Westlake Warriors

Head coach: Zach Miller (2nd season) Last season's results: 15-14, 7-8 in league (fourth place) Biggest losses: Cutter Dykstra, CF; Shane Kroker, 3B/SS; Joshua Gray, OF; Graham Johnson, P; Alex Gillingham, P; Jordan Mannisto, P; Ryan De Jesus, P

Notable returnees: Christian Yelich, SS; Steve Hagy, RF; Nick Truhan, CF; Nick Correlli, 2B; Danny Nieves, P/1B; Taylor Kahanowitch, LF Impact newcomer: Cameron Cuneo, junior, P Pitching ace: Danny Nieves Biggest bat: Christian Yelich Overview: You'd be hard-pressed to find a sweeter swing in the Marmonte than that of Warrior junior lefty Christian Yelich, who's moved from first base to shortstop. Yelich, a UCLA commit, blasted six round-trippers as a sophomore and must continue to be productive in the middle of the Westlake lineup for the Warriors to do the things they want to do on offense.

Speedster Nick Truhan replaces Cutter Dykstra in center field and will lead off. Dykstra was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers. Right fielder Steve Hagy is penciled in as the Warriors' cleanup hitter. Taylor Kahanowitch is the man in left field.

In the infield, Ben Conlin gets the nod at first base, with Nick Correlli at second. Correlli can flash the leather. Nelson Spruce and Max Winsberg should platoon between third base and designated hitter. John Travnick, the team's vocal leader, starts at catcher. He'll be spelled by Conlin behind the dish on occasion.

Beau Rawlings, Tim Wise and Nick Isham, a star quarterback for WHS, are top options off the bench.

On the bump, left-handers Danny Nieves and Cameron Cuneo are the heart and soul of the starting rotation. Nieves has a power arm. Head coach Zach Miller says Cuneo, a UC Santa Barbara commit, is a crafty innings-eater in the Greg Maddux mold.

Eric Wagenaar is a solid No. 3 starter, and Michael Vatcher can get the job done out of the bullpen. Sophomore Alex Daley is the closer.

Head coach Zach Miller says: "You've got to go through Simi Valley. They are returning some great players. Plus they've been there. . . . At the same time, you can't sleep on anybody. The league is that good."

Moorpark Musketeers

Head coach: Scott Fullerton (15th season) Last season's results: 18-12, 6-9 in league (sixth place) Biggest losses: Dewey Grattan, 1B;Wes Wright, P/3B;Michael Moris, SS;Kevin Delapaz, P; Justen Gorski, P/OF

Notable returnees: Luke Swenson, OF/P; Tanner Moe, 2B/SS; Landon Hunt OF/P; Ryan Watt, P/OF Impact newcomer: Marc Palacios, junior, 1B Pitching aces: Landon Hunt, Ryan Watt Biggest bat: Tanner Moe Overview: Last season, Moorpark lost out on an opportunity to make the playoffs by dropping its regular-season finale to Westlake. It was a tough conclusion to an otherwise successful campaign, a year in which MHS tripled its win total from 2007. If the Musketeers can continue to build off that positive momentum, they can put themselves in a position to earn a postseason berth for the first time since 2005.

Seniors Landon Hunt and Ryan Watt lead the Moorpark pitching staff and serve as the team's backbone. Hunt, a lefty, can impress on the radar gun. Watt comes from the right side and relies on pinpoint control. Junior southpaw Luke Swenson and senior Elon Goldman will have their workloads increased on the bump.

After struggling mightily at the plate in '07 when it scored a league-low 68 runs, the Musketeer offense pushed its runs total to 173 last year.

Moorpark's most dangerous offensive threat is Tanner Moe, who moves from shortstop to third base. According to head coach Scott Fullerton, Moe has developed into a power hitter with an outstanding knowledge of the strike zone.

In fact, Fullerton says this Musketeer squad, which has a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5, is one of his smartest teams in years.

First baseman Marc Pallacios provides pop, while juniors Brandon Feig and Steven Motush play second base and shortstop, respectively. The catching duties will be shared by senior Brandon Tucker and sophomore Spencer Dubois.

When he's not on the mound, Swenson will play center field and bat leadoff. Greg Morrissey, Andrew Carter and Hunt will also see time in the outfield.

Head coach Scott Fullerton says: "A quick start is important. The team doesn't want to put itself in a crazy position where they have to win the last game of the year to make the playoffs."

