2020 Preseason Preview: San Joaquin Memorial Panthers

TEAM:

San Joaquin Memorial Panthers

HEAD COACH (years at school):

JD Salles

OFFICIAL TWITTER:

@SJMHardball

CIF SECTION & DIVISION:

Central Section / Division 1

CONFERENCE/LEAGUE NAME:

CMAC

LAST YEAR’S RECORD:

27-5

PLAYOFF RUN:

Central Section Division 2 Champions

# OF RETURNING STARTERS:

7

# OF RETURNING PITCHERS:

3

OUTLOOK: 

Coming off their 2019 Division 2 Title run, Coach Salles and the Panthers are moving up to Division 1 and have goals of repeat in League and Section Championships. Returning a deep group of talented players including 7 offensive players, San Joaquin Memorial will cause nightmares for opposing pitchers. With key veterans returning on the mound, this area could make or break the season. San Joaquin Memorial have been building into a Central Valley Power and with the offensive/defensive talent on the 2020 team, that momentum should continue. 

TOP RETURNING PLAYERS:

‘20 OF Jalen McMillan - 6 2 190, R/R

Best Defensive outfielder in recent history. Committed to Washington on a football scholarship. Will hit in the top of the order and will be a huge part of our team offensively.

‘20 OF Mac Dalena - 5 11 170, R/R

Hit leadoff in 2019 and had a .545 OBP on his all-state campaign. One of the best baserunners. Competitor with instincts that can't be taught. Will play outfield for us and hit at the top of the order.

‘20 C/3B Tyler Davis - 6 1 185, R/R - Fresno State commit

One of the best defenders in the valley, made only 2 errors all season at 3rd last year. Has been waiting to catch and will be one of the best catchers around. Has been a 4 year varsity player and will hit in the middle of the order. 

‘20 RHP Jayden Jones - 6 2 195, R/R

Returns to lead the pitching staff. Surprise for the Panthers in 2019 as he threw 8 innings in the section title game. Can throw all pitches for a strike and will be huge for us.

‘20 RHP/OF Joey Bell - 6 3 210, R/R

Has an electric arm and a chance to contribute on the mound and with his bat. Has shown a lot of power and velocity, has a chance to dominate once the control is there. 

‘21 3B/OF/C Tanner Sagouspe - 6 1 190, R/R

Hit 440 last year and had 40 RBI as a sophomore. One of the best hitters in our section and also the best arm in our section. Will be our closer on the mound and hit in the middle of the order. 

‘21 MIF Eddie Saldivar - 5 8 170, L/R - Long Beach State commit

Hit .350 last year with 38 RBI. Has a chance to be one of the best players in the valley for the 3rd year in a row. Very polished as a baseball player. Above-average defensively and one of the top 2021 players in the state. 

‘21 RHP Josh Castro - 6 1 195, R/R

Pitched a gem in the semi-finals for us. Will log a lot of important innings this year. Strike thrower who competes and understands the game.

THE FUTURE:

‘22 OF Jack Sampson - 5 10 170, L/R

One of the fastest players in the section. Has a chance to compete for some time as a sophomore and can be utilized as a weapon.

‘22 MIF Mikey Bell - 6 1' 180, R/R

Started 24 games at SS in 2019 to replace an injured senior. Hit 350 as a freshman and played great defense. Will only get better, and one of the top uncommitted MIF in the area.