Baseball: Northview keeps top spot

New to the Game here and my son has played with all the top mentioned players. I hope all do well and become Men of Character, Men who will sucseed in life, Men who go beyond fighting for Novelty.
As I watch I say " my how they have grown" we need to remember they become what they are inspired to be. so use extrime causion their futures depends on it.
coches and Dads remember theres a life after HS

Build up and never tear down
All these young men are Impressionable:open and easy to mold: ready to accept or be impressed by the experiences, opinions, and personalities of other people.
They are a Valuable, All of them.
even the ones who help them reach new levels.

Ouch, did you go to the game? You are right, your pitcher was lights out after the 1st, however SH's 3 runs were not on errors.... walk, double to left, sharp single up the middle and then double to fence in right center...where were the errors in that inning? As for the play at first, stop saying that it was dirty, no one on SH's side will say that the 3-0 pitch that was ball four to that hitter in his previous at bat that was up at his helmet that sent him to the dirt was dirty. When Flores pitches like that, he is without a doubt, one of the areas best. He pithced a very good game!
People, good teams find ways to win and SH did just that against a very good pitcher.
Flores from Rowland, you have a game!

shball: Is that what youre going with ???.....You convinced us....now just convince your self!!!!

Throw dem BOWS!! = DIRTY
DIRTY=DIRTY=DIRTY=DIRTY

Dear frm_the_cheap_seats damn that was a blow!
Actually you had a great post, enjoyed it and agreed with it. I know my endorsement is like getting blessed by Reverend Wright but nevertheless keep posting. Dont worry about Sandy the Bag, she is just upset about all they money she has spent on private coaching and now she may not get anything in return. All those years of screwing other kids in the allstar voting are coming back to haunt her.

I knew this was too good to be true, someone would pop off.....

sandy bagg --- gee what did I do PISS ON YOUR KID. I don't have a kid at all playing hs sports so there nimrod. I have watched this age group in this area since they were all 8 yrs old. Am I high and mighty, don't think so, but do get asked my evaluations of these players very frequently by the next level decision makers. And if you really had a clue, you would see I just followed the same order that someone else had used you jagoff.... and in thier earlier post, they asked "what does everyone think".....

You must be one of those "daddy ball all star coaches" who coached or was on the board to ensure you kid made all stars and now your pissed at the high school coach cuz you kid is riding pine and he has been on every all star team since, so how can he not start coach.... well my seat is pretty good, sitting back and laughing at you cuz your little dream world ends the day your kid graduates hs... anyway, I was trying to keep it normal on here and didn't think I was too harsh on kids, if I was sorry, didn't mean it. Anyway, I'm out....

Why mention kids and leave their names ???? Get schools and names correct or dont post.

My two cents needs some better schooling. you must be related to from the cheap seats.

From the cheap seats,needs to find a better location to sit.. Who made you mr high and mighty to give out your predicktions. you know this has to be someones father who has a major hardon for his own Kid.. Don't give yourself away to easy. You didn't want to use alphabetical order because it would of gave you away.

OUCH!! , the basepath belongs to the runner, legally you can push the first baseman out of the way, no elbows were thrown and runner was not ejected, i saw this more as quick reaction, some kids may stop and allow themselves to get tag, and other run thru the basepath. Runner did not go out of his way nor he threw any elobows.
The better team won, some of you guys expect SH to blow every team, wins are wins. Record 7-0, some easier then others.

The "MIGHTY SOUTH HILLS ".......Lookig pretty average.....OUCH!!

UNDERSTAND-Rowland got 2 runs on hits, played good defense and had good pitching to the job, ....just came up SHORT (sorry MUNCHKINS)...Guess it could of gone either way..Your 3rd baseman needs to learn that you run through the bag , not go elbow up / into the 1st baseman , unfortunately both kids got hurt, Rowland's first baseman bad shoulder and Delafuente hurted his knee. Both came out of the game.

Its about time. Walnut coach finely bench the SS, and 2nd baseman. Walnut beat Bonita 2-0. Walnut coach now need to Kick the JV team off their field, and get some hitting in.
SH you are not looing that good.

OUCH!! understand that Flores is a very good left handed pitcher who had a very good day. Great fastball and curveball by a lefthanded would have beaten any team on any given day, too bad the rest of the team isn't very good. SH got 3 runs on hits, played good defense and had good pitching to the job, scoreboard is what counts.
Your first baseman needs to learn that you tag the runner not block his path, unfortunately both kids got hurt, Rowland's first baseman bad shoulder and Delafuente hurted his knee. Both came out of the game.

