2023 Team Preview: Casa Grande Gauchos

The Road to the California State Games begins with the 2023 California high school baseball season. With the season just around the corner, our staff has begun putting out team previews from all around the state, getting you prepared for another year of exciting coverage.

Today we focus on the Casa Grande Gauchos who battled through some injuries to key seniors last season while also regularly playing and depending on five sophomores. The Gauchos finished with a 19-9 overall record last year and disappointingly fell to eventual section champion and league rival Ukiah in the semi-finals. With the experience gained by the 2024s last season, and returning two seniors on the left side of the infield, there is hope the team can move one step further in the playoffs.

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Team:

Casa Grande Gauchos

Head Coach (years at school):

Pete Sikora

Twitter Handle:

N/A

CIF Section & Division:

CIF NCS D2

Conference/League Name:

Vine Valley Athletic League

Last Year’s Record:

19-9

7-5 (League)

2022 Playoff Run:

Lost CIF NCS D2 Semi-Final

# of Returning Starters:

7

# of Returning Pitchers:

3

Team Expectations:

Compete for VVAL league title, secure NCS bid, earn an opportunity to compete in the NCS D2 final.

Team Strengths:

Return a strong and deep junior class, five of whom were contributors as sophomores. Should have the ability to score runs more consistently than last season.

Areas of Improvement:

Experience and depth on the mound.

Top Uncommitted 23s:

Wyatt Abramson (3B/P) - Returning starter, had a strong all-around season in the field (can play any number of positions and do so well), on the mound, and at the plate. Was football’s starting QB this past season and is now finishing up the basketball season.

Jordan Giacomini (SS) – Moved into starting role at SS toward end of last season, playmaker, flashes catalyst ability on the offensive side. Impact athleticism. Coming off a successful football season at WR and will join the team after the basketball season.

Top Uncommitted 24s:

Kalen Clemmens (OF/C) - Played in 26 of 28 games last year, made starts in the outfield and behind the plate. Up and down offensive year was not indicative of what he can do as a middle of the line-up hitter. Gained valuable experience last season.

Alex Cruz (1B/3B) - Significant middle of the line-up run producer, coming off an All-League season and can expect more of the same production, more consistent production. Had a knee procedure in the offseason so may need some time to round into shape.

Jeffrey Rice (RHP/OF) - Came up at the end of the season and contributed nicely with the bat. This season he will also be important on the mound. Good athlete, will be coming out of basketball season so will need some time to get in baseball shape.

Austin Steeves (OF/LHP) – Shined as the starting CF and lead-off hitter but also turned in a quality year on the mound, culminating in an All-League selection. Expect more of the same, including shouldering the lead role on the pitching staff.

JT Summers (C/P/1B) – Came up to the varsity team in May and performed well as the starting catcher for the remainder of the year. Sound behind the plate and will be leaned on as a middle of the line-up presence and run-producer. Could also factor in on the mound.

Top Uncommitted 25s:

Brady Laubscher (RHP) – Competitive multi-sport athlete, did well in winter season competition.