MaxPreps 2015 Massachusetts preseason baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Bridgewater-Raynham (Bridgewater)
2014 finish: 20-4
Head coach: John Kearney

The 2013 state champions fell short in 2014, but they emerge as the favorites this year thanks to a strong returning lineup. The Trojans have two of the top pitchers in the state in Andrew Noviello, ranked No. 1 in the state by Perfect Game, and Jack Connolly, who is ranked No. 9. They also have one of the state's top junior pitchers in Chris Newman.

View last season's Massachusetts baseball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Newton North (Newtonville)
2014 finish: 20-1
Head coach: Joe Sicilano

The Tigers knocked off Bridgewater-Raynham in the semifinals and then came from behind to beat Braintree 6-2 in the inaugural Class 1A state championship. The win avenged Newton North's only loss of the season. Senior Ben Porter ranks as the No. 1 outfield prospect in the state, according to Perfect Game. The Tigers return a pair of experienced juniors as well in pitcher Phillip Barnett and middle infielder Kane Medina.

View last season's Massachusetts baseball playoff brackets

3. Braintree
2014 finish: 20-4
Head coach: Bill O'Connell

Braintree came within one win of a Class 1A state championship, falling to Newton North in the finals after defeating the Tigers earlier in the season. The Wamps figure to have a young, but talented, team this year with two juniors leading the way. Pitchers Scott Creedon and Zack DelVecchio both rank among the state's top pitchers for the Class of 2016.



View last season's Massachusetts baseball stat leaders

4. St. John's (Shrewsbury)
2014 finish: 16-8
Head coach: Charlie Eppinger

St. John's lost to Leominster in the regional semifinals last year, but have enough returning talent to challenge for a state title in 2015. Topping the list is Notre Dame-bound pitcher Shane Combs, who might be the top pitcher in the state. He's joined by fellow seniors catcher Matt Dowling and third baseman Charlie McDonald along with junior shortstop Jake Rosen and junior outfielder Sam Shaw.

View the MaxPreps Massachusetts baseball pro photo galleries

5. Masconomet Regional (Topsfield)
2014 finish: 23-1
Head coach: T.J. Baril

The Cheiftains will miss Joe Klingensmith, the state Division 2 All-Scholastics Player of the Year by the Boston Globe after going 10-0 on the mound. However All-Cape Ann League selection Glen Dougherty returns in the outfield while Ethan Dyer, one of the state's top pitchers, also returns.