Yo South Hills munchkin err...coahing staff - Just one mans opinion- maybe next time your kids strike out (X10)..You shoudnt be so loud...over heard you say ..F%@K$N IDIOT..many times!!....at least STAND UP when your in the box @3rd....lol

THE MIGHTY SH wins again!!
emm...emmm SH 3 - Rowland 2
Great game!! Rowland gave up3 1st inn. runs(X2 errors)...then Flores was LIGHTS (10Ks) OUT!
Ps..."mr Peperdine" running down line(about to be hosed by 3rd basemen)with elbow up & into 1st baseman ...==== DIRTY!!!!

Nothing bad about Rowland and Walnut, but South Hills gig is getting old and no one is interested in these 1 run wins over teams that kick the ball around the yard against them. Fred calling them out on their schedule was right on and glad to see not a lot of hoopla about the Huskies. There can't be when the other valley top teams are beating each other up. More respect for those guys willing to mix things up with each other.

SH 3 Rowland 2 ...Great Game.....3 SH runs(on errors) in the 1st.....Then Flores was LIGHTS OUT!!......Guess the ALMIGHTY SH not all that!!.......
PS....When "MR Peperdine"....runs down the line (as hes about to be hosed by rowlands 3rd baseman)and goes elbow up and into the 1st baseman = one word..............DIRTY!!

Great Game.....3 SH runs(on errors) in the 1st.....Then Flores was LIGHTS OUT!!......Guess the ALMIGHTY SH not all that!!.......
PS....When your "MR Peperdine"....runs down the line (as hes about to be gunned down by rowlands 3rd baseman)and goes elbow up and into the 1st baseman = one word..............DIRTY!!

Great Game.....3 SH runs(on errors) in the 1st.....Then Flores was LIGHTS OUT!!......Guess the ALMIGHTY SH not all that!!.......
PS....When your "MR Peperdine"....runs down the line (as hes about to be gunned down by rowlands 3rd baseman)and goes elbow up and into the 1st baseman = one word..............DIRTY!!

SH SQuEAKS another out!
SH3 Rowland2

Great Game.....3 SH runs(on errors) in the 1st.....Then Flores was LIGHTS OUT!!......Guess the ALMIGHTY SH not all that!!.......
PS....When your "MR Peperdine"....runs down the line (as hes about to be gunned down by rowlands 3rd baseman)and goes elbow up and into the 1st baseman = one word..............DIRTY!!

frm_the_cheap_seats, you are correct for the most part, except that the guys who throw 90-91 in HS will most likely improve when the turn 19-20 and became dominating pitchers in D1. As a matter of fact most D1 pitchers where very good pitchers in HS who threw mid to high 80s. Most D1 schools have a few guys who throw in the low 90s, D1 pitching is mostly off speed pitching the guys who throw mid 90s in HS get drafted.
Dela fuente from what i understand is going to D1 mainly as a position player and will relieve. I believe his future is as a position player, too good of an athlete.

My two Cents
I have to agree with most of your post and if you saw all of the Amat games you did see Fox get out 4 times. Against CO he went 2 for 4, Glendora 3 for 4, Colony 2 for 2, and NV 1 for 2 and 2 HBP. I know it’s hard to believe anything that Hoppy “Nieto” does or says, but Fox is that good, although he only went 1 for 5 against ST. Paul. He’s still batting over .500.

SH will get a chance to prove themselves in the playoffs, since they’re in D3. We’ll see how far they get.

I believe Fox should be a D1 player, remember they use metal bats, he has quick hands and he knows how to use opp field, will be an OF.
DeLaFuente surprisingly overlooked by local paper, maybe Fred does not like SH. I believe he is the most complete player in the area, he can do everything. Not sure if any other top players can claim this.
Mistoni, will someday be a D1 player, more likely a couple of great JC years and he is in. Evan Longoria was selected third pick overall, top minor league prospect, had to go to JC. Not one single D1 offer.

My two Cents

What's interesting about these lists, is some kids have the ride and others are hoping for the ride.

But the big question, is can they performance at the D1 level? A huge difference at the next stop.

Saint Mary's D1 up north in the WCC is showing a lot of interest in Elias, and could possibly offer something real soon, thats what i have heard from around the way.

From The Cheapies,
Good observations on most of the local talent. Here are some of mine.

Fox- a scrapper at the plate, one tough out. Hard to know if his coaches count all his at bats because those stats are outrageous and I think I saw him get out 3 or 4 times against teams in the opening tournament. Hmm? But nonetheless, he's good and I like him.

De La Fuente- most overlooked area guy because as Freddy Robledo said, "South Hills don't play anyone". Too bad for this kid because he deserves more big time games.

