2020 Preseason Preview: Los Gatos Wildcats

TEAM

Los Gatos Wildcats

HEAD COACH (years at school)

Justin Oliver (4)

OFFICIAL TWITTER

@lgcatsbaseball

CIF SECTION & DIVISION

Central Coast Section/Open Division

CONFERENCE/LEAGUE NAME

Santa Clara Valley Athletic League/De Anza Division

LAST YEAR’S RECORD

21-8

PLAYOFF RUN

Open Division 1st Round Loss

# OF RETURNING STARTERS

8

# OF RETURNING PITCHERS

4

OUTLOOK: 

Expectations should be high for the Los Gatos Wildcats in 2020 returning 8 starters including two PAC-12 Commits. Los Gatos has been a lock for the Central Coast Section Open Division Playoffs for the past few years and this team expects to make it event further in 2020. This is going to be a deep and veteran team for the Wildcats with lots of their main contributors having been on Varsity for two or more years. The offense will be tough to navigate with weapons at multiple positions and a lineup that could put up crooked numbers on a regular basis. Pitching should also be strong with arms that got big innings in 2019 returning and if their defense can shore up, another Open Division run isn’t out of the question. The De Anza League and a strong non-conference schedule will challenge the Wildcats, but Los Gatos has high expectations and will be ready to back them up. 

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS:

‘20 SS Tommy Troy - Stanford Commit

Lightning rod atop the lineup with advanced bat, speed and pop. Game changer who has continued to improve his defense at the 6-spot. MLB Draft type of follow for Spring. 

‘20 C Jared Quant

One of the top uncommitted catchers in the area, Quant’s catch-and-throw stands out and is a major asset preventing runners from taking extra bases. 

‘21 RHP/C Tommy Splaine - Arizona Commit

Two-way player who has continued to improve his game. Will be counted on in the middle of the lineup during 2020 as well as being the #1 on the mound. Bright future on the hill with Changeup that flashes plus actions. 

‘21 OF Logan Johnstone - Gonzaga Commit

LH swinging outfielder with strong range/arm who took big leaps in the Summer/Fall. Bat-to-ball skills are solid and power will come as he continues to add strength. 

‘21 RHP/OF Jimmy Moore

Pitched some quality innings for the Wildcats in 2019 and should be on the hill regularly in 2020. If frame can keep strengthening there should be a jump in the pitches. Will also be able to fill in the OF when not on the hill. 

‘21 LHP/OF Michael Splaine

Player that the coaches have been talking up, battled injury riddled season in 2019 and could be hidden gem if fully healthy for 2020. Future might be on the mound where the live arm has made jumps. 

‘21 OF Mitch Deering

Athletic OF with the range to stick in CF. Flashed skills in 2019 and should be counted on more consistently in 2020. Hitting high in the order would cause damage on the base-paths.

‘21 OF/RHP Teague Drotar

Big and physical player who flashes tools to be a future RF. Bat can create damage with ability to lift baseball and will be an asset on the mound as well.

‘21 INF/C Jaden Mazzaferro

Multi-faceted player who will be asked to come up and contribute in 2020. Could spell players while still being an impact bat in lower portion of the lineup. 

‘21 INF Kai Hori

Middle infielder stepped in during 2019 and was able to show his defensive capabilities forming a 1-2 middle infield with Troy. Look for him to be a guy that can turn the order back over.