The Acorn's 2007 Marmonte Baseball Preview

Westlake

Warriors

Head coach: Mike Lee (2nd season) Last season's results: 17-11, 6-8 in league (tied for fourth in Marmonte) Biggest losses: Jeff Rapoport, OF; Stephen Notaro, C; Randy Harmala, OF; Jake Fiss, P; Nick Slezak, P

Notable returnees: Cutter Dykstra, SS; Jason Barmasse, 3B; Steven Soucy, LF/2B; Alex Gillingham, P; Jeremy Hardman, P/C Impact newcomer: Christian Yelich, freshman, 1B/OF Pitching ace: Alex Gillingham Biggest bats: Cutter Dykstra, Jeremy Hardman Overview: Westlake lost its final three league games last season and was shut out of the playoffs. Getting back to the postseason remains a focal point for Mike Lee's bunch in 2007.

After swiping a league-best 95 bases last season, the Warriors will once again look to run. Cutter Dykstra, the team's leadoff hitter and starting shortstop, can create headaches for opposing coaches once he gets on. Dykstra stole 18 bases in 20 attempts a year ago.

Second baseman Derek Ring is an excellent contact hitter, while third baseman Jason Barmasse adds pop and poise to the middle of the Warrior lineup.

First baseman Shane Kroker is one of the fastest rising prospects in the area. Ben Conlin and Jeremy Hardman will both see time behind the plate. Hardman probably has the most powerful bat in the WHS lineup. Casey Rhoades will work as a utility infielder.

Brad Nutter gets the call in right field and will hit seventh or eighth. Senior Tyler Malinger moves from second base to center field. Malinger can cover a lot of ground in the outfield gaps. Josh Gray, Steven Soucy and Christian Yelich are all competing for the starting job in left field.

Alex Gillingham posted a 1.65 ERA in 25.1 innings of relief work in '06. He'll serve as the No. 1 starter this year. Jordan Mannisto, an AllCounty place kicker, will also start, as will Graham Johnson. Ryan De Jesus, Jake Hartz and Ben Cochran will probably work out of the bullpen.

Head coach Mike Lee says: "Our strength is that we don't even know how good we are. We've got very good baseball players, very smart baseball players and guys that want to win."

Agoura

Chargers

Head coach: Russ Stephans (1st season) Last season's results: 21-9, 9-5 in league (second in Marmonte) Biggest losses: Robert Stock, P/C; Jason Stoffel, P/1B; Nick Farinacci, SS; J.T. Wright, CF; Ben Yarin, 2B; Danny Gallinot, 1B/OF Notable returnees: Bill Sharp, CF; Jake Rivkin, 1B/DH; Steven Keller, C Impact newcomer: Richard Stock, sophomore, OF/C Pitching ace: Chad Kanner Biggest bat: Richard Stock Overview: Following last season's run to the CIFSouthern Section Division I title game, where they lost to Lakewood High 2-1 in a thriller, the Chargers are in somewhat of a rebuilding mode this season- although the AHS coaching staff doesn't like to use the term "rebuilding."

Replacing Robert Stock, who left after his junior season to attend USC, Jason Stoffel (Arizona), Nick Farinacci (UC Irvine) and former head coach Scott Deck will be a tall task for first-year head coach Russ Stephans, who was previously an assistant. Assistant coach Mike Magnante also returns.

The return of outfielder Bill Sharp should help ease the transition. Sharp hit leadoff during the team's first few games and will be a steady force near the top of the Agoura lineup. Sophomore Richard Stock, Robert's younger brother, figures to hit third. The left-handed catcher/ outfielder has a powerful stroke and will be one to watch in the Marmonte League in '07. He's a special talent.

Freshman shortstop Tommy Sexton, catcher Steven Keller, designated hitter Jake Rivkin and third baseman Jake Fields round out the top half of the Agoura lineup. Outfielder Justin Arias is nursing a high ankle sprain and should return soon. Shortstop Jamie Flanagan is being eased back into the mix after undergoing arm surgery a year ago.

A dominating team on the mound the last few seasons, Agoura has several questions at pitcher.

