The Acorn's 2008 Marmonte Baseball Preview

Westlake Warriors

Head coach: Zach Miller (1st season) Last season's results: 13-15, 6-8 in league (sixth in Marmonte) Biggest losses: Jason Barmasse, 2B/3B; Steven Soucy, LF/2B Notable returnees: Cutter Dykstra, SS; Christian Yelich, 1B; Shane Kroker, 3B; Graham Johnson, P/OF; Jordan Mannisto, P; Alex Gillingham, P; Ryan De Jesus, P Impact newcomer: Danny Nieves, sophomore, P/OF Pitching aces: Graham Johnson, Jordan Mannisto, Alex Gillingham Biggest bat: Cutter Dykstra Overview: Westlake's 2007 campaign was chockfull of turmoil and unfulfilled expectations. Head coach Mike Lee resigned at midseason- or was forced out, depending on who you talk to- and the Warriors went 6-8 in league for the second consecutive year, missing the playoffs in the process.

Enter new head coach Zach Miller, a nononsense leader who's previously coached at Ventura College and Agoura High. Trust us, Miller has his players' undivided attention as soon as he steps onto the diamond.

As far as the squad goes, Westlake's roster is strong from top to bottom, and there is enough talent available to make a serious run at the league championship.

Shortstop Cutter Dykstra spearheads the Warrior offense. The senior, a UCLA commit and preseason All-American by Baseball America, hit .337 last year with three home runs and 14 stolen bases. He'll bat leadoff.

First baseman Christian Yelich, third baseman Shane Kroker and second baseman Derek Ring can all swing the stick. As a freshman, Yelich hit .373 with a .478 onbase percentage. Kroker, bound for Wake Forest, is an outstanding RBI man. His 13 RBI in Marmonte play a year ago tied for third.

Junior catcher Ben Conlin gets the nod behind home plate. The team's outfield and designated hitter roles will fluctuate depending on the situation.

Miller has completely redesigned his pitching staff, with top arms Graham Johnson and Alex Gillingham moving into the bullpen. Jordan Mannisto, Danny Nieves, Eric Wagenaar and Ryan De Jesus all could start. Miller will use a lot of arms and shuffle his defense.

Head coach Zach Miller says: "From Day 1 I've kind of done things a little unorthodox. I've gone with a college style, or pro style, by building a bullpen first. We're going to close games with our senior leadership."

Agoura Chargers

Head coach: Russ Stephans (2nd season) Last season's results: 6-21, 1-13 in league (eighth in Marmonte) Biggest losses: Jake Rivkin, 1B; Andrew Lerner, P; Jordan Polimeni, C/1B Notable returnees: Richard Stock, OF/1B/C/P; Garrett Aries, 2B/P; Chad Kanner, P; Kenneth McCroskery, 1B; Bill Sharp, CF; Michael Russo, OF/P; Steven Keller, C/3B Impact newcomer: Shane Crofts, junior, OF/1B/DH/P Pitching aces: Shane Crofts, Tommy Sexton, Garrett Aries Biggest bat: Richard Stock Overview: The offseason wasn't kind to the Agoura Chargers. Two of the team's top players, juniors Robert Stock and Chad Kanner, suffered significant injuries.

Stock, a second-team all-league selection in 2007 after hitting .372 with four home runs and 19 RBI, broke his nonthrowing wrist in late November. The junior could return later this month, according to head coach Russ Stephans. For now, Jordan Arias replaces Stock in left field. Kanner has an elbow injury and may not pitch at all this season, Stephans said.

Despite the early setbacks, the Chargers remain a team on the rise. Nearly every player from last year's roster returns- the team only graduated three seniors. In addition, Agoura's defense is as fundamentally sound as any unit in the league. Pitching to contact will benefit AHS.

Right-handers Garrett Aries and Tommy Sexton, along with southpaw Shane Crofts, are being counted on to pitch well. Aries posted a 2.93 ERA in 14.1 innings of work in '07. Furthermore, in 26 at-bats he hit .423. The kid can play.

Crofts will also see playing time at designated hitter. Right fielder Michael Russo and center fielder Bill Sharp will pitch when needed.

In the infield, Steven Keller, one of only five seniors, starts at catcher. Kenneth McCroskery, a .326 hitter in '07, gets the nod at first base, with Trevor Seck at second. Sam Yarin and Sexton will split time at third base. Jamie Flanagan, a 6-foot-4 right-hander, is the everyday shortstop.

