By PBR Staff

Leading up to the start of the high school season, we will count down the Top 50 preseason teams every day as part of our comprehensive season coverage. The Top 50 teams are picked from all classifications, and are not divided up by class level. To see the entire list click here   

Team: Mullen
Preseason Rank: 11
2016 Record: 18-7
Conference: Centennial
CHSAA Class: 5A
Head Coach: Vince Porreco
Playoff Run: Lost to Cherokee Trial 9-2 in the 5A Final 8 round.
2016 Final Rank: 8
Returning Starters: 6
Returning Pitchers: 1

TOP PLAYERS:
Rocco Porreco, 3B/RHP, No. 30 2017
Joey Salvato, SS/RHP, No. 12 2017 (Coastal Carolina)
Marcus Salvato, 2B, No. 69 2017 (Regis University)
Jake Barr, 3B, No. 40 2018
Anastacio Salas, 1B, No. 18 2018 

OTHER PLAYERS WHO MIGHT MAKE AN IMPACT:
Clayton Burke, RHP, No. 9 2019
Jake Bielat, MIF/OF, No. 88 2018
Reggie Paris, LHP, 2018

KEY PLAYERS LOST:
Maverick Handley
Jonathon Miranda

Stat Rat:  .281 avg. as a team in 2016 at the plate.  If the 2017 team improves that average the ceiling is very high for the Mustangs.

Bottom Line:  The Mustangs who have been building post season experience each of the last three years including a 2016 run that saw them advance to the 5A Final 8, before losing to eventual State Champion Cherokee Trail 9-2, look to be strong once again in 2017.  The loss of Maverick Handley will be big shoes to fill, but look for Joey Salvato, Coastal Carolina commit to play a big leadership role and improve on his 2016 season that saw him hit .361 with 30 hits and 11 RBI.  Jake Barr who had 18 hits and 17 RBI and Marcus Salvato Regis University commit with his 8 stolen bases will also be called upon to improve the Mustang's offense.  On the mound, Mullen has Rocco Porreco coming back who was 5-1 in 2016 and No. 9 2019 Clayton Burke being added to the rotation.  Nine games in 2016 were decided by two or less runs, the 2017 squad brings back a wealth of experience and will also add some new fire power.  This is a team that if they find a way to improve at the plate can compete in a tough Centennial League and make a run in May during the post season.