Andrade- seen him a couple times and he's legit, upper 80's guy, touches 90. Take out the Amat game where there 5 or 6 interuptions during the game that wasn't good for either him or Zuniga. The kids swings against him tell you how he's throwing and you don't see many quality swings against this guy. Heard of a heavy fastball? This one is heavy.

Tomsio- Liking this guy more I see him. Umpire buddies say he's tough and battles. Nice season on the gridiron too.

Garkow- Will bounce back, but almost a victim of success and expectations that come with it, he's good high school pitcher, but expecting to see Roger Clemens will leave you questioning what it is that people see.

Mistone- Guy can hit, but does he fit? My question is where does he play at next level? He plays no doubt, but what level remains to be seen.

Meir- Athlete with a capital A, but a little raw. Nothing that 500 at bats won't take care of in the next year or two. Like him to stay off the hill, his future is infield.

Plutko- check back in 2010 for his signing bonus.

Reyes- I like this kid at 2B in college. I like his pop and ability to hit to RF.

Elias- Just Wins!

frm_the_cheap_seats, pretty acurate post. Sadly enough too many parents think that because their kids are one of the best in their HS team they are D1 caliber. HS Stats mean nothing, just because your kid may have a better avg then the D1 kid does not mean he is better. Remember they will be pitched different. Most people have no idea what kind of talent is out there, the best in our area do not stand out with these kids. The good news is that most of these kids could play JC and if they really love the game and work hard they could make it to the next level.

I guess I never really finished my point about the College team/schollie money deal, sorry. covinabaseballfan made it very well for me though. Thanks

Back in the day coaches would stack athletes they had no intention of assisting; some played, most didn't. The changes have been made to protect kids who might have a chance of playing elsewhere committing to a high powered recruiter from a prominent school.

JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE-JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE-JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE-JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE-JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE Prospective stars need also consider the relative value of the actual scholarship money (spelled out pretty well in the NYT article) since 25% of a CSF, UCI, or even UCLA program is pretty meager if the kid is a California resident. A more valuable commodity would be a deal with a private University where a similar deal might be worth 4 or 5 times as much. JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE-JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE-JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE-JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE-JOKE-HUMOR-SATIRE-HYPERBOLE

Don - That was a very good article from the New York Times. It really tells it like it is. That is true regarding the NCAA wanting kids who sign a NLOI to receive at least 25% sholarships. Most colleges divide them up, so when you hear a kid got a full-ride, it may be close, but the parents usually will be paying something. It used to be that a college could say you were there on a scholarship even if you were only receiving books. Now you are not considered on a scholarship if you are receiving books only - which is unfortunate, because books are expensive, and it's great for a kid to be able to say he received a scholarship.

Regarding commitments, or verbals, they are just that and are not binding in any way. I could never understand why a kid would "commit" to a college as a sophomore, or a freshman, as some have done. A lot can happen in those years. Look at the coaching carousel that Fullerton and Irvine went through. There was a kid that had committed to UC Irvine as a freshman in High School. Well, needless to say, when the coaches left UCI, so did most of the "verbals." A few ended up signing Letters of Intent to Fullerton, and others went elsewhere. Nothing is binding until a kid signs that NLOI in November of his Junior year. It is interesting all of the different stories you hear, though! Thanks for the info.

After looking at the player by player recap by from_the_cheap_seats I had a couple of thoughts about the projected “next level” potential of the kids who star on our local teams.

First is we ought to remember exactly what a “commitment” means since the NCAA and CCL have been at odds over the years over kids being “signed up” by colleges who may or may not be taking a financial risk. I believe the NCAA now wants to see at least a 25% schollie offer to any kid signing a NLOI. Since D1 Schools have something like 11.7 Scholarships to offer Baseball players, you begin to see why recruiters are careful where they are spending their money.

Here is an interesting article for those of you interested in a more “nuts and bolts” synopsis of what a “college athletic scholarship” really entails: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/10/sports/10scholarships.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Sorry about the overall tenor of the article but it is the NY Times and everyone knows what those guys are like.

BTW, the S H SS Is Ibarra, not Ybarra; Ybarra plays at Los Altos and Calderero plays for Bonita.

Since someone posted this, I'll chime in a little cause some of these are interesting. Also, saying playing in college is such a wide statement. No comparison between a D1 and DIII or JC guy, but there still talking college, so its' kind of confusing. No disrespect intended, but just stating fact based opinions.

