By Jerry Shank
Maryland Director of Scouting

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Gaithersburg

HEAD COACH: Jeff Rabberman

CONFERENCE: MCPS 4A/3A West

2014 RECORD: 20-3 lost in State Semi-finals

CONFERENCE FINISH: 1^st

RETURNING STARTERS: 5

TOP RETURNERS: 
Anthony Felitti
Nick Pantos
Trey Martinez
Zack DeCarlo
Andy Kwiatkowski
Bradley Sawyer

TEAM STRENGTHS:
Pitching. Gaithersburg has an embarrassment of riches on the mound this season. At the top they have two 2016 arms already committed in LHP Anthony Felitti (Virginia) and RHP Nick Pantos (Maryland). Both are workhorses and are considered two of the top arms in the state. 2015 RHP Brendan Deyo, either the closer or the No. 3 in the rotation, is another quality arm that has the ability to pitch in the college ranks. 
The middle of the order is another strength for Gaithersburg. Towson commit Trey Martinez is a bit undersized, but packs a mighty punch and is solid behind the dish and has great chemistry with the pitching staff. Junior Zack DeCarlo is coming off a strong second half of 2014 and a great summer and fall and looks to breakout this season.  Pantos is also a dangerous hitter that has made a home in the middle of the order. 

QUESTION MARK:
Who is going to take the leadership role for Gaithersburg? After Graduating five seniors from the previous season, the Trojans have an abundance of talent heading into this year yet most are juniors or younger. Martinez, having been a starter for four years, could be that person.  The jury is still out and the Trojans are going to need some players to step into that role.

WILDCARD:
Bradley Sawyer has been home schooled and played last season at Covenant Life.  This year he joins the Gaithersburg roster.  A very talented LHP/1B, Coach Rabberman has said that his transition has gone very well and thinks the talented lefty will make a name for himself this season.  Senior Timmy Traynor has had an excellent summer and fall and is looking to build off that to add another dimension to the lineup. 

OVERALL:
With high school baseball in this area you have limited times you can make it outside. Strong pitching is a key factor to have as it will win plenty of early games as the hitting gets into form.  This should play to Gaithersburg???s strengths.  Don???t be surprised if they have a hot start out the gate and carry that momentum into the season. The expectations are high once again after making it to the State Semi-finals last year.  Even though they lost some key experience, they added a new mesh of talent. Coach Rabberman can already see the focus in early season workouts.  ???Our guys are hungry,??? he said, ???There is only one way these guys are going to be satisfied.???  Do not be surprised seeing the Trojans make another playoff run in 2015.