Region 4 baseball preview

TIMPANOGOS TIMBERWOLVES

COACH: Kim Nelson, 26th year, 12th at Timpanogos

LAST YEAR: 19-7, tied for first in Region 4

OUTLOOK: The T-Wolves again have a solid batting order and probably a little better pitching than they had last season. They've got two very solid starters and a good closer. To live up to expectations, however, they'll need to become reliable in fielding the baseball. "If we can make the routine plays then I think the rest will fall into place for us," coach Kim Nelson said.

TOP HITTERS: Brett Lopez, Sr.; Taylor Lyons, Jr.; Christian Stewart, Sr.; Jordan Cooper, Sr.; Mitch Foster, Sr.; Jordan Mehlhoff, Jr.

TOP DEFENDERS: Lyons, OF; Cooper, INF; Foster, C; Stewart, OF

TOP PITCHERS: Rhett Nelson, Jr., RH; Gentry Croft, Sr., RH; Tanner Wolfe, Jr., LH; Devin Olson, Jr., RH; Lyons

PREDICTED 2008 REGION FINISH: First

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SPANISH FORK DONS

COACH: Jim "Shoe" Nelson, 23rd year

LAST YEAR: 18-8, tied for first in Region 4

OUTLOOK: The Dons have the deepest pitching staff in the state. They're No. 5 in the rotation would likely be No. 1 or 2 on any other team. However, they've been a bit spotty on defense and a little inconsistent in run production - which makes them vulnerable in low-scoring games. "We're starting to get a little more consistent at the plate and we're hoping to carry that consistency into region play," coach Shoe Nelson said.

TOP HITTERS: Tyler Hanks, Sr.; Brock Duke, Jr.; Gentry Mitchell, Sr.; Kirt Daley, Sr.; Damon Ward, Sr., Taggart Lunceford, Jr.

TOP DEFENDERS: B. Duke, INF; Hanks, INF; Mitchell, OF; Lunceford, C; Michael Hayes, OF

TOP PITCHERS: Hanks, RH; B. Duke, RH; Devon Nelson, Sr., RH: Selby Brummett, Sr.; RH; Adam Duke, So., RH

PREDICTED 2008 REGION FINISH: Second

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AMERICAN FORK CAVEMEN

COACH: Jarod Ingersoll, sixth year

LAST YEAR: 14-8, tied for first in Region 4