Commitments (Done deal so no comments necessary other then what positions they'll play at the next level, most will NOT be where they are now, but that is baseball. By the Way, these are D1 - so real deal.
Pill (Covina)- Fullerton
Pedroza (Northview)- Fullerton
Ramirez (Alhambra)- Fullerton
Leyland (San Dimas)- Irvine
Reyes (Amat)- Irvine
De La Fuente (South Hills)- Pepperdine

Soon to be Commitments
Ponzo (San Dimas) - NOT D1, mid 80's FB at best does not play for a RHP, I'd like to know whose talking to him.

Fox (Amat) - Like the kid, can swing it with anyone, late money guy, possibly, OF at next level if he can cover the ground. Could be a star at APU or Chapman.

Mistone (Amat) - where does he play at next level? - won't swing it as a corner guy, not quick enough for MIF. Not D1, could be great player at NAIA (APU, Chapman, etc), but could get a bone as late small money guy.

Zuniga (Amat) - we'll see, some looking, upper 80's fb could get some looks, not big money.

Ybarra (South Hills) - haven't seen enough, could be interesting.

Arnold (Northview)- can swing with the big boy's, although needs to fix the big hole in his swing, but what position at next level - most likely OF. Has a few looking at him.

Andrade (Northview)- Grades? Clearinghouse? FB at Glendora trny was mid 80's, heard he's touched 90 (on tippie toes?) throws well though, won't play as a RHP at D1, could be smaller school.

Mier (Bonita)- Oh heck ya, several opportunities, should square things away. Draft guy, mid to later rounds.

Gelalich (Bonita) - has some interested parties, needs to have HUGE season and very good summer to offset football causing loss of attention.

Rutherford (Arcaida)- one of the best throwers in SGV east side folks don't hear about. Plays a mean SS as well. Should get something.

Smoley (Arcadia) - don't know all that well.

Melchor (Nogales) - nope, not D1 material. Definite competitor on the mound and pitches well, but not enough velo for RHP. Smaller market possibly.

Blagg (Los Altos) - have not seen.

Plutko (Glendora) - done deal baby. Best soph pitcher I've seen huge upside, if continues to develop will be very early draft pick after SR year (and you can QUOTE me on that).

Janclaes (Glendora) - good velo, if he was going to get it, he'd have it. Unless someone is talking to already, probably a JC guy who moves on. Don't know grades, could walk on to many places.

Garkow (Charter Oak) - JC guy.

Possible college players
Calderaro (San Dimas) - throws well, RHP not enough velo for big time college ball. Heart? Always hurt?

Bailey (Charter Oak) - smaller school non D1.

Northrop (Charter Oak) - see other RHP velo issues, not a big time college guy, JC and move on possibly.

Plowman (Bonita) - good thrower, JC.

Murakami (Amat) - can he swing it at the next level? Avg arm, heard USF? but if he had it, he'd have signed it! Silly not to, so who really knows.

Bergara (Amat) - come on! JC at best.

Seymour (Amat) - JC guy, swings it well but position? Has a good arm, but.

Regis (Glendora) - some local D1 schools are interested, love the left handed corner guy's, should be interesting to see how it plays out, but getting the looks.

Woodward (Glendora) - we'll see.

Elias (Northview) - ????
Macias (Northview) - ???
Valenzuela (Covina) - ???

Ortega (Damien) - has the build for it, arm strength has improved greatly as has his hitting. Not a big money guy, but could get some attention. Really like as a smaller college guy, CAN YOU HEAR ME CAL POLY POMONA... APU or Chapman fits nicely.

Garcia (Damien) - gotta love a lefty who can play anywhere on the diamond. Fiesty pitcher with avg velo, throws well. Lefty's get a pass on the velo if they have movement and pitch well. Getting some looks. Another smaller money D1 guy who could be a stud anywhere below this level.

Dworack (Damien)- not sure he can play corner at d1 level, again , if he had it he'd of signed it, late money potential, better at the lower levels.

SANANTONIOfan, are you kidding? Nogales better then SH? you guys have no hitting and your ace is out.
But i guess you could always win by bunting

SANANTONIOfan, are you kidding? Nogales better then SH? you guys have no hitting and your ace is out.
But i guess you could always win by bunting

Thats what wrong with this blogging....Typical parent (goLA) talking trash about high school kids. Grow up.

PS.

You don't have to to be a genius to figure out who is the better team....8-4 final score! Wilson was very lucky that LA did not pitch any of their aces.

Wilsonfan,

I was also there. You can talk all you want about hits, strike outs and what ever other stats you claim, bottom line, none of that counts at the end of the game. I can tell you what counts....8-4 final score. If wilson made errors thats because they suck!!! It is all part of the game, creating opportunities and capitalizing on them. Baseball is a game about hitting, throwing and catching. The team that does that better will win the game. I love watching Tomsio pitch. My son has played with him since they were 8-years old. Since last year, Tomsio is all Wilson has, once he was pulled off the mount, Wilson looked like a little league team!

