
Boca Raton is one of the top teams in the state heading into the 2016 season.
Photo by Stuart Browning
2016 Florida Preseason Baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Venice
Head coach: Craig Faulkner
2014-15 record: 29-3
The Indians have won three state titles in the past four seasons, including a Class 6A championship in 2015. Coach Craig Faulkner could have another championship team on his hands as six starters return from last year. Leading the way is infielder
Scott Dubrule (.429) along with fellow seniors
Jake Grubbs (.315) at catcher,
Brent Killam (.325) in the outfield,
Trevor Holloway (.309) in the infield and
Tyler Gardner (.329) in the infield. Junior
Shane Shifflet (.333) is the other returning infield starter. The Indians will miss MaxPreps All-American Cole Kragel, who won 13 games last season.
See last season's Florida baseball computer rankings2. Archbishop McCarthy (Fort Lauderdale)
Head coach: Rich Bielski
2014-15 record: 27-5
Winners of five state championships in the past six seasons, the Mavericks could be in the running again in 2016. Coach Rich Bielski returns six starters from a team that won the Class 5A state title, including junior first baseman
Alex Toral, a Miami commit who is ranked No. 1 in the Class of 2017 by Perfect Game. Toral batted .385 with 13 doubles and five home runs as a sophomore. Junior pitcher
Daniel Federman, also a Miami commit, returns after going 8-0 on the mound while junior
Joe Perez, a Southern Florida commit, is back at third base. The outfield is solid with senior centerfielder
Alex Carballo (Alabama State) and junior right fielder
Adan Fernandez returning.
See Florida baseball pro photo galleries3. Boca Raton
Head coach: Scott Morrison
2014-15 record: 23-3
Boca Raton captured its district championship with a win over Park Vista, but then lost to the Cobras in the second round of the Class 8A playoffs. The Bobcats return nine seniors from that team, including MaxPreps Junior All-Americans
Michael Amditis at catcher (.500, 8 home runs) and
Mitchell Senger at pitcher (10-1, 0.88 ERA, 68 K).
Zach Zientarski gives the Bobcats another strong arm on the mound when he's not playing first base.
See last season's Florida baseball playoff brackets
4. IMG Academy (Bradenton)
Head coach: Chris Sabo
2014-15 record: 20-5
Although pitcher Jason Groome, considered the No. 1 overall prospect in the nation by Perfect Game, has decided to transfer back to New Jersey, there are still plenty of weapons left for coach Chris Sabo. Among those include
Anthony Holubecki, a pitcher who has committed to Notre Dame, and
Gabe Lozada, an outfielder who has committed to Miami,
Alex Mardiney, an outfielder who has committed to Davidson,
Ian McEachern, a pitcher who has committed to Baylor,
Greer Holston, a pitcher who has committed to Mississippi and
Michael Feliz, a shortstop who has committed to Notre Dame.
See last season's Florida baseball stat leaders5. Stoneman Douglas (Parkland)
Head coach: Todd Fitz-gerald
2014-15 record: 23-5
Coach Todd Fitz-Gerald might have his best team since arriving at Stoneman Douglas. Solid pitching and a strong defense as well as three University of Miami commits will have Eagles in the mix for a state title. The three future Hurricanes include Under Armour All-Americans
Colton Welker at shortstop and
Jesus Luzardo at pitcher. Junior pitcher
Brandon Kaminer is also a future 'Cane. Add in World Power Showcase MVP
Chad McDaniel (Junior) at catcher and
John McKenna at first base.