"This year we have the most depth I've ever seen in all aspects."
The Vaqueros' experienced pitching staff is spearheaded by returning starting pitchers Joe Stephen, Michael Noteware and reliever Josh Natham, as well as sophomore transfer Nick Woodward, who has been penciled in to start the team's season opener at L.A. Harbor at 2 p.m. today.
West L.A. transfer Ryan Sherriff adds a lefty arm and Jake Hamblen is another candidate to fill out the rotation.
"Those guys will see a lot of the innings this year," said Cicuto, whose remaining nine pitchers include Hoover and USC graduate John La and Citrus transfer Thomas Corn. "We definitely have some depth here."
Offensively, the Vaqueros, who went 15-21 and 7-14 in the Western State Conference last season, appear to have a talented group of hitters, who will take their instruction from former big leaguer Brady Anderson, who is also the Angelenos hitting coach.
"Brady Anderson being our hitting coach and being involved with the California Collegiate League, that brought a lot of attention, too," Cicuto said.
Hoover graduate Sako Chapjian is the returning starter at third base, but Cicuto said he also wants to find at bats for third baseman Nick Bozeman, whether at the hot corner or elsewhere.
Injuries took a toll on the Vaqueros last season, but some of those key players have bounced back, including middle infielder Matt McAllister. USC transfer Sean Spear will also play up the middle.
"Those two guys are pretty solid," said Cicuto, who has a capable backup middle infielder in Eric Matranga.
There's depth at first base, as well, with sophomores Michael Sherwin, who was also injured last year, David Park and Ellis Whitman in the mix.