Dmitri Longoria of LA pitched real good in the 8-9 loss against SH. I would keep an eye out for him. Looked like a pretty big kid, only a junior throwing bout mid 80s when he was on... coming from the left side. He will help out LA alot

P.S.

Thats why they are this year's rankings, not last year. Wilson is a better team than last year so your comment about winning 1 game last year shows your intelligence and your knowledge of the game.

Don't forget that the VVL gets gimmes like Pomona and Ganesha 3 times each. I'm not so sure BP is so good this year either. The bottom half is pretty soft. Plus Bishop Amat has only 5 league teams, giving them space to add a few of those tougher non-league that were mentioned below (Chatsworth, Loyola, Damien, St Francis). That's 6 pretty tough games

Hey Go LA,

Since I was there and I saw it and now I checked Maxpreps....Wilson's starting pitcher had 9 K's and gave up three hits. LA scored on a couple of errors but barely hit the ball out of the infield when they did hit it. Wilson had 10 hits, 5 of them being doubles but just didnt cash them in. Up until the 7th, Wilson played way better and is a better team than LA, but baseball is a funny game and unfortunately the best team did not win, only the better team today. Until the 7th inning, Wilson was in complete control.

Oh Come on Fred just give those Bishop Amat Cry Babies their number 1 spot. We all know who's the real #1, NORTHVIEW!!!!!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHA

TJ,

I agree that NV has the tougher schedule with the VVL, also the teams back East usually receive a rude awakening when they come to socal to play, so I would expect Amat to have a pretty good tournament.
GO AMAT!

Kudos to Amat for being in the National Classic, but if you go watch those games, you will see that the teams from out of state are not all they're cracked up to be. A couple years ago, I saw Charter Oak play in this tournament and beat a team and play another high ranked team to a tough game. That was a year that Charter Oak wasn't all that too. The competition that the So Cal kids face year in year out is better than what these out of staters are used to. It won't surprise me to see Amat play well and it wouldn't surprise me to see NV play well in it either if they were there. You have to be invited and the time Charter Oak and Bishop Amat got to play was after winning CIF. This NV-Amat rivalry that has developed is funny because it was just a game and NV won this year, so be it, they get bragging rights this year. It could be different next year. The National Classic schedule is nice and a good measuring stick, but remember us Amat guys get to play La Salle, Bishop Montgomery, St. Monica multiple times, while NV has to play San Dimas and Covina (Pill) 6 times. With exception of National Classic, I'll take Amat schedule as less tough. I'm true blue, but I like and appreciate good ball and two of our 4 opponents in the Glendora Tournament only have 4 wins between them right now and Glendora coughed up some opportunities against us or we could've ended up on other end of that one. When it's all said and done, I think we'll be rolling again towards playoffs, but let's get rolling first. Go Lancers!!!!

I agree Foo, the VVL is WEAK. Other than NV and Covina, the rest are wannabes.

Congads, C O
Hit the ball yesterday, Northrop complete game. What a little run support will do. That dug out probably has the most talent, and the pitching staff is experience, and NV can have #1, I heard C.O. lost to NV 2 - 1 on a pass ball is that true??

no 1 fan
anyone can eat anyone on a given day..
walnut came off a tough win against nogales last week... after letting nogales score its only run in the first, it held them scoreless the rest of the way while they scored a run in the sixth and then the winner in the 10th
does that mean south hills is better than nogales? no
as you said, walnut beat theselves, but that is how it is in sports...
sometimes you get breaks your way... sometimes you dont..

localbasebass
Walnut beat them self. They had that game won. Who ever wrote the story sound like a SH fan. Yes De La Fuente is a good picture. Maybe #1 in SGV.

Fan,

It does not matter who Amat plays in the National Classic, what does matter is if Amat can win those games and how they actually fair in the tournament. Until then NV is more deserving of the #1 spot.
Amat will play some very good teams in this tournament and should with all their pitching fair very well. GO AMAT!

northview has a stronger league but nobody in their league compares to amats schedule in the national classic. what team can compare to the #2 team in teh nation which amat will be playing.Please tell me one team Northview plaus that can compare to St Johns who amat will be playing

Congrats to CO for winning a key game, are they going to repeat? No they had more talent last year, their outfielders were all seniors who had some pop, the current players are small, they are just not that good. They will win more games because the coaching staff will not give up. At the end of the day i take the ring and lose the next 2 years.