Agoura Chargers

Head coach: Dennis Reitz (1st season) Last season's results: 9-19, 2-12 in league (eighth place) Biggest losses: Steven Keller, C; Bill Sharp, OF; Tyler Brennen, P Notable returnees: Richard Stock, C/P; Justin Arias, OF; Garrett Aries, 2B; Matt Aronow, SS; Ali Hamed, RF; Kenny McCroskery, 1B; Sam Yarin, 3B; Shane Crofts, P/OF/1B Impact newcomer: Zach Mercer, junior, P/INF Pitching ace: Zach Mercer Biggest bat: Richard Stock Overview: Funloving baseball has returned to Agoura under the direction of first-year head coach Dennis Reitz, a longtime baseball man in Ventura County. Reitz blares rock music during practice and is never afraid to ruffle a few feathers with his well-timed humor. The players really seem to dig their coach's approach.

This is an extremely smart group of ballplayers. The infield, for example, features four guys with grade-point averages above 4.0—first baseman Kenny McCroskery, second baseman Garrett Aries, shortstop Matt Aronow and third baseman Sam Yarin.

Catcher Richard Stock, another classroom superstar, is primed for a huge year. Stock, a top candidate to serve as the team's closer out of the bullpen, is one of the league's premier talents. He continues to work his way back from a fractured vertebrae.

Keep an eye on sophomore infielder Chad Clark. He's been nursing an ankle injury, but the kid can play and should crack the starting lineup when healthy.

Ali Hamed, Brian Bartlett, Justin Arias, Michael Russo and Josh Broussard will contribute in the outfield. Hamed looks like a lock in right field. Broussard is a speedster on the base paths.

Right-handed hurler Zach Mercer, who checks in at an intimidating 6-foot-3, has the potential to be a staff ace with his high-80s fastball. Shane Crofts, Tommy Sexton, Patrick Brennan, Aries and Russo are also key cogs in the Chargers' rotation.

Head coach Dennis Reitz says: "Through preparation comes confidence. The harder you work and the better prepared you are, the better you're going to play baseball."

Thousand Oaks Lancers

Head coach: Jimmy Stueve (1st season) Last season's results: 20-10, 11-3 in league (co-Marmonte champions)

Biggest losses: Kyle Thomas, 2B/OF; Alex Birgel, CF; Jeff Johnson, P/OF; Jett Bandy, C/INF; Chad Smith, P; Ryan Donahoe, P

Notable returnees: Cody Thomson, P/ RF; Tyler Smith, SS; Mitchell Korey, OF/1B; Danny Leon, 3B Impact newcomer: Walker Shaw, senior, C Pitching ace: Mac Way Biggest bat: Danny Leon Overview: TOHS lost star power from last year's coleague championship squad, but a solid pitching staff should once again make the Lancers a contender.

Thousand Oaks' staff features junior Cody Thompson, a 215pound hardthrowing righty. He'll mesh well with southpaw Mac Way, who's consistent and can change speeds. Right-hander Kody Kasper fills out the rotation.

First-year head coach Jimmy Stueve, formerly of Oaks Christian, says he'll use a bullpen-by-committee approach that includes juniors Michael Coates and Cole Thomas, as well as seniors Tyler Karp and Sean Henson.

Thousand Oaks' offense is fueled by the right side of the infield, which may be the David Wright and Jose Reyes of the Marmonte. Junior third baseman Danny Leon is the power-hitting slugger who will bat third in the lineup, while senior speedster Tyler Smith will play shortstop and lead off. Smith has signed with Oregon State.

Senior Baxter Bailey plays first and provides some thunder, while junior James Brady bats second and patrols second base.

The outfield mix features seniors Mitchell Korey and Dustin Kahle, junior Hayden Cronenbold, and sophomores Avondre Bollar and Timmy Ginther.

Senior catcher Walker Shaw provides leadership. Stueve, a former TOHS catcher, says Shaw has been a calming influence on the team and realizes that handling the pitching staff is of the utmost importance.

Mark Manos and Bobby Cortes will provide punch off the bench.

Head coach Jimmy Stueve says: "The Marmonte League is a very tough one, but if we're doing things right and the way we want to, we can be competitive with anyone."

