for the Trevians over the last couple of springs, and while he’ll be headed to Denison for his potent right-handed bat, he, too, will chip in from the mound when he isn’t out patrolling center field. Harvey hit five homers and drove in 22 runs for New Trier in 2019, giving the Trevians a deadly middle-of-the-order punch with Alex Calarco (2021; Northwestern). Calarco is a massive 6-foot-4 junior who swings a loud switch-hit bat, with physicality and pop from both sides. He hit .425 as a sophomore in 2019, so big things are expected of the Evanston-bound junior this season.

Surrounding Harvey and Calarco in the order will be 1B Jack Miller (2020; uncommitted), making the heart of this order three big bats deep. Miller hit .359 as a junior which helped him drive in 22 runs and he managed to swipe 12 bags, too. His part of a powerful trio is the strength of New Trier this season.

There’s some help looming in the 2021 and 2022 classes, too. Junior Charlie Brodell (2021; uncommitted) is capable of breaking out as a go-to arm for this staff. At a recent showcase, Brodell sat 82-85 mph, up to 86, from a quick, high ¾ slot. Sophomores INF Alexander Mendes (uncommitted) and C Louis Florida (uncommitted) are two up-and-coming prospects in the program. Mendes started the last 18 games of the season at shortstop as a freshman and that early varsity experience will hopefully play big dividends moving forward.

While things are a little more uncertain than what is typical for a New Trier squad, Napoleon and the Trevians are still a ‘Bubble’ squad to know ahead of Opening Day, capable of clicking as the season rolls on.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

Alex Calarco (2/9/20)

Make sure to follow @PBRIllinois on Twitter for the most up-to-date coverage throughout the 2020 season.

Find more information on the 2020 Trevians below:

+ Full Schedule
+ Team Twitter

MORE ON THE BUBBLE