FREEWAY LEAGUE
Buena Park
Coach: Russ McHale
1999 record: 7-15
League record: 3-12
The Coyotes return three senior pitchers and seven starting position players for a strong defensive unit, and many league coaches expect them to battle for a playoff berth. However, Russ McHale is in need of consistent hitting. Earl Parker will lead the team. He recorded a 2.82 ERA last season with 49 strikeouts. He hit .375 with 17 RBIs, earning a first-team all-league selection. Jeremy Tolmasoff and Jeff Keller round out the pitching staff. Tolmasoff, a second-team all-league pick, posted a 3.86 ERA and Keller finished at 4.42. Anthony Cabral, who hit .381 last season, is back at second base.
Fullerton
Coach: Dave Posthuma
1999 record: 10-15
League record: 7-8
Dave Posthuma has some concerns with pitching, but is expecting a strong improvment in hitting and defense from last year’s fourth-place finishers. Vincent Lopez, who led the team in batting last season at .469, returns behind the plate. Armando Lopez is back at second base after hitting .422 his junior year. Daniel Matson anchors the pitching staff. The 6-1 senior, who was a first-team all-league pick, recorded a 3.04 ERA, with one no-hitter and 45 strikeouts.
La Habra
Coach: Mate Borgogno
1999 record: 22-7
League record: 12-3
After winning 40 games and back-to-back league titles, the Highlanders are in a rebuilding year and Mate Borgogno is just hoping to make the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. Five starters return, including pitcher Kyle Ballard, whose career record improved to 16-1 after finishing 9-0 with a 2.18 ERA last season. Bryan Gailey, who threw only 16 innings last season, is the Highlanders’ only other returning pitcher. Catcher Ramiro Godinez hit .395 with 17 RBIs and seven doubles last season.
Sonora
Coach: Pat Tellers
1999 record: 13-14
League record: 8-7
Sonora is picked by all the league’s coaches to take this year’s title. The Raiders return eight starters, including both starting pitchers. Erik Estrada, a pitcher/center fielder, recorded a 2.59 ERA and hit .389 with 28 hits and 18 runs last year. Brett Smith, pitcher/third base, was 6-4, with a 3.06 ERA, and hit .354, with 28 hits, 15 runs and 17 RBIs. First baseman Jacob Mendrin (.361, 11 RBIs), right fielder James Patterson (.317, 22 runs, 12 RBIs) and designated hitter Jeff Padgett (.313, nine RBIs) round out a strong offense.
Sunny Hills
Coach: Doug Elliott
1999 record: 20-8
League record: 12-3
The Lancers return six starters from last season’s team, which shared the title with La Habra. Pitching is their strength, with Nathan Hochgesang and Ron Skyberg returning. Hochgesang, who also plays first base, was 5-3 last season with a 3.76 ERA with 77 strikeouts, and hit .341. Skyberg finished 6-1 with a 4.37 ERA. Doug Elliott is concerned with the loss of Jared Bruce, who hit .470, and other experienced players such as Brad Carmody, who had 16 stolen bases. But the Lancers still have a good shot at making the playoffs.
Troy
Coach: Dane Ilertsen
1999 record: 9-17
League record: 3-12
Troy returns only four starters from last season’s fifth-place team and Dane Ilertsen says they are a young squad. But he is optimistic. Returning are pitcher Adam Manasero, second baseman Danny Diaz, third baseman Keith Hensperger and pitcher Jeff Northover, who posted a 3.93 ERA last season. Luis Bernal, a transfer from Mater Dei, will join the outfield and senior pitcher Ryan Smith is back from injury.