Hey #1 FAN, the name of the game is to catch and throw the ball, if you can not do this then you are not very good. SH hit the ball hard all game but to the OF, then SH realized your IF is not very good. Tyler pitched a good game, got a little tire and then Dimitri threw a few 90mph, yes a few, and walnut was swinging at air. DeLaFuente is back, as good or better then anyone in the SGV.
SH has a soph catcher that is lights out, this kid is big and can flat out hit.

Sry I forgot to mention this in one of my past comments but because no charter oak fans areon here I will help defend them.. If some don't remember they also started off bad last season and rallied to win cif so do not count them out of anything.. Now am I saying they will repeat this year?? Extremly unlikly but you never know its way to early to tell

Fred
Sorry to tell you that SH is not all that. Yes they beat Walnut to day 5 to 3, but that was to bad coaching. Walnut infield had 5 E in the bottom of the 5th. Walnut need a new SS. and 2nd baseman. Yes SH Walnut beat them self.

Hey, does anyone think that CO woke up today?? They beat Bonita 7-0. They looked pretty good.

I am not referring to 8-4 as an A## whooping, I am referring to the beating they will get in the next upcoming games. I can not believe that a team who won one game last year and a few this year is now ranked in the top ten on this blog.

8-4 isn't whooping sum1.. In that case how do u count 17-5 10-1 13-4 ???? All covina scores against good teams

8-4 isn't whooping sum1.. In that case how do u count 17-5 10-1 13-4 ???? All covina scores

Wilsonfan
LA-8, Wilson 4. How do you dominate a baseball game??? By scoring more runs. What counts is the score and nothing else. Keep making excuses to justify the a## whipping Wilson is in for. Last year they won one game if at all. Wilson Sucks!!

Just wanted to say good job to our boy Pill and congrats for your win. Good luck against NV you guys, PLAY BALL

Don,

my brother plays for Covina and I was at Friday's game. I agree with you, SD players just didn't seem to gel,I know they lost a couple of guys this year who were really good. Maybe their confidence level is low and it will take time to come together as a team. When I played them two years ago they had a great hitter in Garvino,good side arm pitcher, can't remember his name and a 2nd baseman that was relentless. I'm pretty sure they are all gone.

Its not always about just who u beat eather.. Its about how many runs u put on the board and how many you allow. Honestly if covina can pull off a whooping on northview then covina should jump up.. But if northview does the opposite.. Then northview can pritty much write there name onthe throne untill the next time around

Head-to-head is the trump card when the body of work is similar, so Northview is clearly the #1 over Amat, without question. But honestly, that body of work changes as the season goes on. I don't think that anyone can question that competing in the the National Classic is a little tougher than picking your own pool in the Northview Tournament. And for those that are touting the strength of the VVL may want to slow your roll and wait to see how things shake down. NV and Covina are for real, but lets see if San Dimas figures out their chemistry issues and if Baldwin Park rebounds from their 0-5 start. After that Pomona and Ganesha are as bad or worse than any of the teams in Amat's DV league.

St Paul and La Salle could end up being pretty good, while other non-league games against Loyola, Damien (Doubleheader) and St Francis (double header) might just make that regular season strength of schedule a little tougher than you seem to be giving it credit for. I think when you look at that rationally - you'll see the same. Now we'll see how the Lancers do with that schedule - and that remains to be seen.

But that's why we play the games.

Foo,
Your fellow Amat fan saved grace for Amat with his post about NV beating Amat, thus deserving #1, but back to you, take a look at the schedules of NV and Amat off of MaxPreps and you tell me who has a tougher schedule. Your league is terrible and your playoffs is a JV Division. I'm sorry, nothing against the Amat players, perhaps you have no control of who you play, but Foo's post is incredibly stupid. Also, there has to be some consideration from Fred Robledo on the Valle Vista League teams on strength of schedule because a loss to Northview, Covina, or San Dimas should not drop you like a loss to Sierra Vista or Diamond Ranch for example would.

