Calabasas Coyotes

Headcoach: Bret Saberhagen (3rd season) Lastseason'sresults: 10-16, 6-8 in league (tied for fourth in Marmonte) Biggestlosses: Daniel Berlind, P; Eric Ammon, OF; Andy Singer, P Notablereturnees: Alex Kurland, C; Greg Waxler, P/IB; Will Chapman, CF; Adam Dong, DH; Miles Silverstein, SS; Greg Selarz, OF/P Impactnewcomer: Mike La Rosa, senior, P/OF Pitchingace: Greg Waxler Biggestbats: Alex Kurland and Will Chapman

Overview: The calendar says Bret Saberhagen's Calabasas team may be in for a very good season. When he was pitching in the major leagues, Saberhagen always did his best work during odd-numbered years.

Anyone who didn't believe the Coyotes would be a contender for the top spot in the Marmonte League got a wake-up call on Monday when Calabasas defeated Chatsworth 12-8. Chatsworth was ranked No. 5 in the nation in the Baseball America preseason poll.

The Coyote offense has been phenomenal, scoring 39 runs in its first three games. Catcher Alex Kurland, who's headed for USC in the fall, bats leadoff and is hitting .417. Greg Selarz bats in the No. 2 spot and is hitting .556, while UC Davis-bound center fielder Will Chapman hits third. Chapman is currently batting .364.

Chapman, who is deaf, works with an interpreter during class and when he's on the field. His on-field progression over the past few years has been outstanding.

Adam Dong is the team's premier power hitter and hits cleanup. Miles Silverstein returns for his senior year to play shortstop and hit fifth, while Mike La Rosa will bat sixth and play the outfield when he's not pitching. So far, La Rosa has been a welcome addition to the Coyote lineup by hitting .700 with one home run.

The Coyotes staff is led by senior left-hander Greg Waxler. Waxler is backed up in the rotation by Selarz and right-hander Jeff Jones. Saberhagen said he plans to use La Rosa as his closer.

Head coach Bret Saberhagen says: "This is my third year here, and it seems as if it's the first time that everyone has really gotten along well with each other. In order to win the Marmonte League, we are going to have to keep swinging the bats the way we have been."