Thousand Oaks Lancers

Head Coach: Rod Stillwell (4th season) Last year: 16-10, 10-9 in league (co-Marmonte League champs, lost in first round of playoffs to Dos Pueblos, 3-0) Biggest loss: Brian Byrd (8-2, 1.16 ERA)

Notable returnees: David Fonseca, SS; Eric Guillen, 2B (.379 BA, 18 RBI, 6 HRs); Matt Lorenz, OF/DH (.343 BA, 22 RBI, 4 HRs); David Iden, 3B

Key Newcomer: Tyler Peddicord, sophomore, P/OF/3B

Pitching Ace: Zach Ginther

Big bat: Eric Guillen

Overview: Last year’s overachieving has fans excited about this group of Lancers, especially in the infield, where the team is full of both experience and talent. Fonseca, Guillen and Aiden are a trio that have earned head coach Stillwell’s trust, and they must play in top-form if T.O’s new group of pitchers want a smooth transition into the varsity ranks.

Though Stillwell said that nine out of the 18 guys on his roster are capable of taking the mound, not a single one is a proven varsity starter, making pitching the biggest question mark for the Lancers in 2005.

Thus far, the new rotation is off to a good start, having only allowed four runs in T.O.’s first three victories. The three starters in those games were junior Adrian Glenn, Ginther and freshman Chad Smith. Ginther is coming off shoulder surgery and could prove to be his team’s best starter. Newcomer Peddicord will be another one to watch.

Offensively, the Lancers will be productive again, especially in the top of the order. Guillen is the team’s top returning hitter and has shown surprising power for his size; junior leadoff hitter Ian Brown uses his speed to make the most out of hits. Ginther and Fonseca are off to good starts at the plate.

In a nutshell: The productive bats are there—now can the T.O. arms get it done? The learning curve will have to be steep if the Lancers want to keep pace in a league full of talented pitching. Experience on defense will be a big plus.