2020 Preseason Preview: Pacific Grove Breakers

TEAM:

Pacific Grove Breakers

HEAD COACH (years at school):

Gil Ruiz (16)

CIF SECTION & DIVISION

Central Coast Section/Division 3

CONFERENCE/LEAGUE NAME

Pacific Coast Athletic League/Gabilan Division

LAST YEAR’S RECORD

23-5

PLAYOFF RUN

Division 3 Semi-Final Loss

# OF RETURNING STARTERS

5

# OF RETURNING PITCHERS

3

OUTLOOK: 

Coming off a 2019 season that ended too soon for the Breakers, 2020 looks to be a season where Pacific Grove will be challenged as the move into the uber-competitive Gabilan Division of the Pacific Coast League. Losing big-time contributors from last season won’t help, but the youth could be ready to take big leaps. Deep in catching and offense, Coach Ruiz will be looking for some new players to step into the middle of the field and lock down the defense. When a team has a veteran manager like PG does, a strong rebound 2020 season isn’t out of the question. The Breakers will need to make leaps through the season to reach their potential. 

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS:

‘20 C/INF Dan Rosas - 6-2, 210, R/R

Smart Catcher with strength in the frame and bat has made strength leaps and should be the veteran counted on to hit in the middle of the lineup. 

‘20 3B Josh Mares - 6-1, 180, L/R

One of PG’s most consistent hitters in 2019, Mares shows the gap-to-gap power to be a threat in the middle of the lineup. Defensively his strong arm fits the hot-corner. An under-the-radar player who could impact clubs. 

‘20 1B Chianti Carter - 5-10, 215, R/R

Showed strong bat speed and the power to stick at 1B. A player who will be asked to step in and impact the lineup.

‘21 C/UTL Nathan Wood - 6-1, 170, R/R

Started behind the plate as a Sophomore and showed the growth and versatility to impact the club at other positions. Bat speed is real and the tools to keep improving. A name for coaches to follow.

‘21 INF/RHP JJ Courtney - 5-10, 160, R/R

Up and coming player who will be asked to lock down one of the MIF spots. Quick and compact swing made for contact. 

THE FUTURE:

‘22 MIF Zach Lewis - 5-10, 165, R/R

Played multiple positions for Breakers in 2019 as a freshman and will be asked to be starting SS in 2020. Bat-to-ball skills have consistently shown up and looks to be a leadoff guy for PG.

‘22 RHP/OF Brenden Moore - 6-1, 180, R/R

One of their best pitchers as a Freshman, expect Moore to be the #1 in 2020 and has the stuff to be a big-time pitcher out of the Central Coast Section. When not pitching will be counted on with Bat and coverage in OF.