By Greg Williams
PA Director of Scouting

The 2012 season ended with a 3-1 loss to Upper Moreland in the first round of the playoffs for the Sun Valley Vanguards. Coach Kraig Kaufhold's squad finished the regular season at 9-10 in fourth place behind conference champion Bayard Rustin. The Vanguards return six starters and five pitchers from a year ago with a deep pitching staff being a team strength heading into the 2013 campaign. Kaufhold feels the experience of the pitching staff and the return of four three-year varsity position players will be team strengths. He sees the lack of a true ace on the staff being the primary weakness for this year's squad.

Following is a look at the players likely to play a role in the success of the Vanguard's 2013 season.

Class of 2013:

• 1B/RHP Jake Burrell - 6'3", 210-pound 1st Team All-Chestmont League selection in 2012. Led the Vanguards in nearly every offensive category last season.
• OF/RHP Nick Lewis - 5'8", 170-pound starting center fielder who will also likely act as the closer.
• 3B Mario Farnell - 5'10", 195-pound three-year starter in the infield.
• RHP Kevin McGarvey - 6'3", 220-pound pitcher with imposing size.

Class of 2014:

• OF/IF/RHP Jay Evans - 5'7", 160-pound junior who has the ability to play many positions.

Class of 2015:

• C C.J. Pruitt - 5'10", 165-pound sophomore starting catcher.
• SS Ryan Burton - 5'10", 155-pound starting shortstop as a sophomore.

• PBRPlus - Mar 6, 2013
  Inside look at Philadelpia's loaded Inter-Academic League
• PA - Mar 5, 2013
  Preseason Preview: Minersville Battling Miners (District 11)
• PA - Mar 5, 2013
  Updated Class of 2014 Rankings
• PA - Mar 4, 2013
  Updated Class of 2013 Rankings
• PA - Mar 4, 2013
  Preseason Preview: Bishop McCort Crushers (District 6)