A couple of random thoughts ...

Well, I do not know exactly what happened over at Cal with Karl Perez. One thing I do know is that it is better to overcome adversity than to run.

I like Karl (I do not know much about him) and hope he returns to Cal to play football and baseball (unless he will not be allowed to return). If not, he can only play baseball over at St. Paul Not playing football is something he may regret the rest of his life.

He should go talk to Nieto and see if he can play ball next year if he shows a better attitude. If Nieto says yes, Come back to Cal where you belong.

If he does not choose to overcome the adversity, what will he do when he has a boss or a superior at work that he dislikes?

And with that victory over Cal, has Palacios just made a huge statement that he is the best ballplayer in the Del Rio League? If he is hitting over 600 and with that slugging percentage, I believe he is. Will he be the league MVP? If he wins another game on the hill; will that have an effect? Or will the MVP have to come from the league champ?

Pioneer now has won more games in league than they have for about 8 years.

I will like to correct you cal high dad; from we (SPHS) he’s (Karl Perez) not a quitter. I hope you’re not just a Nieto lover. Condors let him go !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats to Encinas of St Paul for throwing the NO HITTER.. I want to clear up a rumor going around. Karl Perez Quit he wasn't kicked out of the program by Nieto.
The DRL chase is heating up and should be fun down the stretch...

Parent,

One of the definition of the word "separatist" is "a member of a group (in this case BASEBALL PLAYER from BASEBALL TEAM) that seceded (INDIVIDUALIZE for individual) from a larger group (again BASEBALL TEAM)." It sounds that this is what you are teaching your child (sorry BALLPLAYER) to become. This is the problem with team sports, parents are not teaching the team concept to their kids. Instead of being part of the solution, they are the ones causing the problem.

A "realist" you say? Definition of the word "realist" is "a person concerned with REAL THINGS and practical matters rather than those that are IMAGINARY or VISIONARY." You claim to be a"realist." It sound to me that you need to stop IMAGINING that your kid is the best one on his team and help him learn to become a team player. It sound that all you are teaching your child is how to become a quitter, by transferring at the first sign of adversity. Not everyone goes on to be a Major League Ballplayer, get over it. Make his High School experience in sports one that he will never forget (for the right reasons).

I'm pretty sure if a kid/parent "quit" on his team and threatened to transfer to another school, especially after his junior year, the head coach would tell you and your son to go right ahead and leave. They would then turn around and not sign the paperwork need for your son to be eligible at his new school (senior year). Its happened before. Who's stupid now parent? "Realist" you say?

Only an observer; you better believe we will be looking to transfer our kids !! why else would anyone be at St Paul? The word “separatist” are you stupid? We are realist !! so Original & Observer think.

to Oye Vey

You are right. I did not read the rest; only the beginning.

Thanks

Sports fan original I agree with your comment about ballplayers with the "separatist" approach, they will never win!!! I also feel that the coaches/parents have a lot of fault in a ballplayer learning this trait. When you are surrounded by talented ballplayers that are allowed to do whatever they want, it affects the whole team chemistry. Here locally you have coaches that are so afraid to upset their "star player" or "players", because they fear the kid and the parents will threaten to transfer to a different school or use their influence to get the coach out.

My son has played on travel teams where the rules/discipline are instilled in the ballplayers on a daily basis. The parents are not allowed nowhere near the dugout, or to use "baseball signs" to coach their kids. The coaches control the environment of the game. If a kid "acts up" he is benched or is asked to go home. If a parent interferes with the flow of the "team", he is spoken too. If it continues, the player and the parent (no matter how talented the ballplayer is), are asked to leave the team. This is the approach a lot of the local coaches need to take, especially with the parents.

Times have changed, but discipline can still be taught.

Fundad-

Be informed that CAL did not play St. Paul in a double header last year (Check highschoolsports.net if you want to look up both CAL's and St. Pauls 2008 schedules) . La Serna played St. Paul three times last year and lost all three. This year locally St. Paul beat La Habra, La Serna, and Santa Fe. Most of the local baseball teams are Div III (thats Division three), and St. Paul is Div IV (thats Division four) in baseball. I don't see your point of the lower Division they are in (student body at St. Paul is approx. 700)... Good luck to all our local teams the rest of the season no matter what Division they play in. PLAYOFFS are almost here!!!

