ORANGE LEAGUE

Anaheim

Coach: Dave Torres

1999 record: 5-21

League record: 2-13

Coach Dave Torres’ rebuilding efforts will continue this year, though the Colonists may surprise a few teams along the way. Anaheim returns six starters, including shortstop Ricky Salceda and pitcher/first baseman Travis Caloca. Salceda had a .360 batting average last season with 11 RBIs, and Caloca hit .275 with 16 RBIs. Outfielder Raul Leon hit .286, but none of the other five returning players batted over .244.

Brea Olinda

Coach: Steve Hiskey

1999 record: 13-13

League record: 8-7

The Wildcats should be better this year, especially if right-handed pitcher Mike Davern, ranked as the eighth-best recruit in the country by Baseball America, lives up to the hype. As a junior Davern, who’s committed to UCLA but more likely headed to the minor leagues, earned all-league and All-CIF honors. Converted shortstop Ron Benigno and center fielder Nick Stagnaro, a speedy pair of football players, should cover a lot of ground in the outfield. The Wildcats’ other returning starters are pitcher Justin Rigsby, third baseman Ron Congelliere, second baseman Chase Ulicny and first baseman John Pohlen. With so many players back, Coach Steve Hiskey expects his team’s strengths to be pitching, speed and offense. The defense may be shaky, at least in the early going, as Hiskey plans to have several players switch positions.

Magnolia

Coach: Tom Ammirato

1999 record: 12-13

League record: 9-6

The Sentinels will be competitive again in league, though hopes of moving up from last year’s third-place finish may be a bit lofty. First-year Coach Tom Ammirato assumes leadership of a program that has five returning starters: pitcher/outfielder Brian Poetschlag, pitcher/shortstop Jesse Lamas, catcher Jeff Martin, pitcher/infielder Jason Gallo and pitcher Scott Henry. Poetschlag had a strong showing at the George Genovese Games last month in La Mirada and could be the staff ace.

Savanna

Coach: Hack Mitchell

1999 record: 11-13

League record: 6-9

Shortstop Kenny Castaneda will have to tear up the league with his bat and pitcher Danny Lambaren must shut down the league with his arm for the Rebels to take a step forward this season. Castaneda’s .440 batting average helped him receive first-team all-league honors last season. Lambaren had a respectable 3.87 ERA but is looking to lower that figure substantially. With most of his starters unproven at the varsity level, Rebel Coach Hack Mitchell’s goal is to finish above .500.

Valencia

Coach: Mike Sheetz

1999 record: 15-11-1

League record: 10-5

On paper the Tigers are favorites to repeat as league champions. Valencia has six returning starters and eight returners overall, including league MVP Hector Ambriz. The pitcher/third baseman had a 5-0 record and batted .574 with 21 RBIs in league play last year as a freshman. Ambriz’ supporting cast includes shortstop Chris Van Camp, a first-team all-league player, and pitcher/outfielder Matt Reese, who made the second team. Other returning players include utilityman Erik Ambriz and infielder/pitcher Matt Castillo.

Western

Coach: Steve Green

1999 record: 14-14

League record: 10-5

First-year Coach Steve Green’s biggest challenge will be to replace graduated pitcher Bryan Clark, who last season went 9-4 with a 1.79 ERA and was a Times’ Orange County second-team selection. The Pioneers dominated the Orange League but lost in the second round of the playoffs to Lancaster Paraclete. While Western shared the league title with Valencia, the Pioneers struggled in nonleague play, going 4-9.