Mustangs look like one of GMC's better teams
BY SHAWN LAYTON
Staff Writer

ISELIN - With nearly everybody back from last year's 13-12 team, the John F. Kennedy High School baseball team looks certain to improve upon last year's 10th-place finish in the county and crack the Top 5 like it did in 2005.

Despite losing catcher Andrew Salas and right fielder Andrew Paluzzi, the Mustangs feel confident about their chances to compete for a division title. Last season's designated hitter Brian Schroeder will move behind the plate to replace Salas. Not only does Schroeder bring varsity experience to the lineup, he brings a bat proven to produce results.

"Brian didn't start last season from the beginning but he broke into the lineup as our No. 4 hitter and he did well," JFK head coach Jerry Smith said. "We're looking for more positive things from him this season. In addition to catching, Schroeder will be our closer and come on to pitch in the late innings when we have a lead."

The Barrons will also be led by Temple University-bound senior Rafael Cordero. A four-year starter at shortstop, Cordero will also head the list of starting pitchers on this year's team. Cordero saw some mound time last season in middle relief but appears ready to make the move to starter.

"Like all of our pitchers this year, Rafael is really just a good athlete," Smith said. "As a sophomore, Rafael finished the season one hit shy of tying the school record of 47 hits in a season. He ended up batting .422 that year and followed that performance by hitting .411 last year. He'll hit at the top of the order for us once again."

Hitting in the No. 3 slot is junior third baseman Chris Grimes. Grimes will be one of four starting pitchers the team expects to use this season. Grimes began his varsity career as a designated hitter his freshman season.

"He's just an unbelievable offensive player," Smith said. "He gets better every year and he does really well academically, which will open a lot of doors for him down the road."

Senior second baseman Mike Cabonilas is slated to be the team's No. 2 hitter. Cabonilas may also find himself hitting in the No. 9 slot when Smith wants to give his lineup two leadoff hitters.

"Mike hit ninth for us last season and he's really good at handling the bat," Smith said. "He moved into the second base position two years ago after his brother K.C. graduated. He's generating some college interest."

Senior Vin Marciano is slated to hit fifth in the order. Marciano was a three-time All-Division player for the JFK basketball team, and his athleticism enables him to play all over the diamond. The consummate utility player, Marciano will fill the positions this season: first base, second base, third base and catcher.

"It's nice to have someone with such versatility," Smith said. "Vin is looking into Muhlenberg College for both basketball and baseball."

Senior John Lemongelli heads the outfield from center with classmate Billy Russyk in right and junior Mike Kress in left field with Mike Giordano sidelined with an injury.

"Giordano will give us a left arm out of the bullpen when he's healthy," Smith said. "When he's healthy, he'll hit sixth in the order."

Despite limited varsity experience, Lemongelli is touted as the team's top defensive outfielder. Junior Chris Galadyk could also see some time in center field, while classmate Brian Reilly could see action from right field.

Pitchers John Martelle and Chris Lubretowicz should get some innings this season along with designated hitter Mike Kubu.

"Chris really improved in the offseason and he's likely to see some time at middle relief," Smith said. "John Martelle had a nice outing in a recent scrimmage against Raritan. We're looking pretty good and ready to start the season."