Sophomore Chad Kanner appears to be the staff ace, but Andrew Lerner, Alex Brotman and lefty Ali Hamed are also pushing for the No. 1 role. Shaun Solomon and Matt Gallinot figure to work in relief.

Assistant coach Steve Stephans says: "We have no returning varsity starters. We are very young and are searching for roles right now. It's going to be a process, but we've got to put them out there and let them play." Moorpark Musketeers Head coach: Scott Fullerton (13th season) Last season's results: 9-18, 4-10 in league (tied for seventh in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Adam Barry, P; Ryne Intlekofer, SS; Mitchell Rudebush, P; Cody Gabrielson, P; Drew Duncan, C; Jeff Collins, OF Notable returnees: Nate Simpson, OF; Cory Goldsmith, P; Wes Wright, P/OF Impact newcomer: Luke Swenson, freshman, OF Pitching ace: Cory Goldsmith Biggest bat: Nate Simpson Overview: This season the Musketeers will field a very young, inexperienced team after losing many players to graduation.

In addition to the graduated players, pitching ace Adam Barry has decided to sit out the season to concentrate on football. Catcher Drew Duncan, a starter last year, has also decided to hang up his spikes.

In the meantime, Moorpark has a team that, in reality, may be a year away. Although MHS has played great early on by posting a 3-1 record, the Musketeers are desperately seeking pitching.

Staff ace Cory Goldsmith looked good against Buena on Tuesday by giving up two runs on six hits through six innings, but the Musketeers don't have much more depth in the starting rotation. In a deep league like the Marmonte, a lack of quality arms can hurt a team down the road.

Losing Barry stings, as does an injury to Wes Wright that, according to head coach Scott Fullerton, will keep Wright limited to playing the outfield at least until league play begins next Wednesday.

Since the pitching is thin, the bats must step up and produce to help ease the pressure.

Nate Simpson returns for his senior year to play the outfield. Wright's solid bat should help as well. Moorpark is hoping newcomers like freshman shortstop Tanner Moe, catcher Brandon Tucker, Mike Moris and Luke Swenson can learn fast and contribute.

Bowen Beyer-Johnson has already committed to Tufts University and should contribute to the Musketeer offense as well.

Head coach Scott Fullerton says: "Our goal with this young team is to take it one game at a time. We are young, but aside from two innings we played against Valencia, I think we have proved to be a playoff-caliber team."

Thousand

Oaks Lancers

Head coach: Frank Mutz (2nd season) Last season's results: 16-13, 8-6 in league (third in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Adrian Glenn, P; Marcus Whithorne, P; Ian Brown, OF

Notable returnees: Tyler Peddicord, P/ OF; Matt Bywater, P; Kevin Gelinas, P; Byron Minnich, P; Chad Smith, P; Chris Hannick, C/1B; Collin Lavoie, SS; Kyle Jones, CF Impact newcomer: Alex Birgel, junior, OF Pitching aces: Tyler Peddicord, Matt Bywater, Kevin Gelinas and Chad Smith Biggest bat: Chris Hannick Overview: While most teams in the league have one or two good pitchers on their staffs, the Lancers have the luxury of having five quality arms.

Although head coach Frank Mutz said Tyler Peddicord is the team's No. 1 starter, Matt Bywater and Kevin Gelinas have already committed to Pepperdine University and would be aces on many area squads.

At the No. 4 spot in the rotation, junior Chad Smith is no slouch either. Smith came in relief against Oaks Christian last Friday and threw 5 1/3 perfect innings.

Junior Jeff Johnson joins senior Byron Minnich to round out the dominating group. According to Mutz, the team won't have a set rotation this year and instead will name its starting pitcher each day according to the best matchup.

Although the Lancers' pitching is solid, if their hitting keeps up at the current pace, they'll be unbeatable. In its first three games, TOHS scored 39 runs.

Catcher Chris Hannick, who has committed to Cal State Northridge, leads the offensive attack. Others that will contribute on offense include four-year varsity returnee Collin Lavoie at shortstop, Jett Bandy at third and Kyle Jones in center field.

According to several league coaches, Thousand Oaks is the preseason favorite to win the Marmonte title. The pitching looks that good.

