Baseball: Players to watch in 2013
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The high school baseball season begins next weekend, and here’s the link to a list of top players from around Southern California that I compiled from recommendations submitted by prep coaches.
Among the players of intrigue are sophomore pitcher Kyle Molnar of Aliso Niguel. He was clocked throwing a 92 mph fastball during the summer and showed lots of potential as a freshman.
Freshman outfielder Blake Rutherford of Chaminade played for his age group USA national team and could be an impact player.
The best pro prospect from the senior class is outfielder-pitcher Dominic Smith of Gardena Serra. Also receiving strong attention are catcher Jeremy Martinez of Santa Ana Mater Dei and pitcher Ryan Olson of Upland Western Christian.
Leading the juniors are infielder-pitcher Jack Flaherty from Harvard-Westlake. Also back is junior pitcher Alonzo Garcia of San Fernando (see above video from 2012). He was 12-1 as a sophomore.
The Times’ top 25 preseason teams will be out on Monday.
-- Eric Sondheimer