SFO, The contribution to the conversation wasn't personal, sorry if it was perceived in that context. If you read through each sub paragraph thoroughly you would see that the concept IS conducive to TEAM cohesiveness. Fundamentals of the "Game" will always remain; however if you've truly been IN the game recently you would also see that it has evolved ( I didn't say "changed") in many ways. Just as the equipment has evolved, so have the resources available to the players. Wouldn't you agree that improving techniques in a range of aspects like mechanics, coaching philosophies & approach, sports psych, sparq training & sport specific training (the list could go on) is a good thing. This type of evolution has had a profound affect on the young men who will pursue this game at other levels. They benefit from the advanced approach and modalities which will help them excel and stay engaged.

Your comment:

"Are you suggesting that it is OK for players to do their own thing on the field and forget the "team" game? Not bunt when called on to do so? Not hit and run when called on to do so? Not take a pitch when called on to take a pitch? Not be at practice everyday on time because he might want to spend ten minutes with his girlfriend? Not "pull" for teammates at all times?"

Really tells me that you didn't read it at all.

to Oye Vey

Things have not changed. Teams that contain all "separatists" seldom win big.

I would hope my child will play for coaches that talk and try to develop "Team" play, not only individual play.

Are you suggesting that it is OK for players to do their own thing on the field and forget the "team" game? Not bunt when called on to do so? Not hit and run when called on to do so? Not take a pitch when called on to take a pitch? Not be at practice everyday on time because he might want to spend ten minutes with his girlfriend? Not "pull" for teammates at all times?

How have times changed?

Baseball is still baseball!!

When did the Philadelphia Phillies turn it on last year? According to Bryant Gumbal real sports TV: He had Rollins (MVP a couple of years ago; or was it last year?) on with him and the focus was on Coach Manuel; his past, his health, and his world series season.

Well, when did the Phillies really turn it on? After Coach Manuel benched Rollins two times. One time for being late to batting practice and one time for another reason. Rollins said that discipline was "key" in their surge to the world championship.

You see if Rollins was allowed to be late, then anyone could. Baseball is still baseball if you want to win big.

Oye Vey! -I agree with you and thats great.. Not sure if you wrote that yourself or if you got that from someone else, put in any case thanks for posting it here.

sports fan-
Here Here...on Nieto, and Pioneer has been playing well, but finding ways to lose. I do expect them to pull an upset or two, and maybe even knock off one of the top teams.. They are better this year.. I hope they keep trying, cause IMO they have played VERY respectable baseball and should be proud..

SPB-
Are you serious, do you really want an intelligent reply to your post? CAL played SP last year in double header and won both games. So what... I should make a comment about the lower CIF division SP plays in but I won't, cause there is a ton fine players over at SP and each of them deserve respect.... SP is a good baseball team, no doubt...

Please-sports fan original are you done? and please again Mr. Roger says keep it short. theres nothing wrong St. Paul, we lost some games-so.

Really....NO "I" IN TEAM???...Didn't that go out with the full length all gray sweats wear'n clipboard cary'n, whistle blow'n, same guy for all sports coach???...Things have evolved...How 'bout this?

“Invisible I’s in TEAM”:

I MUST PREPARE. Every individual member of the team must prepare themselves to the best of their abilities to do their job. A team is only as good as its weakest link. A cliché yes, but true nonetheless. If every member of the team does not do their part in preparing themselves, there is no way for the collective team to succeed at the highest-level possible. At some point, in some way, every member of the team will be called upon to help ensure success.

I MUST SACRIFICE. Every member of the team must be willing to sacrifice for the good of the whole. The level of sacrifice will vary, but regardless, each member of the team must find and accept their role in the success. This sacrifice can be on many different levels. It might be playing a different position, it might be becoming a role player instead of a “star”, and it might be the support system for another player who needs you. Whatever it is, are you willing to do it for the good of the team?

I MUST LET GO OF MY EGO. The team is bigger than any one individual player. Regardless of their level of ability, there is not one player alive that can go out and compete by themselves in a team sport and be victorious. At some point, in some way, they need each and every other player on that team for them to be individually successful.

