Around the league, it seemed nearly unanimous that the league coaches expect Cabrillo to be the most improved team this year.  Jaguars coach Erick Bryant didn’t want to get ahead of himself, but agreed his team should be improved from last year, when the Jags went 2-10.  “We’re still going to have to win some shootouts,” he said.  “But we’re putting the pieces together.  We’re right there knocking at the door.  I know these kids can compete, it’s just learning how to finish.”

The biggest test as always for an upcoming program is how their pitching and fielding will go, and Bryant feels he has two solid options on the mound in Ramiro Rosalez and Ray Hisquierdo.  “If we can get some innings from Martin Agredano, it’ll be a huge lift.” 

Rosalez is the team leader, according to Bryant, and his performance this year will dictate whether or not the Jags can notch some upsets.  “We’re just going to hop on his back,” he says.  “He’s our captain, and we’re going to ride him.”  Upsets would mean more involvement from the school, and a general boost to morale at a school without a baseball history.  “We’re just trying to continue to build the foundation,” says Bryant.

The Team

In addition to the pitchers above, Bryant is happy with the continued improvement in his team’s ability to hit.  Sophomore shortstop Louie Terrazas was an all-league player last year, and is hitting over .500 through Cabrillo’s nonleague schedule, which admittedly won’t feature the talent the league does.  Backing up the excellent little slugger Terrazas is senior outfielder Luis Venegas, who Bryant expects to be a high performer this year (he leads the team in percentage at 7-11 so far this season).  Rounding out the lineup are Armondo Perez, the excellent second baseman and solid hitter Wesley Madera, catcher Chris Salinas, and third baseman Lester Norsweather.

Click here to see where Cabrillo stands in the 2010 Moore League Coaches’ Poll, and click here for the full 2010 Moore League schedule.