Head coach Russ Stephans says: "Thirty-three guys in the program played varsity baseball last year. When these guys come in now, it's not the first time. The jitters should be gone, and they should know what it takes to get the job done."

Moorpark Musketeers

Head coach: Scott Fullerton (14th season) Last season's results: 6-21, 3-11 in league (seventh in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Andres Ceja, P; Cory Goldsmith, P; Josh Butler, P; Sean Doherty, P; Nate Simpson, OF

Notable returnees: Justen Gorski, P/OF/DH; Michael Moris, SS; Wes Wright, P/3B/OF; Tanner Moe, 2B Impact newcomer: Landon Hunt, junior, P/OF Pitching aces: Justen Gorski, Wes Wright Biggest bats: Justen Gorski, Michael Moris Overview: Moorpark's offense isn't going to win a lot of games by sitting around and waiting for someone to drill a threerun bomb into the centerfield parking lot.

The Musketeers, who hit only three home runs last season, will instead rely on smoldering speed, stellar defense and a deep pitching staff to win ballgames. A few timely hits wouldn't hurt the cause, either.

By batting .338 with a .451 slugging percentage, senior Justen Gorski was Moorpark's most productive player a year ago. In addition to playing right field or serving as a designated hitter in '08, Gorski is also a salient part of the Musketeers' pitching prospects. He could eventually become the team's closer.

Wes Wright, a sophomore, brings versatility and speed. Wright, who logged 10 stolen bases as a freshman, can pitch, play third base or patrol the outfield.

Left fielder Elon Goldman is another burner on the base paths. Right fielder Landon Hunt and center fielder Luke Swenson, as well as infielders Andrew Carter and John Blandin, can run like the wind, too.

Junior Brandon Tucker gets the nod at catcher. Slowing down opposing base runners- something MHS couldn't do last year- is a top priority for the talented Tucker and his backup, Aaron Doria.

Sweet swinging Dewey Grattan works at first base, with sophomore Tanner Moe at second. Senior Michael Moris has transitioned from third to shortstop.

Colton Gabrielson and Paul Stone add pop at the plate. Kevin Delapaz, a 6foot-5 right-handed pitcher, is transitioning from basketball. Junior Evan Traffenstedt can bring heat from the mound but must improve his command.

Head coach Scott Fullerton says: "If we play to our potential, the playoffs are a very, very good possibility. Now it's a matter of execution and who plays better each day."

Thousand Oaks Lancers

Head coach: Frank Mutz (3rd season) Last season's results: 25-5-1, 11-2-1 in league (Marmonte champions)

Biggest losses: Harrison Kain, 2B; Collin Lavoie, SS; Chris Hannick, C; Kyle Jones, CF; Matt Bywater, P; Matt Montgomery, P; Kevin Gelinas, P

Notable returnees: Jett Bandy, C; Tom Hocutt, 1B; Tyler Smith, SS; Alex Birgel, CF; Chad Smith, P/DH; Jeff Johnson, P/DH Impact newcomer: Cody Thomson, sophomore, P Pitching aces: Chad Smith, Jeff Johnson Biggest bat: Jett Bandy Overview: Thousand Oaks lost a ton of talent from last season's league title-winning ballclub. Rather than rebuild, however, the Lancers reloaded, and the '08 version could be even better than its predecessor.

T.O.'s pitching staff is stocked with quality arms. Right-handed seniors Jeff Johnson and Chad Smith anchor the rotation. Johnson (1.21 ERA in 52 innings) and Smith (1.76 ERA in 35.2 innings) are proven workhorses.

Sophomore Cody Thomson saw limited action as a freshman. The 6foot-2 right-handed hurler, who helped pitch the Conejo Valley All-Stars to the 2004 Little League World Series, will make an impact on the mound.

On offense, what the Lancers lost in power they hope to make up for with balance, fundamentals and savvy.

Left fielder Kyle Thomas and center fielder Alex Birgel, a LoyolaMarymount commit, will hit at the top of the batting order. They'll both provide speed. First baseman Tom Hocutt, catcher Jett Bandy, shortstop Tyler Smith and Chad Smith and/or Johnson are being counted on to supply thunder in the middle of the order.

Bandy, a third baseman last year, is back to his natural position behind the plate. He's already committed to Arizona. Tyler Smith, a firstteam allleague outfielder as a sophomore, makes the transition to middle infielder.