I MUST FIND JOY IN ANOTHER PERSONS SUCCESS. At some level, other teammates must succeed if we are collectively to succeed as a team. A pitcher can go out and throw a no hitter striking out every batter. But if we don’t score any runs, we will not win the game. We should not be jealous of another person’s success, but rather we should embrace it, support it and do everything in our power to HELP it.

So without the Invisible “I’s”, all you will be left with is a cute slogan that sounds good in a speech or looks good hanging on the wall. Without the Invisible “I’s”, you will not have the very basis by which this “belief” works and ensures everyone’s success. While on the surface this belief might be appropriate for your specific sport, there are also some things, which are far bigger than this. This same process and belief is also the very fabric by which our most important Teams are built - FAMILY and FRIENDS.

to SPB

I think you had better worry about this year. Unless you are one of those two real good pitchers, you have plenty to work on.

Yea, St. Paul will get their momentum back against the "likes" of Cantwell and those other small school, but they have not beaten any real good team lately.

I agree with Anonymous concerning Coach Nieto. Nieto has had his problems with retaining some of the finest athletes. He did not even give Grigsby a chance after he was all everything at St.Paul (within the league).

But, Nieto does demand discipline, hard work, teamness, etc. Similar to what Senator Bill Bradley (1970's New York Knicks forward, when the Knicks won at least one world championship, now U.S. Senator) on Bill Mayer's show: When asked why the Knicks are not very successful as of late, Bradley replied "The General Manager and owner drafts stats not character". Good character is essential at any level.

Also, that is why I am concerned to read on one of Murray's blogs lately that St. Paul is undisciplined and Coach Morales may be hesistant to demand discipline. Hey, if two teams have equal talent, the most disciplined team will beat the less disciplined most of the time. And, they DESERVE TO!! You cannot be afraid of the parents. If you are, I do not think coaching would be fun at all.

Players must adjust to the coach's system, not vice versa (when it comes to developing a "team"). Team chemistry involves loving the game and working together as a team. It does not include "I". NO "I" IN TEAM!

One more thing. It is too bad Palacios can't pitch. Sometimes to develop a better team a coach has to take their best athlete and make him a pitcher. What, Santa Fe scored about 25 or more runs against Pioneer this week? They have nothing to lose in taking Palacios (who may be termed a great high school athlete) and asking him to pitch. As soon a football is over, get him working on that mound. Get him a pitching video (from a great pitching coach) and have him study it and work him daily. Hey, Magdellanes had to know they did not have enough pitching to win. They are definitely competing, but not winning. Under these circumstance put your best athlete on the mound.

It will not hurt his outfield play as long as his elbow is up. Unless of course Palacios would not want to do it. But I think if you ask an athlete like Palacios (wasn't he a real good quarterback but got hurt?) "can you sacrafice for the team". "Do you just want to play and personally have great year, or would you like winning to be a part of it; your senior season".

Hum neito lover why doesnt cal hi play St Paul? lets play! plus nieto is the #1 crybaby. lets play or go away comdums!

Well in Nieto's defense he has been to the quarter finals 2 times in a row. Team work, working hard, practicing hard, showing up, and more are more important than talent and winning baseball games. These are important traits for our young people to have and more important than the game itself. What does it say if we cater to athletes and not hold them to standards? Just
take a look around at the issues of some of the pro players today. Millionaire cry babies....... I for one
support a coach standing up and putting somethings ahead of the wins and loses, even if the masses disagree. Oh and BTW they are 5-1 in league play with a young team.

Not Bad If you Ask Me
Good for Nieto

Roger,
While I would agree, and elaborate that Ronnie is a very naturally talented athlete. I must also interject that there are many very gifted individuals amongst the League. If you select the filter buttons on MAXPREPS to "Player/League" you will see the real "DRL" leaders. It's a very different picture of who is doing what during "League". Congratulations to all the Student-Athletes for doing so well in the sport they love, especially the seniors who are looking to play at the next level. You make us all very proud to part of a community that contributes to the positive aspects in society. The baseball community, It's not just a game...It's a Lifestyle©

Del Rio League Leaders
Filter by:
Player/League
Leaders must have at least 1 games played.

