By Rob Allison
Prep Baseball Report Minnesota

As we prepare for the upcoming 2015 high school season, we will be taking a preseason glimpse at programs from around the state.

Team: South Saint Paul
Nickname: Packers
Class: AAA
League: Metro East
Head Coach: Dan Cosgrove
Years as Head Coach at School: 1
2014 Overall Record: 3-17
2014 League Record: 2-14
2014 League Finish: 9th Place
2014 Post-Season Finish: Lost in 1st Round to Stillwater.

Returning Starters: 4
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Returning: 2

Starters Lost: 6
Pitchers with 15+ Innings Lost: 1

TOP RETURNERS
2016, Sam Bridges, LHP/OF/1B
2016, Austin Brandecker, RHP
2016, Colten Whaley, SS

X-FACTOR
The Packers will look to generate runs at every opportunity. Stable of arms should give them a chance; but ability to score runs will be deciding factor.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH
2017 Ryan Duffy. Duffy is a 6-foot-2, 160-pound LHP who will contribute on mound this year. Armed with a fastball in the low 80's and a solid curveball; his development hinges on improved overall command and continued development physically.

2015 OUTLOOK
South Saint Paul's hopes hinge on the success of their 1-2 punch on the mound of 2016's Sam Bridges and Austin Brandecker. Bridges is a LHP/1B/OF with a 6-foot-4 frame who has been clocked in the 84-86 mph range and will also provide a quality bat for the Packers. Brandecker, a 6-foot-4 RHP worked his way up last season from best bullpen arm available to starting game one in the play-offs. Shortstop Colten Whaley will hold down the left side of the infield; and look to build on his offensive success last season as he hit .400 as a sophomore. The name of the game for the Packers will be pitching and improved defense and if the offense can generate some timely runs; South Saint Paul looks to be able to surprise some teams this spring.

For Minnesota high school baseball news and updates follow us on Twitter @PBRMinnesota

COACHES PRESEASON QUESTIONNAIRE

We appreciate all of the help provided by high school coaches across the state assisting with our preseason coverage. If you have not already done so you can fill out our coaches' preseason questionnaire online by clicking here.