Silver Lake has a fresh approach

With eight seniors to consider, Silver Lake baseball coach Kenny Tocci was unsure how freshman Matt Burgess would fit into his plans. As the team's opening day starter, he was sure to gain experience on the mound, but the question remained how best to utilize the freshman's bat. To say Tocci has experimented with his freshman would be something of an understatement. Burgess has seen time this season at first and second base, left field, catcher and designated hitter.

"I was trying to get his bat into the lineup," Tocci said. "He's so good, he kind of forced my hand into playing him."

Bouncing around the field hasn't hurt his production. Burgess leads the team with a .406 average, and has a 3-3 record with a 3.15 ERA on the mound.

"He's really stepping up a notch, nothing fazes him," Tocci said. "We all knew he would be pretty good but I figured he'd play mostly JV. I see him as a catcher for the next three years, but I've needed to use him at different positions out of necessity."

Local bragging rights and a three-foot Canaligator bobble head trophy will be at stake today in Lowell with the playing of the second Lowell Spinners World Series. Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, and Lowell will play at LeLacheur Park starting at 5 p.m. with Billerica taking on Dracut. At 7 p.m., Lowell faces Chelmsford. The championship is tomorrow at 7 with the consolation game at 5. Tickets are $5 for adults .

North Reading baseball coach Frank Carey needs league MVPs by June 6. Each league MVP will be invited to participate in the annual EMass All-Star baseball games, Monday, June 18, at Fraser Field in Lynn. The new format this spring has the South playing the West at 3 p.m. followed at 7 by the North vs. Central. Eight EMass players will be selected to play against the Connecticut All-Stars June 23. League MVP information can be faxed to Carey at 978-664-7826 . . . The Globe is also looking for league all-star teams and MVPs for baseball and softball. Teams can be faxed to 617-929-2670 or emailed to HSsports@globe.com. Coaches can also nominate players for All-Scholastic consideration using same email address.