Everyone is shooting for Burlingame

"We have that target on our back and everyone wants to come after us," said Burlingame manager Rich Sciutto.

The following is a look at Burlingame and Carlmont and their prospects for the season. Non-league records are in parentheses.

Burlingame (4-5)

The Panthers are the reigning Central Coast Section Division II champion and despite returning five starters, will be a different team this season.

Gone are the big bats that would thump pitchers with extra base hits. This season, the Panthers are going to rely on "small ball" — manufacture runs, steal bases and do whatever it takes to put runs up on the scoreboard.

"What we need offensively is to score more runs," Sciutto said. "We're averaging six, seven hits a game and averaging four runs a game (in the preseason)."

Look for the offense to pick up a bit with Drew Shiller finally finished with basketball. Shiller is probably the most versatile player in PAL, capable of playing any position — including pitcher and catcher. In his first game, Shiller came on to pitch in relief. He faced six batters and struck out five.

Shiller will play "Wherever we need him," Sciutto said. "We could use him for anything."

The Panthers also return their middle infield with Logan Freethy at shortstop and David Tufo at second.

Sciutto is pleased with Freethy's offense thus far.

"Logan's been popping the ball pretty well," Sciutto said.

Tufo, however, injured a finger Saturday night against Serra. The team won't know the severity of the injury until the swelling subsides.

Shane Arslan is another returner. He played mostly as a designated hitter last season but is taking over the first base job and batting in the cleanup position.

With Shiller able to start or relieve, the Burlingame pitching rotation could be formidable. Eric Fregosi, the reigning PAL Bay Division Pitcher of the Year, returns for his senior season. In the Panthers second game of the season, he limited a tough Newark squad to four runs on four hits in six innings of work. He took the loss against Serra. Junior Jon McDonnel will also help out the rotation. A linebacker and fullback on the Burlingame football team, he takes that football attitude out to the mound with him. With a nasty curveball, he can make batters look silly at times.

Two newcomers — Andrew Ticzon and Bryce Gotthardt — give the Panthers excellent speed in the outfield as well as on the basepaths.

Sciutto was a bit concerned with the catching position, but sophomore Adam Chickman has shown he can handle the job.

"He's learning every game," Sciutto said. "Right now, he looks like he could be the starter. He's worked hard on his skills."

Carlmont (4-4)

The Scots lost 10 seniors from last season's Bay Division runner-up squad, but manager Norm Hayes prepared his young team this year by playing one of the toughest non-league schedules around.

"We lost 10 guys but we'll hold our own in league," Hayes said. "We've played some tough teams (in preseason)."

The Scots pitching staff may be one of the deepest in the division, although Hayes has yet to determine a rotation and is still in the process of defining roles. Chris Davidson is a returning starting pitcher and has looked good thus far. Just about everyone else has some pitching experience — from Matt Denys to newcomers John and Jamie McGowan to Tony Parmisano, the team's only left-handed thrower.

"We're pretty deep in arms," Hayes said.

Although Carlmont lost the Bay Division's Player of the Year and a number of other quality hitters to graduation, the Scots' offense should be fine. Left fielder Ryan Scoma returns and will be a key to the Scots' offensive success.

"He's hitting for a lot more power," Hayes said. "He's an integral part of our team."

Center fielder Nick Shabatura starred on the Carlmont frosh-soph team that went 18-8 last season. He should give a boost to the offense as well.

"Quick kid, hits for power," Hayes said. "He's starting to come into his own."

Hayes is really high on freshman third baseman Jarrod Hopper. Although he knows there will be adjustments, Hayes believes Hopper can be one of the best in the league, eventually.

"He's 14 years old and he's a player," Hayes said. "He can play baseball. Give him three years and he'll be one of the top players in the area."

Denys, a senior, has big shoes to fill at shortstop, taking over for graduate Matt Bou. The same could be said of Parmisano at first base, replacing Matt Wolfe. Denys saw some playing time last season at third and in the outfield. In addition, he'll serve as a long reliever and closer out of the bullpen.

"[Denys has] done a really good job this year," Hayes said. "He's played up to the hype."

The catching chores will be handled by Danny Galvin and Kyle Baca-Daily, both seniors. Baca-Daily has been on the varsity team since he was a junior, but sat behind Matt Van Orden the past two seasons. Galvin is currently the starter but expect to see Baca-Daily get plenty of time behind the dish.

"Kyle started three games," Hayes said. "He's adjusting to playing more often than he has in the past."