Calabasas

Coyotes Head Coach: Bret Saberhagen (1st season) Last year: 12-11, 7-7 in league (4th in Marmonte) Biggest loss: Drew Saberhagen, P

Notable returnees: Milan Kacar, SS/P; Carter Whitman, P; Spencer Silverstein, 3B; Kevin Goldman, catcher; Max Skore, OF

Key Newcomer: Adam Dong, sophomore, DH

Pitching Ace: Carter Whitman

Big bat: Max Skore

Overview: First-year head coach Bret Saberhagen inherits a solid unit for his prep coaching debut, one he hopes to turn into a perennial contender in a few years.

As for this season, the Coyotes’ strength is their pitching staff, led by returning hurlers Kacar and Whitman, and junior Daniel Berlind. Whitman, with his arm strength and accuracy, is likely the best starter. But he, like the others, will need run support if there’s any hope of chalking up victories in the win/loss column.

Showing little production early—just four runs in their first three games (all losses)—the Calabasas hitters will need to improve drastically if they want to keep the competition honest in a league full of quality pitching.

Leadoff hitter Skore has the ability to get on base the majority of the time, but he’ll need help from guys like Kacar, Silverstein and newcomer Dong if he wants to cross home plate.

Returning catcher Goldman also has potential power and could be a huge asset in the bottom half of the lineup. Sophomore Will Chapman and junior Jon Gropman are two other new faces with the ability to produce.

In a nutshell: The Coyotes are full of potential but might not have the bats to keep up in the Marmonte League. They’ll need to play good small ball and avoid mental mistakes if they want a chance at sneaking into that coveted third and final playoff spot. Saberhagen has lofty goals for this squad, but reaching them might be a couple years away.