GOLDEN WEST LEAGUE

Ocean View

Coach: Steve Barrett

1999 record: 14-12

League record: 8-7

The Seahawks are young and inexperienced, according to Coach Steve Barrett. “We are improving every day within our system and should be a factor in 2001 and 2002,” he said. Three starters return. They are junior pitcher Tyler Kreil, senior second baseman Jeremy Nicholson and senior pitcher/shortstop Mike Harris. Harris batted .260 and had a 2-4 record last year. Kreu, a first-team all-league selection, was 2-5 with a 2.50 earned-run average. Nicholson batted .240. Barrett expects good things from sophomore utility player Brian Stanley. Others expected to battle for starting roles include senior Tim Burda (first base), juniors B.J. DuBarry (catcher), Jason Rhoades (utility), Nathan Smith (pitcher/outfield) and Brian Stanley (outfield), sophomore Ryan Shaw (pitcher) and freshman Daric Barton (third base).

Saddleback

Coach: Bob Mangram

1999 record: 4-20

League record: 3-12

Coach Bob Mangram begins his 26th season at the school with three returning senior starters from last year’s fifth-place finisher. There’s not a lot of depth on the mound, although Mangram believes the Roadrunners will be able to keep things close because they have good team speed and should play tight defense. Returning starters include infielder Jose Guzman, a .324 hitter, outfielder Jesse Romeo, a .391 hitter, and outfielder Edgar Valenzuela. Top senior newcomers include infielder Michael Padilla and outfielder Fidel Valverde.

Santa Ana

Coach: Gary Crippen

1999 record: 5-20

League record: 2-13

They were 5-20 last season, but with eight starters back, an optimistic Gary Crippen says the Saints “look for a breakout season in 2000 and the players look forward to contending for the league title and a definite shot at going far into the playoffs.” Seniors Jose Corona (third base, .333 average), Kurt Eichenberger (pitcher, 6.25 ERA), A.J. Fernandez (pitcher, 2-8, 3.52), Rey Flores (second base, .338), Joel Hernandez (pitcher, 3.52), Tony Montoya (first base, .296), Eric Perez (designated hitter, .283), Gil Reyes (catcher, .340) and junior Jon Lozano (left field, .257) are expected to have big roles, along with Mater Dei transfer Manny Pedroza, a shortstop, and senior pitcher Derek Castle, who sat out last season.

Tustin

Coach: Greg Jennings

1999 record: 16-10

League record: 10-5

The senior-laden Tillers are the preseason choice of opposing coaches as the league favorite now that Servite has moved to the Serra League. Coach Greg Jennings agrees. “This team has no obvious weaknesses except for maybe the number two pitcher,” he said. Senior starters returning are Chris Hanson (first base, .346, 27 RBIs), Danny Hippert (second base, .364), Chad Lloyd (outfield/pitcher, 1.35 ERA), Jose Martinez (catcher, .429, 29 RBIs), Tommy Nieto (outfield, .313), Ivan Ramirez (pitcher, 6-1, 2.95) and Willy Webster (outfield).

Westminster

Coach: Bill Whiteley

1999 record: 13-11

League record: 7-8

Coach Bill Whiteley claims that the Lions lack depth, but with versatile junior Fred Rodriguez being one of five starters returning, Westminster should have a good shot at securing one of the league’s top three spots. Rodriguez was 5-2 as a pitcher in 1999 and also plays shortstop and catcher. He batted .389. Also back is shortstop Chris Carey (.368), who is expected to return to the mound after a year off. He had a fine summer in travel ball and his sore arm appears to have healed, Whiteley said. Others returning include outfielder Tony Flores (.310), third baseman Phillip Jenkins (.320), catcher Jaime Rodriguez (.311), junior catcher Mike Hurth and sophomore infielders Jeff Kerley and Jared Jenkins.