Westlake

Warriors Head coach: Josh Eby (3rd season) Last season’s results: 11-16, 5-9 in league (7th in Marmonte) Biggest loss: Michael Notaro, P; David Adler, SS

Notable returnees: Andrew Dupe, RF; Jeff Rapoport, CF; Jordan Ott, IF; Bryan Sollima, C

Impact newcomer: Travis Turk, senior, P

Pitching Ace: Joe Raleigh

Biggest bat: Andrew Doupe

Overview: Junior CF Rapoport rushed for 1,586 yards and scored 22 touchdowns last season for the Warriors’ football team. Now he is being counted on to provide power to the middle of the lineup and use his tremendous foot speed to patrol the centerfield gaps. Rapoport’s raw athletic ability, regardless of the sport, makes him one to watch in the Marmonte in 2005.

The return of P/IF Turek, who moved out of state during his junior season after spending two years in the program, should add immediate depth to a pitching staff still searching for an ace following the graduation of all-league P Michael Notaro (Fresno State).

"We have six or seven guys who can pitch and we need to know which ones are going to step up this season," third-year head coach Josh Eby said. "As of now though, we don’t have a true number one starter."

Westlake has premium team speed and a strong defensive outfield, led by Rapoport and RF Doupe, a 6-foot-3, 210-pound senior who hits for power and has good range in right field. However, the Warriors’ infield defense, especially at the corners, has been struggling in the preseason. Offensive has been a problem, too, as the unit has posted only eight runs in three tournament games to start the year.

In a nutshell: Too many question marks to make a legitimate run at the league championship. They’ll beat some teams, but will likely struggle putting together any significant winning streaks because of their shaky infield and suspect pitching.