Prep Baseball Report

Preseason Preview: Central Bucks East HS (District 1)



BirkheadBy Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

The Central Bucks East Patriots finished 7-11 in 2012. They return five starters and four pitchers which could lead to a solid increase in the win column in 2013. Coach Kyle Dennis sees inexperience at some key positions as a cause for concern but sees his pitching staff as a team strength heading into the new year.

The Patriots return Elon University recruit Robbie Welhaf, a 6-foot, 175-pound RHP/OF to be the ace of the staff. Welhaf is a senior who sits 84-86 mph with his fastball. If Welhaf is the ace then Pennsbury HS transfer Brandon Birkhead might be the 1A. Birkhead is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound junior RHP/1B/3B who played for Team Pennsylvania at the PBR Midwest Future Games last summer.

Senior Benjamin Hauser is a 6-foot-1, 195-pound C/1B who began playing varsity baseball as a freshman. The East Stroudsburg University recruit will be looked to for offense and senior leadership behind the plate. Speedy outfielder Vince Careghini returns in the outfield. Careghini hit .345 last year and stole 19 bases in 20 attempts. Junior 3B/1B Pat Reilly will also be counted on if the Patriots want to improve on last year's 6th place conference finish.

A pair of underclassmen will look to make their contributions for the Patriots as well. David Yani, a 5-foot-9, 165-pound shortstop is a smooth fielder with soft hands and a quick release. Carter Usowski has the ability to play nearly anywhere on the field. The 5-foot-10, 165-pound prospect is likely to see time at a number of positions.

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