Batting Average (BA)
1. Branden Montoya - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) .579
2. German Ramirez - Jr El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) .556
3. Aaron Ashton - So La Serna (Whittier, CA) .550
4. Ronnie Palacios - Sr Pioneer (Whittier, CA) .538
5. Fernando Pinedo - Jr California (Whittier, CA) .500

HR (HR)
1. Aaron Ashton - So La Serna (Whittier, CA) 2
2. Branden Montoya - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 1
3. Freddie Sanchez - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 1
4. Ryan Garcia - Jr Santa Fe (Santa Fe Springs, CA) 1
5. Francisco Fuentes - Sr Santa Fe (Santa Fe Springs, CA) 1

SLG (SLG)
1. Ryan Garcia - Jr Santa Fe (Santa Fe Springs, CA) 1.111
2. German Ramirez - Jr El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 1.000
3. Aaron Ashton - So La Serna (Whittier, CA) .950
4. Branden Montoya - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) .895
5. Ronnie Palacios - Sr Pioneer (Whittier, CA) .846

RBI (RBI)
1. Aaron Ashton - So La Serna (Whittier, CA) 10
2. German Ramirez - Jr El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 8
3. Fernando Pinedo - Jr California (Whittier, CA) 7
4. Branden Montoya - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 7
5. Andrew Lopez - Jr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 7

OB Pct (OBP)
1. Ronnie Palacios - Sr Pioneer (Whittier, CA) .647
2. Branden Montoya - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) .636
3. Kyle Gibson - Sr California (Whittier, CA) .600
4. Aaron Ashton - So La Serna (Whittier, CA) .591
5. Francisco Fuentes - Sr Santa Fe (Santa Fe Springs, CA) .579

Stolen Base (SB)
1. Daniel Moriel - So El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 3
2. Ronnie Palacios - Sr Pioneer (Whittier, CA) 3
3. Freddie Sanchez - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 3
4. German Ramirez - Jr El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 2
5. David Marquez - Jr California (Whittier, CA) 2

ERA (ERA)
1. Marcos Casillas - So Santa Fe (Santa Fe Springs, CA) 0.00
2. Fernando Pinedo - Jr California (Whittier, CA) 0.00
3. Ben Burke - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 1.14
4. Francisco Fuentes - Sr Santa Fe (Santa Fe Springs, CA) 1.40
5. Mitch Atilano - Jr California (Whittier, CA) 1.54

Strikeouts (K)
1. Ben Burke - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 26
2. Michael Espinoza - Jr El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 15
3. Fernando Pinedo - Jr California (Whittier, CA) 11
4. Andy Decorte - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 11
5. Marcos Casillas - So Santa Fe (Santa Fe Springs, CA) 11

Wins (W)
1. Ben Burke - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 3
2. Andy Decorte - Sr La Serna (Whittier, CA) 2
3. Fernando Pinedo - Jr California (Whittier, CA) 2
4. Michael Espinoza - Jr El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 2
5. Marcus Moreno - So Whittier (CA) 1

Fielding (FP%)
1. German Ramirez - Jr El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 1.000
2. Michael Muniz - Sr Santa Fe (Santa Fe Springs, CA) 1.000
3. Roland Hernandez - Jr El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 1.000
4. Jesse Val Tierra - So El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 1.000
5. Michael Espinoza - Jr El Rancho (Pico Rivera, CA) 1.000

Chris Bryeans played at St. Paul after transferring from Whittier. He was also an All-CIF QB, one of 12 (Yes, TWELVE) consecutive All-CIF QB's to attend SP. That was back in the days when they were playing and beating the top teams in SoCal. A bit of history, not that it changes how they play today. But, it is nice to have that kind of foundation/tradition.

This area really has produced some great athletes, and has for a long time. We have named quite a few, and there are probably plenty more!

And we've only done baseball. Cool.

Quite a few guys have signed from the Whittier area over the years. Back in the 80's Andy Stankewicz and Mike Gallegos (he graduated in 1977 or 1978- what a great high school player he was!)from St. Paul signed and made it to the bigs. Mark Leonetti of Pioneer had a nice pro career, reaching AAA. Trinidad signed from PiHi back then. Bill and Bob Bathe (good guys I played semi-pro with back in the day), Mike Natale, Kenny Micas, and others whose names I forget signed from La Serna. Chris Bryeans from Whittier High played some years in the Royals organization. Anthony Reyes and a few other guys from Cal have signed in the last 20 years or so. El Rancho's Flores brothers signed. (ER's class of '08 Villalobos should sign- the kid's one of the best true competitor/pitchers I've ever seen-if not for the scouts' bias against guys who are 5"10" and only throw 85 mph or so like him he'd be a lock to sign.) Santa Fe's Kotsay was a monster in high school and has a nice MLB career going. Todd Burns from the early 80's signed out of Santa Fe/Oral Roberts and had a nice career, including pitching in the world series.

