Six Teams to Watch : El Dorado

Coach: Steve Gullotti (14th year).

1994: 20-8 overall, 11-4 in the Empire League. Lost to La Crescenta Crescenta Valley, 4-3, in Division I quarterfinals.

Key returners: Chris Beck, OF, Sr.; Mike Castillo, 2B, Jr.; Jim Cox, 3B, Sr.; Trent Cuevas, SS, Sr.; Don Jamieson, P, Sr.; Eric LaGraffe, 1B/DH, Sr.; Craig Patterson, C, Jr.; Matt Swan, OF, Sr.

Key newcomers: Jordon DeJong, P, So.; Brandon Downing, OF, So.; B.J. Dyer, 1B/DH, Jr.; Jerry Miller, P/Utility, So.; Dave Myers, P/OF, Jr.

Outlook: The Golden Hawks, co-champions with Katella last season, don’t miss a beat. They return plenty, pick up a lot and lose Esperanza (now in the Sunset League) as a league rival. Can things get much better? The Golden Hawks have power, speed and experience. LaGraffe, Castillo, Cuevas and Cox are as good an infield as there is in Orange County. Downing, the son of former Angel Brian Downing, leads a group of solid newcomers. Jamieson was 11-1 last year, but the second starter is questionable. DeJong has looked good in practice and will get the first shot.