2020 Preseason Preview: Serra Padres

TEAM:

Serra Padres

HEAD COACH (years at school):

Chris Houle (23)

OFFICIAL TWITTER:

@Serra_baseball

CIF SECTION & DIVISION:

Central Coast Section / Open Division

CONFERENCE/LEAGUE NAME:

West Catholic Athletic League

LAST YEAR’S RECORD:

19-11

PLAYOFF RUN:

Semi-Finalist of Open Division

# OF RETURNING STARTERS:

3

# OF RETURNING PITCHERS:

5

OUTLOOK: 

After a strong 2019 that saw the Padres make solid runs in both the West Catholic Athletic League (WCAL) Tournament and a Semi-Final run in the Central Coast Open Division, Serra returns a deep group of pitchers ready to help them be a front-runner in the WCAL for 2020. Those front of the line arms will be counted on especially in the ever-tough WCAL league where pitching and defense tend to be the carrying tools. With that said, don’t count out this Padre offense. Returning multiple key position players and a strong group of Juniors who are coming up to make an impact on the depth and power in the lineup, this offense should have bigger outputs than the 2019 team. Playing clean, fundamental baseball has been a Serra staple, and will be counted on again in 2020. If this group of Juniors reach their peak, this Serra team could be playing at Old Municipal Stadium come the end of the season. 

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS:

‘20 LHP Drew Dowd - Stanford Commit

One of the best pitchers in the WCAL, and possibly in NorCal, Dowd has the stuff to be a front line starter at the next level. Power stuff that misses bats and will battle to be Pitcher of the Year in WCAL. 

‘20 SS Tyler Shaw - Claremont McKenna Commit

Defensive chops showcased regularly with ability to range both ways and accurate arm. Top of the order type of bat designed to get on and execute.

‘20 C Mitchell Nabeta - Puget Sound Commit

Athletic and flexible catcher who could probably play multiple INF/OF positions if needed. Compact bat will be counted on in turning lineup over. 

‘20 OF/INF Matty Fung

Versatile, instinctual athlete that can play multiple positions. LH swing is short and quick with ability to spray balls around the field; more pop than frame lets on. 

‘20 OF Logan Azem

Big summer showcasing compact swing and athleticism all over the field. Hustle-all out type of player who has a little bit of everything. 

‘20 RHP Benito Valle-Janda 

Soaked up a lot of innings in 2019 on his way to 2nd-Team All WCAL. Able to control the baseball and attack hitters. Ability to manipulate baseball and move through lineups. 

‘21 OF/INF Patrick Keighran - USF Commit

Standout for PBR CA Future Games team showing the current power in his bat and versatility to play multiple corner spots on both sides of the field. 

‘21 3B Thomas Gould - Santa Clara Commit

Started at 3rd as a Sophomore on way to 2nd Team All WCAL and showcased above-average defensive skills including a strong arm. Compact, gap-to-gap bat that will hit in the middle of lineup and do damage. 

‘21 C Nico Button

Physical LHH catcher showing arm strength and fluid glove hand. Swing is made for power to the gaps. Was on Varsity as a Sophomore and looks to be the lead Catcher heading into the 2020 season. 

‘21 LHP Connor Brady 

Pitched big innings as a Sophomore and was counted on late in the season. Body is still developing and CB flashes as Above Average when at it’s best. 

‘21 C/1B Pablo Ossio

Another physical, LH hitting Catcher/1B type that has shown the skills to stick at either position. Bat will play in the 2020 season and have a chance to do some damage in the lower-middle of the lineup.