In this edition, we continue our preseason previews and take a closer look at the Silverado Skyhawks.  Coach Brian Whitaker and his staff are optimistic that the time invested in younger players during the 2018 season will start to pay dividends. After a disappointing end to 2018, the Skyhawks look to capitalize on the six returning starters.  

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Team: Silverado 

Nickname: Skyhawks

NIAA Classification: 4A

League: Desert

Head Coach: Brian Whitaker

2018 Overall Record: 11-19

2018 League Finish: 8th

2018 1^st place Finish in League: Rancho

2018 Postseason Finish: 0-2

Number of Returning Starters: 6

Number of Returning Pitchers: 5

Top Returning Players: ’20 2B Caleb Hubbard; ’21 RHP Christopher Cortez

College Commits: ’20 Caleb Hubbard-  ; ’21 Christopher Cortez – San Diego State

Top 2019 Players: 1B Jarod Hill; CF Sean Graves; P/INF Austin Whitaker; P Angel Garcia
Angel Garcia

Top 2020 Players: 2B Caleb Hubbard; OF/C Brant Hunt; P Jared Nixon

Other Players to Watch: P ’21 Christopher Cortez; ’21 INF Andrew Maxwell; ’21 P Tanner McDougal; ’21 P Ryeant Horacek; ’21 INF/OF Zach Johnson; ’21 P Ryan Skelly; ’22  INF Rowdy Reid

2019 Outlook: Following an early exit from the playoffs last season.  The Skyhawks are optimistic about 2019. While returning six starters, the Silverado Skyhawks remain youthful.  They will rely on the experience gained last season by some of those younger players.  Silverado skipper, Brian Whitaker will look to the right arm of Christopher Cortez to anchor the pitching staff.  As a sophomore in 2018, Cortez posted 3-1 record with a 1.81 ERA, striking out 41 in 37 innings. Cortez will be joined by Austin Whitaker and Angel Garcia in hopes of solidifying the staff.  Jared Nixon, Ryeant Hornacek, Tanner McDougal and Ryan Skelly will surely see time on the mound and their success could weigh very heavily on the overall success of the Skyhawks.

Offensively, 2B Caleb Hubbard (.379/0/22) will lead the charge for Silverado.  The second baseman had a standout 2018 campaign and the Skyhawks will need a similar performance in 2019 to empower their lineup. Austin Whitaker and Jarod Hill will offer some needed experience in a lineup that will need its younger players to “step up”.  Potential lineup infusions could come in the way of players like, Andrew Maxwell, Rowdy Reid, or Zach Johnson.

Rest assured, Coach Whitaker and his staff may lack true, on field experience in what appears to be young group.  That being stated, this group is coachable with a strong desire to win and should not be overlooked.  The will surprise some opponents and win some games that only the Skyhawks except to win.