Commtments
Pill (Covina)- Fullerton
Pedroza (Northview)- Fullerton
Ramirez (Alhambra)- Fullerton
Leyland (San Dimas)- Irvine
Reyes (Amat)- Irvine
De La Fuente (South Hills)- Pepperdine

Soon to be Commitments
Ponzo (San Dimas)
Fox (Amat)
Mistone (Amat)
Zuniga (Amat)
Ybarra (South Hills)
Arnold (Northview)
Andrade (Northview)
Mier (Bonita)
Gelalich (Bonita)
Rutherford (Arcaida)
Smoley (Arcadia)
Melchor (Nogales)
Blagg (Los Altos)
Plutko (Glendora)
Janclaes (Glendora)
Garkow (Charter Oak)

Possible college players
Calderaro (San Dimas)
Bailey (Charter Oak)
Northrop (Charter Oak)
Plowman (Bonita)
Murakami (Amat)
Bergara (Amat)
Seymour (Amat)
Regis (Glendora)
Woodward (Glendora)
Elias (Northview)
Macias (Northview)
Valenzuela (Covina)
Ortega (Damien)
Garcia (Damien)
Dworack (Damien)

Commtments
Pill (Covina)- Fullerton
Pedroza (Northview)- Fullerton
Ramirez (Alhambra)- Fullerton
Leyland (San Dimas)- Irvine
Reyes (Amat)- Irvine
De La Fuente (South Hills)- Pepperdine

Soon to be Commitments
Ponzo (San Dimas)
Fox (Amat)
Mistone (Amat)
Zuniga (Amat)
Ybarra (South Hills)
Arnold (Northview)
Andrade (Northview)
Mier (Bonita)
Gelalich (Bonita)
Rutherford (Arcaida)
Smoley (Arcadia)
Melchor (Nogales)
Blagg (Los Altos)
Plutko (Glendora)
Janclaes (Glendora)
Garkow (Charter Oak)

Possible college players
Calderaro (San Dimas)
Bailey (Charter Oak)
Northrop (Charter Oak)
Plowman (Bonita)
Murakami (Amat)
Bergara (Amat)
Seymour (Amat)
Regis (Glendora)
Woodward (Glendora)
Elias (Northview)
Macias (Northview)
Valenzuela (Covina)
Ortega (Damien)
Garcia (Damien)
Dworack (Damien)

Wilson is still clearly a better team than LA, with better players. Wilson was without one of their best hitters today and until the last inning, Wilson dominated the game. The suck part is that we lose out starting shortstop and one of our best hitters and pitchers, Tomsio, for the next five games to a school trip to Europe. Our starting center fielder has been out for four games already to injury, so its going to be tough for Wilson the next 10 days. Keep fighting Cats. LA sucks.

Hey Fred,
Wilson beat Charter Oak and you made a big deal...LA just beat Wilson 8-4, do we get our picture in your blog?

Alanshore

You don't know the half of it! One of my kid's played for that guy, it's no wonder they looked so down, that coach is a real piece of pie. I can't believe he is still there.

Don,

From what I understand they are unhappy. I've heard from other coachs as well as players, that their coach is a pretty negative, bitter guy.

Seems simple enough to understand - although I guarantee you, NV's league is way tougher than the league that Amat is in -now I get that that is not Amat's fault...but NV has 3 other very tough teams in the VVL. Having said that, you are right and again it seems simple -- If NV loses a few and Amat doesn't - well DUH, up the ladder they go. Stay strong Vikes

It is very simple. We both have one loss . We both beat top teams . NV beat us head to head . Until one loses again and the other one wins, NV is number 1 due to head to head competition .

Commtments
Pill (Covina)- Fullerton
Pedroza (Northview)- Fullerton
Ramirez (Alhambra)- Fullerton
Leyland (San Dimas)- Irvine
Reyes (Amat)- Irvine
De La Fuente (South Hills)- Pepperdine

Certain to be Commitments
Ponzo (San Dimas)
Fox (Amat)
Mistone (Amat)
Zuniga (Amat)
Ybarra (South Hills)
Arnold (Northview)
Andrade (Northview)
Mier (Bonita)
Gelalich (Bonita)
Rutherford (Arcaida)
Smoley (Arcadia)
Melchor (Nogales)
Blagg (Los Altos)
Plutko (Glendora)
Janclaes (Glendora)
Garkow (Charter Oak)
Torres (Charter Oak)

Possible college players
Calderaro (San Dimas)
Bailey (Charter Oak)
Northrop (Charter Oak)
Regis (Glendora)
Woodward (Glendora)
Murakami (Amat)
Bergara (Amat)
Elias (Northview)
Macias (Northview)
Valenzuela (Covina)

Let Me Know What Everyone Thinks

Unless Northview Loses a few games and Amat continues to tear up the D5 schools then move Amat back to the one spot, but if Northview continues to win they stay at One based on the head to head win vs Amat. Altho some argue if they played a best 3 out of 5 Amat would win, who knows, and that is not going to happen. Northview deserves the #1 spot they came to play that cold Saturday nite.

foo is a fool. you beat a team you should be ranked ahead of them. typical amat fan that uses no logic

you are one whacked fool foo--amat played 1 tough team (besides nv) and YES THEIR DIV 5 schedule is a piece of cake compared to the valle vista. Get Real foo-you are leaving in that fake amat world over there!! Weak team = even weaker league

ACTUALLY NV is 6-1 and while they lost the second game 1-0 to Mayfair, it was only after romping them the first game 19-3. maybe EVERYBODY got in the second game and Vikings looking towards tough week ahead. maybe.

