CITY SECTION BASEBALL PREVIEWS : NORTHERN CONFERENCE

Northeastern League

Verdugo Hills

COACH: David Richard, 2nd season

LAST SEASON: 2-15; 4th in league, 1-8

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Inexperience has been a problem for Richard since he took over the team last season. Six sophomores played on the varsity last year and three more will this season. Junior Pat Eubanks is one of the young players who blossomed last year. Eubanks, who will pitch and play left field, batted .300 and hit three home runs. Right-handers Steve Hernandez and Jesus Carrasco also figure into the pitching rotation. Stan Hessinger is a contact hitter who will bat cleanup and play third. Junior Robert Vanover and sophomore John Feliz are competing at catcher. Robert Valle will play first, and sophomore Richard Lucero will bat leadoff and play second. Outfield responsibilities will be divided among Ray Medina, Larry Gouger, Eubanks, Feliz and Lucero.

OUTLOOK: Richard said the team looks good despite the inexperience. “Most of these guys have no (junior varsity) experience,” he said. “But if they can get over that, we’ll be real competitive. We’re still young and have a real good attitude.”

Teams listed in predicted order of finish