Christian Fick, a Newbury Park High transfer, will work at second base. Sophomore Danny Leon gets the nod at third. Ryan Donahoe, back from last season's broken arm, is patrolling right field.

Head coach Frank Mutz says: "One thing that our team didn't do last year that this team can do is execute. These guys will get a sacrifice down, they'll hit behind a runner, they'll hit-and-run, they'll put the ball in play."

Simi Valley Pioneers

Head coach: Matt La Belle (5th season) Last season's results: 19-10-1, 8-5-1 in league (third in Marmonte) Biggest losses: Nick Barnese, P; Jake Reed, C Notable returnees: Brett Hale, CF; Eric Bernstein, 1B; Drew Sandler, P/C; Nick Russo, P; Matt Orloff, 2B; Jonathan Myer, SS; Chris Talley, OF; Chance Cross, LF Impact newcomer: Brent Keys, junior, RF Pitching ace: Nick Russo Biggest bats: Brett Hale, Chris Talley Overview: With the majority of Simi Valley's roster returning, the Pioneers appear to be a very dangerous team and one of the early favorites in league.

One of the key factors for Pioneer success will be if senior Brett Hale can play an entire season. After Hale sat out his sophomore year, the center fielder returned to the lineup last season and was one of the league's best hitters before he missed the second half of league play because of disciplinary reasons. According to head coach Matt La Belle, Hale's attitude has changed, and he's now the leader of the team.

With second baseman Matt Orloff and shortstop Jonathan Myer returning, the Pioneers' infield is one of the area's best. Eric Bernstein moves from third to first base, while Kyle Raskin takes over at third. Drew Sandler will catch and is likely to be the Pioneers' premier power hitter. Allleague firstteam member Chris Talley is dangerous at the dish, too.

Chance Cross will play left field, while Oaks Christian transfer Brent Keys will be in right field and bat leadoff. Keys was a national Punt, Pass and Kick champion at OCHS. Sophomore Denny Vigo will catch on days when Sandler pitches.

While Simi Valley's offense is solid, the team's big question is its pitching.

Nick Russo is a proven starter, but SVHS will need quality innings from Cory Jones, Austin Thiel and Sandler to win a league title. Teddy Smoyer is Simi's closer.

Head coach Matt La Belle says: "Experience is going to help us tremendously, as the majority of this team is coming back for their third year on the varsity team. We're very confident but by no means content with where we are."

Royal Highlanders

Head coach: Dan Maye (18th season) Last season's results: 18-8, 8-6 in league (fourth in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Justin Czyrklis, C/3B; Kenny Walden, 1B/DH; Chris Rock, OF

Notable returnees: Tanner Peters, P/OF; Matt Magill, P/1B; Mike Vinyard, C; Cliff Quick, SS; Cody Buckel, 2B/P; Raul Rodriquez, 3B/P Impact newcomer: Chris Graves, junior, 1B/P Pitching aces: Tanner Peters, Matt Magill Biggest bat: Mike Vinyard Overview: Last season Royal surprised many media-types, including this one, by making the playoffs and contending for a Marmonte League title. With two outstanding pitchers returning, Tanner Peters and Matt Magill, the Highlanders won't be flying under the radar this time around.

Peters, who's headed for UNLV in the fall, won five games a year ago while posting a 1.75 ERA. Magill, a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo commit, may be used as a reliever twice a week, rather than once a week as a starter. If Magill comes out of the bullpen, sophomore Cody Buckel becomes even more valuable as the team's second starter.

Offensively, the Highlanders are similar to a National League team. Rather than beat opponents with pure power, RHS does the little things necessary to score runs- advance runners, sacrifice, steal bases, whatever.

Shortstop Cliff Quick, a .361 hitter in '07, will be the catalyst at the top of the order. Batting second will be Mike Vinyard, the team's starting catcher who hit .440 with two home runs and 24 RBI a year ago. Vinyard moves up in the lineup so he can get extra at-bats and spark a few more rallies.

Bryan Berglund will bat third, while newcomer Chris Graves is in the cleanup spot. Peters and Magill, both .300 hitters last year, will hit fifth and sixth, respectively. Left fielder Scott Liskie, as well as third baseman Raul Rodriquez, should also make an impact at the plate.