Head coach Frank Mutz says: "Last year the team had a new coach and had to adapt. Now they know what's expected of them, and they are more intense and excited about playing. I think the most important thing about this team is that we play our own game. If we do that, we'll be fine." Simi Valley

Pioneers

Head coach: Matt La Belle (4th season) Last season's results: 15-12, 6-8 in league (tied for fourth in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Nick Giarraputo, P/INF; Aaron Pelone, 3B

Notable returnees: Nick Barnese, P; Brett Hale, CF; Jake Reed, C; Eric Bernstein, 3B; Drew Sandler, P/C; Nick Russo, OF/P Impact newcomer: Jonathan Meyer, sophomore, SS Pitching ace: Nick Barnese Biggest bat: Brett Hale Overview: Simi Valley just missed the playoffs last year despite being very young and not having top pitching ace Nick Barnese, who played only one game in '06 after being suspended early on for conduct detrimental to the team. Now Barnese is back, and so is the core of the Pioneer lineup after getting a year of varsity experience under their belts.

The Pioneer batting order begins with junior center fielder Brett Hale, who has shown great promise in the leadoff spot by going 8-for-9 with four doubles and a home run in Simi's first two games. In the No. 2 spot is Matt Orloff, a slick-fielding second baseman.

After what Matt La Belle called a "phenomenal freshman year," sophomore Drew Sandler bats third. Senior Eric Bernstein hits in the cleanup spot and will play third base. Jordan Flores bats fifth, while Jeff Forgerson will likely hit sixth. Sophomore Jonathan Meyer plays shortstop.

Other Pioneers that should contribute are three-year varsity player Nick Russo and right fielder Chris Talley.

On the mound, SVHS lost Giarraputo to graduation but gains Barnese, who has committed to Cal State Fullerton.

Barnese has shown no rust early in the season, pitching six innings and striking out 10 batters in the Pioneers' first game against Burroughs High. Barnese is followed by what La Belle describes as "three No. 2 starters." The three hurlers are Russo, Sandler and Flores.

With a bevy of talent, SVHS should contend for the Marmonte crown.

Head coach Matt La Belle says: "This team is young, but experienced. After missing out last year, the team will not be happy with just making the playoffs this year. They want to win the league title."

Royal

Highlanders

Head coach: Dan Maye (17th season) Last season's results: 12-11, 4-10 in league (tied for seventh in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Kevin Harrington, P/OF; Grady Ihnat, P/OF

Notable returnees: Justin Czyrklis, C/3B; Tanner Peters, P/OF; Mike Long, 3B; Billy Chase, OF; Kyle Zeuner, 2B/P Impact newcomer: Matt Magill, junior, P/1B/OF Pitching ace: Tanner Peters Biggest bat: Justin Czyrklis Overview: Two years ago Royal won the Marmonte League in what head coach Dan Maye calls the third year of a rebuilding process. Last season, many players from that team had graduated and Royal went from first to worst in league play. If the Highlanders follow the same format, they could be very dangerous next season.

As for this year, RHS might lack the depth needed to compete for a postseason bid, but they'll still be a dangerous bunch on any given day.

For Royal to surprise some people, the Highlanders will need to continue to get solid pitching from senior Tanner Peters. Junior Matt Magill, a transfer from Grace Brethren, backs Peters up in the No. 2 spot, while Kyle Zeuner will likely work as a spot starter.

Royal's pitching has looked solid early by only allowing eight runs in its first three games. The Highlander offense hasn't been too productive though, and to compete in this league, RHS must be consistent in the batter's box.

RHS should get offensive help from catcher Justin Czyrklis and Mike Long at third base. Cliff Quick will play shortstop while Mike Vineyard looks to get most of the playing time at second base.

Chris Rock and Scott Liske will split time at first. In the outfield, the Highlanders are hoping to get a lot of run support from the bats of Billy Chase and Zeuner, when he's not pitching.

