1996 Baseball Preview : Sunset League
Edison: 10-15, 4-11 in 1995. Coach: Dave Tallman (eighth year, 103-76-2). Prospects: With some some of the talent Edison had last season, including all-leaguers Travis Clutter (4-2, 2.05 earned-run average) and Jeff Gonterman (.408, six homers, 24 runs batted in, 22 steals), now both at Orange Coast, it’s surprising the Chargers didn’t do better. It won’t get easier this season. If Tallman cannot get some consistent hitting in the lineup, it won’t matter how well the senior-dominated pitching staff performs.
Esperanza: 11-13-1, 6-9 in 1995. Coach: Mike Curran (16th year, 269-120-5). Prospects: After years of bludgeoning the Empire League, Esperanza moved into the Sunset and got knocked down a few pegs. Joining the football and basketball teams as league champions this year is not guaranteed, especially since the Aztecs’ pitching staff has already been flattened by injuries. Sidelined are Anthony Colosione (torn shoulder ligaments) and Nathan Choate (torn ankle ligaments). Easing the strain are right-hander Brian Snapp (3-2, 2.61, 49 strikeouts) and left-hander Jim Pickel. Curran already had to replace all-league infielder Jason Webb (.453), who graduated. Shortstop Tom Nicholson (.388) is an offensive key.
Fountain Valley: 26-3, 13-2 in 1995. Coach: Ron La Ruffa (eighth year, 145-63). Prospects: There would be nothing wrong with the Barons resting on their laurels after becoming the first county team to win consecutive Division I titles. But this season La Ruffa has to get along without Times all-county outfielder Greg Hanoian (.436, 36 RBIs), all-county pitcher and infielder Dan Keller (8-0, .412), and all-league pitcher Luke Hudson. Second-team all-league catcher Roger Pechuls is back. So is second-team all-league outfielder Kevin Burford. No one wonders about Fountain Valley’s offense, but pitching, with only one experienced starter, is another question.
Huntington Beach: 17-10, 8-7 in 1995. Coach: Mike Dodd (15th year, 220-131). Prospects: The Oilers may be the best-kept secret in county baseball--except to those in their league. Dodd, voted league coach of the year for guiding Huntington Beach to third place last season, says goodbye to all-league pitcher Ryan Evans (7-3, two saves) and all-league infielder Brad Lineberger (.310). Just about everyone else returns, including pitcher Brandon Steele (6-2) and all-league infielder Jeremy Vidales (.380). If Dodd can find another starter behind Steele, Marina and Fountain Valley will be forced to look over their shoulders.
Los Alamitos: 9-15, 5-10 in 1995. Coach: John Bryant (third year, 24-27). Prospects: The Griffins are being touted as the league’s most improved team. Bryant loses second-team all-league shortstop John Ross, but that’s about it. Among the 16 returners are second baseman Curtis McGaughey (.340, 18 runs scored, 10 stolen bases), pitcher-first baseman Kevin Feterik (.333, 18 RBIs) and right-hander Jason Ball (4-5, 35 strikeouts). Los Alamitos may not win the league title, but the Griffins will have plenty to say about what team does.
Marina: 21-7, 10-5 in 1995. Coach: Paul Renfro (13th year, 145-164-2). Prospects: The loss of all-county catcher and league MVP Craig Wilson (who signed with the Blue Jays) will hardly be noticed if transfers Brad Cresse (.433, nine homers, 28 RBIs) and Kenny LaPoint (.462, two homers, 20 RBIs) live up to their advanced billing. Renfro also has one of the county’s best pitchers in right-hander Justin Lynch (10-2, 1.39). If a dependable second starter steps forth, Marina’s title thoughts will go beyond the league championship.