Simi Valley Pioneers

Head coach: Matt La Belle (6th season) Last season's results: 258, 113 in league (co-Marmonte champions)

Biggest losses: Chance Cross, LF; Brett Hale, CF; Nick Russo, P; Kyle Raskin, INF; Eric Bernstein, 1B; Matt Orloff, 2B; Austin Thiel, P

Notable returnees: Jonathan Meyer, SS; Brent Keys, CF; Drew Sandler, P/C; Chris Talley, OF/C; Denny Vigo, 1B/C Impact newcomer: Nick Vigo, freshman, P Pitching ace: Drew Sandler Biggest bat: Jonathan Meyer Overview: Simi Valley is the reigning CIF-Southern Section Division I champion and is considered the favorite to win the Marmonte. The biggest reason why starts at the top of the SVHS lineup.

The first three Pioneers head coach Matt La Belle writes down on his lineup card—seniors Brent Keys, Jonathan Meyer and Drew Sandler—can mash. Keys moves from right to center field and is much more fleet of foot after dropping 20 pounds in the offseason. Meyer, a Cal State Fullerton commit, plays shortstop. He'll be working as a switch-hitter for the first time in his career. Sandler will catch and serve as the team's pitching ace.

Looking to pitch around those three? Fine, but senior right fielder Chris Talley, a first-team all-league selection in 2007 who missed last year to an injury, is in the cleanup spot. Junior first baseman Denny Vigo hits fifth.

The rest of Simi's explosive lineup consists of freshman third baseman Cody Ramer, senior second baseman Jared Zahorik, senior designated hitter Matt Toczynski and freshman Nick Vigo in left. Seniors Brian Mulvehill, Jake Crose and Keaton Kuntz provide stability off the bench.

The SVHS pitching isn't too shabby, either. After Sandler, the winning pitcher in last year's section title game, the Pioneers counter with senior right-hander Cory Jones. Jones has made a verbal commitment to Pepperdine. Senior Kevin Neely, sophomore southpaw Levi Shordon, along with Nick Vigo and Ramer, solidify the bullpen.

Head coach Matt La Belle says: "There is a lot of want and belief on this team. The junior varsity guys saw what the returnees did last year, and they want the same thing."

Newbury Park Panthers

Head coach: Chuck Berrington (1st season) Last season's results: 16-13, 5-9 in league (seventh in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Brad Greve, SS; JoJo Sharrar, C; Ben Cohen, OF

Notable returnees: Jack Marder, SS/C; Michael Dennis, INF/P; Jimmie Sherfy, P/OF; Jordan Brower, 1B/P; Connor Detko, P Impact newcomer: Joe Christian, freshman, C/OF Pitching ace: Jimmie Sherfy Biggest bat: Jack Marder Overview: New Panther head coach Chuck Berrington has spent countless hours turning the school's infield into something that resembles the 18th green at Augusta. It's a good thing, too, because NPHS is going to rely on pitching and defense to win.

The Panthers' pitching staff is led by junior Jimmie Sherfy, now in his third year on the varsity squad. The rotation also features juniors Connor Detko and Jordan Brower. Sherfy is a flame thrower, while Detko and Brower have excellent offspeed pitches. Other NPHS hurlers include juniors Josh Rice and Kevin Brown. Brown is a converted outfielder who will see time as a reliever once he returns from an elbow injury.

Backing up Newbury Park's pitchers is an infield that Berrington says has been phenomenal. Senior shortstop Jack Marder, who batted .516 a year ago, will catch when Sherfy pitches. Marder, a leadoff hitter and Oregon commit, may be the best player in the Marmonte, and he'll likely be selected as a second baseman during the MLB draft.

Michael Dennis is at first base. Dennis will see time at shortstop when Marder is behind the plate. Freshman Nick Lovullo, the son of former major leaguer and UCLA standout Torey Lovullo, works at second base. Sophomore Griffin Paul, a solid defensive player, will handle the hotcorner. Brower will see action at first base and designated hitter.

Junior Daniel Cohen will play left field; speedster Joe Christian will roam center, and a platoon of seniors—Taylor Zander and Austin Alvizo— will spend time in right field. Sherfy will also see action in center.

Head coach Chuck Berrington says: "Jack Marder is all-around the best player I've ever coached, and I coached Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Jack Wilson at the JV level. Marder has an MVP-type attitude and a great work ethic."

