We take a look at the roster dynamic and lineup construction for Team New York in their matchup vs. South Carolina (Vote Team NY HERE)

Team New York Starting Lineup

Team Dynamic: Team speed throughout as 8 of the 9 are sub 7.0 runners. Outfielders can go get it with good arms all around. 2020 3B Saliz Felix moves to RF (his secondary position) to slide 2021 SS Casey Saucke in at 3B and lengthen the lineup. Defense at a premium up the middle with 2020 C Luke Shliger, 2021 2B Marcus Smith, 2020 SS Julian Uejima and 2020 Connor Bradshaw in CF.

Staff: GM/Bench Coach - Dan Cevette, 3B/Coach Hitting Coach - Jared Carrier, 1B Coach/Pitching Coach - Joe Walentin

Team Philosphy: Putting pressure on the defense with a couple guys who can feast on fastballs in the middle. Old school throwback approach of defense and pitching with big guns Alex Santos and Jason Savacool on the bump. 

Holden Lazarus OF / RHP / Ithaca, NY / 2020 A Bo Jackson/Mike trout prototype in the leadoff spot who can drive the ball over the fence or swipe a bag with his plus speed. Michigan commit.

 

Casey Saucke II SS / RHP / Greece Athena, NY / 2021 Contact, high average approach in the two-hole. Can use the hole field and pound the gap as well. Virginia commit.

Joseph Vetrano LHP / 1B / Lakeland, NY / 2020 Oddly enough, Vetrano has hit leadoff for his HS, collecting 11 bombs in a season. Slides down into a run producing slot here. Plus defender around the bag and if this goes into extra innings he'll be ready out the pen at 90-91 with sweeping slider. Boston College commit.

Salix Felix 3B / OF / Citius Prep, NY / 2020 Primary spot is at the hot corner but to keep his stick in the linuep Felix goes to RF with a big arm (93 on the infield). The RHH showed his offensive prowess at the Super 60 in February and is ready to drive in some runs for the Empire State. Uncommitted.

Joe Mack C / Williamsville East, NY / 2021 Provides depth at the catching position and middle of the order offensive production. The #1 ranked 2021 and Clemson commit will be a tough out for any arm after dealing with the four batters in front of him. Clemson commit looking to do damage against his future state of residence.

Julian Uejima SS / 2B / Trinity-Pawling , NY / 2020 Spark plug player inserted in the heart of the order. Can drive the gaps early in the count or work a walk after a deep count to start a big inning. Absolute clubhouse guy that will keep the squad engaged and focused. Quinnipiac commit.

Luke Shliger C / 2B / Trinity Pawling, NY / 2020 High end defender will shut down the opposition's running game. Seven spot in the lineup suits him well as he can capitalize on having runners in scoring position before turning the linuep over with the table setters after him. Maryland commit.

Marcus Smith SS / OF / All Hallows , NY / 2021 Team NY's most veratile player; above average glove up the middle. Can handle both sides of the bag on the double play and can play the outfield to help with the squad's flexibility. Packs some pop into a smaller frame and could do serious damage in the bottom 1/3 of the lineup. Liberty University commit.

Connor Bradshaw OF / RHP / Trinity Pawling, NY / 2020 Plus defender with plenty of arm and above average speed. Smith, Bradshaw and turning over the lineup to Lazarus is a dangerous scenario that could be the difference in a win or loss. Pepperdine commit.

Pitching

Preview: Can't go wrong with two arms that have represented the Empire State on the big stage for the last four years. Santos with the NYC swagger and Savacool with the upstate NY grit...a dynamic duo.

Alex Santos RHP / Mount St. Michael Academy, NY / 2020 Santos, under the watchful eyes of the MLB PDP program and with multiple Area Code appearances is no stranger to taking the ball when it matters the most. The big RHP works 92-94 with and off the table breaker. Maryland Commit.

Jason Savacool RHP / Baldwinsville, NY / 2020 When Skipper Cevette comes to take the ball he'll be handing it off to Team USA member (18U), MLB PDP and Area Code attendee Jason Savacool who can throw any pitch in any count, pitch backwards and shut the door to a Team NY Dream Team victory. Arsenal includes 91-93 MPH heater, low 80's slider coupled with a big CB and fading change. Maryland Commit.