Head coach Dan Maye says: "This is basically a junior ball club. We have average hitters and some might say we don't have a lot of power. Our main goal for this season is to find a way to get playoff experience before next season. I think that is something that can happen this year." Newbury Park

Panthers

Head coach: Scott Drootin (4th season) Last season's results: 21-8, 13-1 in league (Marmonte champions)

Biggest losses: Cody Fierro, OF/P; Josh Baker, OF; Jordan LaSecla, P; Brett Fick, SS/C

Notable returnees: Andrew Lambo, 1B/P; Jack Marder, 2B; Anthony Montenegro, P/INF; Jason Andersen, CF; Stuart Krock, P Impact newcomer: Mike Schwartz, senior, 3B/C Pitching ace: Andrew Lambo Biggest bat: Andrew Lambo Overview: Newbury Park is much more than just Andrew Lambo and eight other guys on the field. Although Lambo's skills are undeniable- he was recently ranked 35th on Baseball America's list of the nation's best senior prospects- there is plenty of other firepower in the Panther lineup.

Senior Mike Schwartz, a transfer from Santa Monica who plays third base, catcher and pitcher, has bigtime power and will help fill the middleoftheorder void left by the graduation of Cody Fierro, the program's alltime leader in home runs.

With Lambo leading off and sophomore second baseman Jack Marder hitting second, Schwartz could develop into an RBI machine for NPHS.

Marder, a .344 hitter as a freshman, forms an outstanding double-play combination with shortstop Brad Greve. Greve will hit ninth to help protect Lambo. Schwartz and Jake Schumacher will rotate at third base. Anthony Montenegro starts at first when Lambo pitches or plays in the outfield.

Jason Andersen returns to patrol center field. Andersen finished second on the team with a .417 batting average last season. The corner outfield spots remain up for grabs, with Ryan Frank, Ben Cohen, Nick Nardoni, Ian Long, T.J. Scott and Schumacher all competing for a starting job.

Lambo is the pitching ace, but somebody has to step up and take control of the No. 2 spot in the rotation. Stuart Krock has great stuff, but he's been inconsistent. Troy Williams is a hard-throwing right-hander.

If there's one player to watch, it's 5-foot-4, 107-pound freshman Jimmy Sherfy. He might be undersized and inexperienced, but Sherfy throws strikes and keeps the ball down in the zone.

Head coach Scott Drootin says: "If our No. 2 pitcher can come in and throw strikes, we're going to fit right in with the top three teams in the league."

Calabasas

Coyotes

Head coach: Bret Saberhagen (3rd season) Last season's results: 10-16, 6-8 in league (tied for fourth in Marmonte) Biggest losses: Daniel Berlind, P; Eric Ammon, OF; Andy Singer, P Notable returnees: Alex Kurland, C; Greg Waxler, P/IB; Will Chapman, CF; Adam Dong, DH; Miles Silverstein, SS; Greg Selarz, OF/P Impact newcomer: Mike La Rosa, senior, P/OF Pitching ace: Greg Waxler Biggest bats: Alex Kurland and Will Chapman Overview: The calendar says Bret Saberhagen's Calabasas team may be in for a very good season. When he was pitching in the major leagues, Saberhagen always did his best work during odd-numbered years.

Anyone who didn't believe the Coyotes would be a contender for the top spot in the Marmonte League got a wake-up call on Monday when Calabasas defeated Chatsworth 12-8. Chatsworth was ranked No. 5 in the nation in the Baseball America preseason poll.

The Coyote offense has been phenomenal, scoring 39 runs in its first three games. Catcher Alex Kurland, who's headed for USC in the fall, bats leadoff and is hitting .417. Greg Selarz bats in the No. 2 spot and is hitting .556, while UC Davis-bound center fielder Will Chapman hits third. Chapman is currently batting .364.

Chapman, who is deaf, works with an interpreter during class and when he's on the field. His on-field progression over the past few years has been outstanding.

Adam Dong is the team's premier power hitter and hits cleanup. Miles Silverstein returns for his senior year to play shortstop and hit fifth, while Mike La Rosa will bat sixth and play the outfield when he's not pitching. So far, La Rosa has been a welcome addition to the Coyote lineup by hitting .700 with one home run.

The Coyotes staff is led by senior left-hander Greg Waxler. Waxler is backed up in the rotation by Selarz and right-hander Jeff Jones. Saberhagen said he plans to use La Rosa as his closer.

Head coach Bret Saberhagen says: "This is my third year here, and it seems as if it's the first time that everyone has really gotten along well with each other. In order to win the Marmonte League, we are going to have to keep swinging the bats the way we have been."