VALLEY BUSINESS

Aliso Niguel

Coach: Mike Chapman

1999 record: 16-10

League record: 11-4

Like just about ever other sport in this league, things look pretty even. “There is great balance from top to bottom,” according to Wolverine Coach Mike Chapman. Aliso Niguel returns five players who are expected to be big contributors: Center fielder Jessie Kowalski, second baseman Ryan Matsunaga, first baseman Kyle Mowery, pitcher/first baseman Darren Pitchford and third baseman Austin Wyly. Pitcher/outfielder Jeremy Burchett, pitcher/outfielder Sean Koch and pitcher/first baseman Michael Potter, all sophomores, figure to see plenty of action. “We have young pitching, solid defense,” Chapman said.

Irvine

Coach: Bob Flint

1999 record: 12-14

League record: 7-8

The Vaqueros may have some of the best position players in the league, but with no returning starters and a diluted pool of underclassmen to draw from because of the opening of Northwood High, Irvine could struggle, according to Coach Bob Flint, who is in his 21st season at the school. He is most concerned about how the Vaqueros’ pitching staff is shaping up. It’s “questionable,” he said. “Woodbridge has the best pitching” in the league. Senior outfielder Alex Park, first baseman Terry Parker, outfielder Chris Sinner, second baseman Jeff West and outfielder James Whitted are expected to start. Three juniors and a sophomore, shortstop Chris Lewis, also have chances to crack the starting lineup.

Laguna Hills

Coach: Jeff Cecil

1999 record: 12-14

League record: 7-8

The Hawks have a new coach in Jeff Cecil, who takes over for Pete Terescheck. “We will swing the bat well and play good defense,” Cecil says. But he is worried about lack of depth and inexperienced pitching. “Aliso Niguel should be the favorite,” Cecil contends. He does not see his club making a solid run at the playoffs, despite three returning players: Pitcher/first baseman Brian Anderson, who batted .483 with 24 RBIs and three home runs last season; shortstop Justin Hallenbeck, a .391 hitter who scored 22 runs and had 17 walks, and outfielder Chris Lee, a .326 hitter who had six doubles and drove in 13 runs in 1999. Mike Spraitz, who can pitch, play in the outfield or at first base, should see plenty of action along with catcher/designated hitter Joe Viglione and pitcher/outfielder Brian Waggoner.

Newport Harbor

Coach: Jim Kiefer

1999 record: 10-14-1

League record: 6-9

“All five teams have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs,” according to Sailor Coach Jim Kiefer, whose top four hitters are three-year varsity starters. A pair of first-team all-league selections return: Pitcher/shortstop Scott Beerer and first baseman Nick Langsdorf. Beerer hit .333 last season with three homers and 18 RBIs. On the mound he was 4-5 with 54 strikeouts. “We’re looking for a solid No. 2 pitcher,” Kiefer said. Langsdorf hit .388 with four home runs and 22 RBIs. Pitcher/infielder Justin Jacobs, who batted .337 with two home runs and 13 RBIs, and outfielder Miguel Sandoval, who hit .311 with 13 RBIs, also return.

Woodbridge

Coach: Dave Madrid

1999 record: 12-13

League record: 7-8

Are the Warriors the team to beat in the league race? Not according to coach Dave Madrid, who figures Irvine’s Flint is understating the quality of the Vaqueros. Madrid figures his team for no better than second or third place. “We’re a young team,” he said. “Our goal is to make the playoffs.” Three starters, all seniors, are back. Outfielder/shortstop Chris Pearson, who hit .417 in 1999, heads the list, followed by pitcher Andy Erickson, who was 3-5 with a 5.10 ERA and 43 strikeouts, and third baseman/pitcher Eric Flagel (4-5, 4.10, 33 strikeouts).