Two divisions to face off on the field

"Last year we only played 12 league games, and I suggested the crossover (format in the offseason) so we'll see who's the best on the field instead of just talking about it," San Mateo coach Tony Chavez said. "Now you have all 11 teams in the Bay and Ocean playing each other."

Change is constant in the PAL, and this year is no different. There are two new first-year coaches in the Ocean, with Jesse Velez taking over at Aragon and Tim Faulkner at Woodside. Menlo School, the defending Central Coast Section Division III champions, along with Capuchino, looks to be the favorites even though both teams entered the week with .500 records. Ocean Division teams start crossover play today — weather permitting of course — with Aragon at Burlingame, Capuchino at Carlmont, Menlo at El Camino and Half Moon Bay at Woodside. Game times are 3:15 p.m. Here is a sample of the local flavor, with current record in parentheses.

Aragon (2-7)

The Dons are in a rebuilding year, but the highlight of their preseason was a 9-1 whipping of San Mateo three weeks ago. Ace Steve Kalush will be looked upon to lead a pitching staff that includes Noel Alexandre, Brian Rhodes and Dave Schmeeckle. The 5-foot-10-inch Kalush has great movement, pinpoint placement and is a potential league pitcher of the year candidate behind Menlo's Andy Suiter. Velez is impressed with first baseman Marc Landalian's consistent ability to make contact and put the ball in play; Landalian is hitting .360 and shown the ability to hit line drives to all parts of the field.

However, Aragon has struggled on offense — "We just haven't been able to chain hits together," Velez said — so it's imperative that catcher Andy Fyfe and third baseman Daniel Chu continue to stay disciplined at the plate. Other key players include second baseman Brandon Barron, shortstop Steven Chan and outfielders Daniel Logmarsino, Keith Green and Ryan Marblestone.

"We're struggling at certain positions right now, especially on defense," Velez said. "I think the key is we're going to have to get our No. 2 and 3 pitchers to throw strikes and to stay injury-free because we're not that deep."

Capuchino (2-2)

Third-year coach Matt Wilson hasn't been this excited since the 2003 season, when the Mustangs advanced to the Central Coast Section Division III semifinals. He has plenty of reason to be optimistic, with all the tools necessary to reverse last year's dreadful 2-22 season.

Joe Dieterle, Donte Snyder, Mills-transfer Jesse Orozco, Greg Gonzales and Heath Connell give Capuchino arguably the best and deepest pitching rotation in the entire PAL. The five-man staff is a mixture of powerful flamethrowers (Orozco and Gonzales), crafty and accurate finesse type hurlers (Snyder and Dieterle) and a durable workhorse in Connell.

The Mustangs' lineup hits for average, power and there's plenty of speed throughout. Edgar Hernandez, Chad Hendrick, Jared McGrew, Joey Kattenhorn, Blake Interdonato, Andrew Perotta and twins Kevin and Kyle Wild all are expected to contribute. Wilson said the team is motivated and inspired to erase last year's rock-bottom finish.

"I asked them what their goals were at the beginning of the season," Wilson said, "and they all feel they can make it to CCS and win some games. I think we're very close to the team of two years ago. There are no weak spots and we have so much talent and depth pitching-wise that I don't label anyone an ace because they're all good. I can't wait for practice to start everyday and the team realizes if they work hard, they can do something special."

San Mateo (2-6)

Due to a "rash of suspensions, injuries and bad baseball," Chavez said, the Bearcats are in the midst of a six-game losing streak. The good news is San Mateo has the talent to challenge for the division title. The pitching rotation looks to be strong with Ryan Hammer, Andrew Cheung, Anthony Asp and Cameron Fox.

Last year the Bearcats rallied to finish 14-11 after starting 2-5. Because of the strong finish, Chavez said the team might be pressing a bit with its own overwhelming expectations this year.

Chavez said that mentality has created the team's offensive woes. If the Bearcats' lineup can snap out of its doldrums, look out. Centerfielder C.J. Easter, who hit .450 and stole 25 bases last year, is always a threat to create havoc, while sophomore Lee Shaffer has provided stability at second base by playing every inning this year. He's walked five times and been hit by a pitch six times, making for quite an on-base percentage. Other key players include Mark Garcia and Luis Camacho. San Mateo finished 1.5 points out of the final Division II playoff spot last year.

"It's been tough and I'm a little disappointed in how we've played the last few games," Chavez said. "We're still trying to find our strengths. We do everything OK but nothing great. Offensively, I think some of the guys are trying to do too much. We definitely have the guys to turn this around, and it's just up to us to make it happen."

Woodside (2-3-1)

The Wildcats suffered a key loss when starting shortstop Julian Edelman was lost for the season after he broke his back while taking swings during a batting practice session early in the season.

Despite the loss, Faulkner, 25, is genuinely excited about his team and its prospects. A 1997 Woodside graduate who later went on to play at Santa Rosa Junior College and UC-Riverside, Faulkner and his coaching staff looks to bring unbridled energy and passion to a program that has consistently produced top-notch talents. Dan Rogers leads a solid rotation that includes Matt Erickson, Tony Ricci, Nick Mantani and Alex Johnson.

Faulkner said the key to the season is whether the lineup can consistently produce enough runs. Woodside has a number of talented underclassmen manning positions, with freshman John Bordy at second base. Ryan Gilmore and Luca Ferrieri form a nice 1-2 combo behind the plate, while first baseman Michael Stauffer and sophomore shortstop Ben Parnes provide a solid defensive presence in the infield. Johnson will also play third, and James Crosby, Ricci, Brian Mahlstedt, J.R. Deoliviera and Jared Tondino form a speedy outfield.

"The team speed is great and Stauffer can absolutely fly," Faulkner said. "He's one of the fastest players around and we're going to be pretty aggressive on the bases. You're going to see a team that plays hard and with a lot of intensity."