I know that there are probably at least 10-20 more guys in the last 20 years I'm missing, but the point is that back in the 70's and 80's when I was playing, right up to today, Whittier-area baseball was and is competitive and produces a steady crop of college and pro-level players. St. Paul has always been good, but just as today, the local piublic schools are similar in talent.

Not putting down. Just holding some St. Paul bloggers accountable when they state that they are better than players at other local schools. I ask them to state "proof". If not, shut up! You see, I don't believe the players at St. Paul are alot better than at some other local schools.

If they go far in Division 4, that will increase their credibility.

Can we list approximate years these players graduated. Some of the guys listed were from the 60's! I was wondering about "recent" players (the last 4 or 5 years or so)
I do recognize Rudy Quinonez. He, as a freshmen, actually led Pioneer (first year under Coach Juarez), a team with mostly seniors and a lot of varsity experience, to an 8 win season in "99". I think there were 5 or 6 players that were three year starters.
The next year Pioneer went 1 and 14 in league!
Then Rudy transfered to St.Paul and Coach Juarez resigned.

Well add:

John Urrea Santa Fe 1972
Jim Lentine Sierra 1972
Jamie Quirk St Paul 1971 or 72
Bill Bathe La Serna late 70's or early 80's

"ALL MAJOR LEAGUERS"

and Karl Perez had trouble this year after hitting in the mid 400's last year. Like I said earlier, Cal has not hung on to a few real good players lately

Does anyone else find it perplexing that Mitch LeVier is playing in the A's system after having an unbelievable couple of years at Fullerton JC, but was cut by Nieto at Cal? I'm referring to tryouts for his senior year, not the whole debacle from his junior year. Grigsby didn't make the team the following year and he was all-area the previous season (while at St. Paul). Were these guys over-qualified?

Good job Whittier Area Fan; here's a few more from El Rancho. And I too believe all the kids that play should be respected and lift up not put down whether they make it to the next level or not. In reality we all can't be ball players.

Tom Egan-Angels, White Sox
Scott Reid-Arizona State, Philadelphia Phillies
Larry Anderson-Milwaukee Brewers,
Mickey Klutts-Yankees, Oakland As and Toronto Blue Jays

I am not declaring any players being better than another,St paul is up and coming and La Serna is a well respected program taht has done well ever since I can remember. I am sure La Serna has had many great players but in regards to your question here is a brief list off the top of my head of some recent D1 guys from SP. There is countless others playing at D3 schools but not sure where?

-Tim Jimenez-Cal St. Fullerton
-Rudy Quinones-USC
-Daniel Reyes-New Mexico
-Jon Montes-LBSU
-Glenn Costa-LBSU

I find it ridiculous how some people come on these blogs and bash kids from all schools. I am a SP alum and respect all schools, my nephews play at La Serna and one at ER. I just dont get why people need to come on here belittle kids that are playing ball being productive teens. I for one think that this is nonsense and kids should be praised for being productive in sports and not being on the streets. Lets all come together and support all our teams in the area. I would like to see a list of area players that have gone on to play big time ball. El Rancho also has a few

-Gabe Lopez-SJSU-New York Yankees AAA
-Al Benevente-USC
-Randy Flores-USC-St. Louis Cards
-Ronnie Flores-USC-A's
-Anthony Najera-Cal St La
-Ron Leos-Cal St La
-Cesar Ramos-LBSU-San Diego Padres
-Armando Gonzalez-Colorado Rockies A

Santa Fe
-Mark Kotsay-CSUF-A's
-Anthony Encinas-USC

Cal Hi
-Anthony Reyes-USC-St. Louis Cards
-Mitch LeVier-Oakland A's

Please feel free to add to the list. We should be proud of all local athletes and support them all.

