Thousand Oaks Lancers

Head coach: Frank Mutz (1st season) Last season's results: 13-11, 6-8 in league (tied 5th in Marmonte) Biggest losses: David Fonseca, SS; Eric Guillen, 2B Notable returnees: Ian Brown, OF; Adrian Glenn, P; Marcus Whithorne, P Impact newcomer: Kyle Jones, junior, SS Pitching ace: Adrian Glenn Biggest bats: Ian Brown, Chris Hannick Overview: Head coach Frank Mutz takes over for the departed Rod Stillwell. Prior to last year, Mutz spent four seasons coaching at Oaks Christian.

The Lancers are a talented bunch with a top-heavy lineup and a pair of solid left-handed starting pitchers. If they can stay healthy-a real problem last year-TOHS should contend in the brutal Marmonte League.

T.O.'s pitching staff is anchored by Adrian Glenn and Marcus Whithorne. Both southpaws saw their seasons cut short last year due to injuries. Thus far in '06, both look ready to go. Tyler Peddicord is a hardthrowing right-hander who will work as the team's closer. Chad Smith, Matt Bywater, Byron Minnich, Jeff Briones and Tom Hocutt complete a deep pitching rotation. In addition to their pitching roles, Smith starts in the outfield, while Hocutt starts at first base.

Center fielder Ian Brown will lead off, with second baseman Kyle Jones batting second. Cole Kahle, a corner outfielder, hits third. Catcher Chris Hannick bats cleanup. Mutz said all four players can hit for power and average, making the top half of the lineup interchangeable if one hitter slumps.

Sophomore Jett Bandy gets the nod at third base. Bandy was on the varsity squad as a freshman. Harrison Kain, Collin Lavoie, Michael Ricatto and Andrew Buttita will add depth in the infield. Daniel Payne can play almost any spot on the diamond. Head coach Frank Mutz says: "What I like about these kids is they're real laid-back personalities. They're not screaming and yelling type players. As a coach, you're kind of like, 'Man, I wish they'd have some emotion.' But when the first pitch is thrown, they want to win. They're very competitive."