Moorpark Musketeers

Head coach: Scott Fullerton (13th season)
Last season's results: 9-18, 4-10 in league
(tied for seventh in Marmonte)
Biggest losses: Adam Barry, P; Ryne Intlekofer,
SS; Mitchell Rudebush, P; Cody Gabrielson,
P; Drew Duncan, C; Jeff Collins, OF
Notable returnees: Nate Simpson, OF; Cory Goldsmith, P; Wes Wright,
P/OF
Impact newcomer: Luke Swenson, freshman, OF
Pitching ace: Cory Goldsmith
Biggest bat: Nate Simpson

Overview: This season the Musketeers will field a very young, inexperienced team after losing many players to graduation.

In addition to the graduated players, pitching ace Adam Barry has decided to sit out the season to concentrate on football. Catcher Drew Duncan, a starter last year, has also decided to hang up his spikes.

In the meantime, Moorpark has a team that, in reality, may be a year away. Although MHS has played great early on by posting a 3-1 record, the Musketeers are desperately seeking pitching.

Staff ace Cory Goldsmith looked good against Buena on Tuesday by giving up two runs on six hits through six innings, but the Musketeers don't have much more depth in the starting rotation. In a deep league like the Marmonte, a lack of quality arms can hurt a team down the road.

Losing Barry stings, as does an injury to Wes Wright that, according to head coach Scott Fullerton, will keep Wright limited to playing the outfield at least until league play begins next Wednesday.

Since the pitching is thin, the bats must step up and produce to help ease the pressure.

Nate Simpson returns for his senior year to play the outfield. Wright's solid bat should help as well. Moorpark is hoping newcomers like freshman shortstop Tanner Moe, catcher Brandon Tucker, Mike Moris and Luke Swenson can learn fast and contribute.

Bowen Beyer-Johnson has already committed to Tufts University and should contribute to the Musketeer offense as well.

Head coach Scott Fullerton says: "Our goal with this young team is to take it one game at a time. We are young, but aside from two innings we played against Valencia, I think we have proved to be a playoff-caliber team."