Despite losing a 2-1 ball game(I dont count the two runs scored on a pop fly that I heard should have been caught)to Northview, the Lancers just knocked off City League powerhouse Chatsworth. And you still count the Northview Vikings as your number one team? Get over it. They beat Amat ONCE. The vikings play nobody for the rest of the year and will remain unchallenged until playoffs. Amats schedule albeit DIV is still tougher day in and day out than that of the NV Vikes!!! If NV stumbles against Covina, c'mon Fred, stop trying to make everyone happy and call it like it is, AMAT is #1. Lancers baby!!

Sergio Santos transferred to Mater Dei, but I think far earlier than before his senior year(maybe even after his frosh campaign).

Was drafted by the Diamondbacks, working his way through the ranks to AAA, and was included in the Troy Glaus trade to Toronto.

Wasn't tearing it up at the plate, but he was still listed as a shortstop - and that's a good sign.

SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!.............!!!!

Whatever happened to that big shortstop out of Los Altos a couple of years back, maybe 8 years ago? Didn't he transfer to an Orange County private school before his senior season?
He was a can't miss kid?

Hispanic kid with a bat, glove and arm. What happened to him?

Historans?

Good question about kids with game who don't get a lot of attention. It may be less of an issue this year than in the past because so many different teams playing well. I mean if it takes a Walnut beating Nogales or a Wilson over C O win to spread the spotlight, all the better.

Los Altos is surely an underdog in the Miramonte, but one worth watching. South Hills had to come from behind to beat the Conqs last Tuesday, (before walloping them 18-4 two days later). Saturday, Bonita had to score four runs in the seventh to tie and five more in the 8th to beat L A who has some boys who can hit the ball, among them Magallon, Moreno and Ybarra.

Thanks for the great info., as well as your opinions. It's nice to read the intelligent, informed posts on this blog. Especially from people who can spell! LOL

Hello Fred, you are completly correct, the kids and parents know this but coach always has an excuse why he dodges any type of competition. The sad thing is that they could compete and beat any of these teams. They have a top player along with a very good supporting cast.

Don. Again outstanding observations.

So much for the Glendorians calling for Henley's head ...but it's early. Glad to hear his son is doing well.

But the same could be said about Damien and their coach. As is said too often, "Winning cures all ills."

As far as Charter Oak. I'm left with this observation. Look at the NFL and the recent teams in the Super Bowl...what's their "next year" record...most miss the playogffs...can you say Chicago Bears? maybe that's what's going on at CO. Either way glad all the Coach Q. bashing is over....but again it's early.

Wonder if you could give a little credit to the "golden nugget" players who labor on maybe not the best teams, but have real game.

What do you think Don..which players are must see players in your opinion and we've "missed" them?

Biggest surprise so far: Charter Oak at 1-6 is as much a stunner as anything in recent memory. With arguably the Valley's deepest pitching staff going into the season the Chargers are floundering as they begin league play.

Biggest no-surprise so far: South Hills at 5-0; although they just squeeked by Ayala and Los Altos.

Biggest story, Père et fils Division: Dan Henley, Glendora's Coach who so far seems to be keeping Tartan fans happy and son Ryan whose play for Bonita has been routinely excellent both at the plate and in the field.

Biggest surprise so far, Volume ll: Call it Parity in the Valley, nobody, but nobody could have convinced me in February we would be looking at impending free-for-alls in the Miramonte, Valle Vista, and Sierra Leagues (not to mention the underdog emergence elsewhere). Maybe it is the water.

Biggest no-surprise so far, Volume ll: Amat's success; fundamentally sound, the Lancers have fine pitching and D and the likes of Reyes, Mistone, and Fox to provide the big hits. A lot of schools would have sat on their rings and waited to roll up the Division again. Props to the B A staff for booking the tough non-league play they have.

A small observation on my part: I've seen some grim teams over the years but Friday's San Dimas crew might take the cake. Take nothing away from Covina's Ty Pill Friday whose masterful performance was remarkable for this time of the year, but the Saints looked like they had been asked to do something very unpleasant, maybe dangerous. Think of the kid's faces in the landing craft during the invasion sequence of “Saving Private Ryan” and you sort of get the picture. A bunch of tense and unhappy boys who all things considered, looked like they wanted to be elsewhere.