Head coach Dan Maye says: "I'm definitely satisfied with our pitching. That's our strength. Our weakness right now is finding ways to score runs for them. Other than Vinyard and Quick, no one has proven to be a 30-plus RBI guy yet."

Newbury Park Panthers

Head coach: Scott Drootin (5th season) Last season's results: 20-7, 11-3 in league (second in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Andrew Lambo, 1B/P; Jason Andersen, OF; Mike Schwartz, C/3B; Anthony Montenegro, P

Notable returnees: Jack Marder, 2B; JoJo Sharrar, C; Troy Williams, 1B; Brad Greve, SS; Ben Cohen, OF; Cameron Forbes, P/DH; Jimmy Sherfy, P/OF Impact newcomer: Connor Detko, sophomore, P Pitching ace: Brian Papelian Biggest bat: JoJo Sharrar Overview: While they can't replace Andrew Lambo, the two-time Ventura County Player of the Year who's now a budding star in the Los Angeles Dodgers' organization, Newbury Park, winners of 24 of 28 league games during Lambo's two-year tenure, remains a force in the Marmonte.

Leading the Panthers will be first baseman Troy Williams, second baseman Jack Marder, shortstop Brad Greve, catcher JoJo Sharrar and outfielder Ben Cohen. They all play solid defense as well as hit.

Greve, Williams and Marder, who's already made a verbal commitment to Oregon, all posted batting averages above .370 last year. Sharrar is the power hitter, while Cohen was named first-team all-league in '07.

Brian Pede takes over at third base. Jake Fields and Cameron Forbes should see the bulk of the at-bats at designated hitter.

In the outfield, Jimmy Sherfy and Matt Hirsch may end up rotating between left and right field. Tyler Scott, Derek Taylor and football star Chris Brown continue to battle for the center-field job. Brown's baseball skills are raw, but his potential remains limitless.

Senior southpaw Brian Papelian is being counted on to be the ace of the Panthers' young pitching staff. Williams and Forbes add depth to the rotation. Four sophomores- Jordan Brower, Michael Dennis, Connor Detko and Sherfy- could end up playing huge roles on the mound for Newbury Park.

Head coach Scott Drootin says: "My new nickname this year is going to be Captain Hook. The truth is, if the pitchers don't want to get hooked, then they need to throw strikes. It's as simple as that- staying consistent and throwing strikes will lead to success."

Calabasas Coyotes

Head coach: Ed Edsall (1st season) Last season's results: 13-13, 7-7 in league (fifth in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Alex Kurland, C; Greg Waxler, P/IB; William Chapman, CF; Adam Dong, DH; Miles Silverstein, SS; Mike La Rosa, P/OF

Notable returnees: Adam Landecker, SS; Justin Fredlender, 1B/3B; Greg Selarz, P/2B Impact newcomer: Ben Schultz, sophomore, P Pitching ace: Greg Selarz Biggest bat: Adam Landecker Overview: Calabasas lost the majority of its top players from last season, including reigning Marmonte League MVP Alex Kurland and pitching ace Greg Waxler. How the Coyotes compete this year will depend a lot on unproven varsity players.

The pitching staff is particularly young. After senior Greg Selarz, the rest of the staff only threw a combined six innings in 2007.

Firstyear head coach Ed Edsall said the team's other hurlers, consisting of juniors Jared Levin and Jon Winnick, sophomore Ben Schultz and freshman Travis Cassidy, "are such goofballs that they don't know about the pressure of pitching in the Marmonte League yet- and that could help them."

Edsall was promoted from his assistant role last September after former head coach Bret Saberhagen, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, resigned.

On the offensive side, junior Adam Landecker will bat in the leadoff spot. Last year, Landecker hit .423 with two home runs and 18 RBI. He's a legitimate league MVP candidate. Looking to drive Landecker in will be Justin Fredlender, who will hit in the third spot. Fredlender posted a .326 average last season with one home run and eight RBI.

Selarz will either bat second or sixth in the lineup, depending on whether he's pitching or playing in the field that day. Left fielder David Gordon and third baseman Trevor Nathanson will both hit in the middle of the Coyotes' order. Outfielders Matt Rivera, Jordan Yallen, Cody Cuvillier and Ryan Gensert will see plenty of playing time and need to contribute.

Head coach Ed Edsall says: "I'm very excited to watch this team play. We have an awesome group of guys, and we're very strong defensively. Some of the plays they make just blow my mind."