Royal Highlanders

Head coach: Dan Maye (19th season) Last season's results: 19-9, 9-5 in league (third in Marmonte)

Biggest losses: Matt Magill, P/1B; Tanner Peters, P/CF; Mike Vinyard, C/3B; Cliff Quick, SS

Notable returnees: Bryan Berglund, P/OF; Cody Buckel, P/SS; Clayton Elliot, 2B/3B; Chris Graves, 1B/OF; Jeff Winters, C; Scott Liske, LF; Anthony Boscarino, OF Impact newcomer: Billy Conard, junior, 1B/3B/P Pitching aces: Bryan Berglund, Cody Buckel Biggest bat: Jeff Winters Overview: One might think that after losing its two top hurlers to graduation—Matt Magill and Tanner Peters—Royal might suffer in the pitching department. Guess again.

Although they have big shoes to fill, seniors Bryan Berglund and Cody Buckel are considered to be the league's top pitching duo. According to head coach Dan Maye, both throw anywhere from the high 80s to the low 90s. Buckel, who played for Team USA's U-16 squad last summer, will attend Pepperdine. Berglund is headed to Loyola Marymount.

The rotation's No. 3 and No. 4 starters—juniors Billy Conard and Tyler Abbott—are quality arms. They were the aces of last season's JV staff. Nate McMullen, Ryan Cerda and Vito Messina provide stability out of the bullpen.

For RHS to claim a league title, however, it'll need to do a better job on offense than its 166-run output from a year ago. Catcher Jeff Winters, the cleanup hitter, should supply power. Also adding some pop will be Berglund, who bats third and plays right field when he's not pitching.

First baseman Chris Graves hits leadoff. According to Maye, Graves has an excellent sense of the strike zone. Clayton Elliot is at second base, while Buckel plays shortstop when he's not on the mound. Sheldon Ekstrand, an Oaks Christian transfer, is at shortstop when Buckel toes the rubber. Conard will man third base. Cerda patrols center field, while Scott Liske and Anthony Boscarino are corner outfielders.

Head coach Dan Maye says: "Last year, with Magill and Peters on the staff, I didn't really need Berglund and Buckel. They've been waiting eagerly to pitch and are ready to prove they're for real."

Calabasas Coyotes

Head coach: Ed Edsall (2nd season) Last season's results: 13-14, 6-8 in league (fifth in Marmonte) Biggest losses: Greg Selarz, P; Trevor Nathanson, 3B; Justin Fredlender, SS Notable returnees: Adam Landecker, SS; Brian Rivera, 2B; Adam Silverman, C; Travis Cassidy, P; Ben Schultz, P; Jon Winnick, 1B/DH; Cody Cuvillier, OF Impact newcomer: Sean Ladendecker, sophomore, P Pitching aces: Ben Schultz, Travis Cassidy Biggest bat: Adam Landecker Overview: Calabasas didn't get off to the start it wanted to when eight of its players were suspended five games for hazing. Second-year head coach Ed Edsall says the incident is water under the bridge, and no player will miss league action as the team moves forward.

For CHS to make the playoffs, it will need to score at a higher clip than its league-low output of 129 runs a year ago. Without much power, Calabasas must manufacture the majority of its runs by doing the little things right.

Leadoff hitter Adam Landecker is the offensive catalyst. The career .371 hitter plays shortstop and forms possibly the best double-play combo in the Marmonte with second baseman Brian Rivera, who hit .429 last season.

Coyotes looking to drive those two in include catcher Adam Silverman, third baseman Dustin Green and first baseman Jon Winnick. Winnick will also see time as the designated hitter and is the biggest home run threat for CHS.

Dalton Saberhagen, the son of two-time Cy Young Award winner Bret Saberhagen, will also play first base. Utility infielder Kevin Lerner is a hard-nosed competitor coming off the bench.

Cody Cuvillier, Ryan Gensert, Jordan Pollack, Kevin Khalili and Eric Johansen will see planty of playing time in the Coyote outfield.

The Coyotes are counting heavily on two pitchers—Ben Schultz and Travis Cassidy. Schultz is a right-handed power pitcher, while Cassidy is a crafty lefty with good command.

Sophomore Sean Ladendecker has also pitched well in his first preseason on the varsity squad. Saberhagen is the team's closer.

Head coach Ed Edsall says: "Dalton Saberhagen is the perfect closer for us because he wants the ball with the game on the line. He thrives in that position, and we're hoping to give him the ball often."