Finally time to begin playing ball

The sun is out, temperatures are rising, and the earth is drying.

No, it’s not time to talk global warming. It’s time to talk high school baseball and who will emerge as top contenders for the Eastern Maine titles.

Class A: Bangor is the reigning state champion and returns a talented cast, including third baseman Shane Walton, shortstop-pitcher Ian Edwards, outfielder Kyle Vanidestine, catcher Gordie Webb, and pitcher-outfielder Alex Gallant. Developing pitching depth behind Edwards and Gallant will be one key, though Jordan Clarke – he of the no-hitter in last summer’s Senior League World Series – is one likely candidate to step forward for coach Jeff Fahey’s club.

Several local rivals could be among the top challengers. Old Town features University of Maine-bound shortstop Jarrett Lukas, as well as some experienced pitchers in Adam Fournier and Dana Leland. Brewer boasts a top pitcher in lefty Jim Nicknair and will get an added boost if injured slugger Prentiss Swett can return to good health. Hampden Academy has a premier outfielder in Joel Neill and quality pitching of its own led by senior Evan Farley and sophomore Shawn Smith.

Gardiner and Brunswick figure to be among the top teams from the south.

The pick: Bangor.

Class B: Defending EM winner Bucksport graduated the versatile Joe Robicheau, now at Husson College. But most everyone else is back, including senior pitcher-infielder Chris Maguire, outfielders Eddie Robbins and Todd Freeman, catcher Cam Wadleigh, and infielders Teddy Cooke and Matt Jackson.

John Bapst of Bangor and Mount Desert Island may rank among Bucksport’s main challengers regionally, but this division could boil down to a rematch of the 2006 Eastern B final as Winslow is expected to be the best of the Eastern Maine teams in the Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference.

The pick: Bucksport.

Class C: Searsport and George Stevens Academy of Blue Hill have been the top teams in recent years with Searsport ending GSA’s four-year EM title run last spring.

The Vikings return seven starters from last year’s state title team, including pitcher Nate Adams, catcher Casey Ashey, and pitcher-third baseman Josh Nickerson.

George Stevens graduated 2006 Mr. Baseball Collin Henry, shortstop Blake Wessel, and outfielder Phineas Peake. But the Eagles have plenty of talent back including a junior class that includes Lucas Marks, a third-year starter at catcher, and Josh Astbury and Caleb Hale, who should be keys to the pitching staff.

Another contender will be Houlton, with several key players back from the team that reached last year’s EM final.

The pick: George Stevens.

Class D: Deer Isle-Stonington is just two years removed from a baseball state championship, and the core of that team is just two months removed from a state title in basketball.

That pedigree alone is enough to make the Mariners favorites, but it’s backed up by talent – including the return of senior infielder Bryant Ciomei, sidelined by a shoulder injury last spring.

Lee Academy graduated seven starters from last year’s state championship squad, but the Pandas will be competitive again as new players step up to take their turns for a program that has won three of the last five Eastern D crowns.

The pick: Deer Isle-Stonington.

Ernie Clark may be reached at 990-8045, 1-800-310-8600 or eclark@bangordailynews.net