To St Paul Swordsmen (all of you put your minds together)

a couple of weeks ago I asked if someone would list the St Paul Baseballers that have moved on to college baseball (keep it recent: I know all about Jamie QuirK)

But I have received no response! List those players who many of you are declaring better than La Serna Players. Take the time and do it.

And pray tell Swordsmen what is SP's excuse for their performance in San Diego?

I understand that Cantwell is young but their young guns arent very productive. They will be competitive in the future but being competitve doesn't equate to wins! What is the schools main sport?

What happen to cantwell baseball, they not worth the uniforms they have. La serna is just showing its colors=no talent.
Ok the last game was close but la serna will never beat SPBaseball there to weak.

OK, what is up with the Cantwell baseball program this year? Is it a lack of depth, talent or experience?

They are absolutely getting their heads handed to them. I feel bad for them.

Looks like La Serna hit a bit of a rough patch but I think they will recover from that.

Roger
Announce the line up for the upcoming st. paul baseball tournament.

First of all, this is not "kids blog." It is a public forum Roger and WDN provides. Hey Roy- take a look at my posts. I comment on the local baseball scene because I happen to know a lot of the kids and families in the DRL, played and coached for many years, and can shed light on the local basdeball scene. I do not knock players or programs; in fact, I try to do the opposite. This is my "disgusting" contribution. As opposed to you, who adds nothing to the discussion except a cheap attack? Seriously Roy,this is like a Rorshach test, and you just projected all of your crap onto a simple discussion of baseball.

If local HS baseball talk or the people who like to discuss the local high school scene are disgusting, why do you read it, genius?

Should the priest learn that emotion does not have to be sexual? Please don’t use “His” hard-earned money because trash talk is a lot less problematic that won’t be with you for the rest of your life. Is it only at Lenten season that we think of sin?

All of you ! - -sport fan”o” and her&him plus poet….you people are so disgusting. And you’re all so call adults on a kid’s blog. Please get a life or a room. Hey get to stepping!

To Anony - I get that you put me down, but I don't really think you worded it right. And I was giving a hit on the "affluent" school because when I was young and growing up in this school district, it always got the most notice.

But think about your message, did any of us learn anything from it (except maybe you're the 'freak' mentioned since you can't stop thinking about me). When 'Poet' or 'Original Sports Fan' write, they list players and stats and baseball info. Now when/if my team plays that team, I can watch with more interest or read something about the player again. So I don't know if you can say the bar is set low, or did I misunderstand and you're saying you want to lower it. You're doing a hell-uv-a job!

Well I guess not only smoothed talk but affluent neighborhoods turn you on! Your bar on intelligent bloggers is set so low that a freak will become passionate.

I take back my comment regarding Murray's recent blog. This covers a few of local schools not just LS. Good to see some stuff about the girls.

SP has an upcoming Easter tournament. Are the local teams attending? I haven't seen the info. Then we can all watch the players we've been reading about first hand.

Roger, your comments on Ashton are right on. I've rarely seen a guy at any level hit as many big flies as this kid in such a short span of games. The homerun today was 380-390' at least. 19 RBI in 9 games???!!! Perspective: last yar's RBI leader, on a very good CIF quarterfinal team, had 20 all season. Or another way: computed over a major league 162 game season, this would work out to 342 RBI!! How high is his cieling...? He is the real deal.

A few observations about today's game: Whittier is a scrappy young team. Emphasize Young. It reminded me a bit of men vs boys. No disrespect meant at all to the good Whittier team. But LS has 9 seniors. Its hitters look like older guys, are physically more mature and they hit the ball harder. It has been this way with each DRL matchup so far for the Lancers. They have been swinging it up and down the lineup.

Ben Burke is the best pitcher in the league and one of the best in the area. He threw a 4-hitter, striking out 6 with 2 walks. He sits at 85+ mph and can go as high as 89 mph; I don't think any other DRL guy can match his velocity, and he's been focused and pitching well. He's a good hitter as well.

Freddie Sanchez continued his amazing season. Hitting over .500 with 8 stolen bases. Hit a HR today. He could play at the next level for sure.

La Serna's class of 2009 went 20-0 and really demolished the leage as freshmen. Some things have changed, some kids have come and gone and the gap has narrowed a bit since then, but that core group of kids and amazing young guys like Ashton and others, should do very well this year.