2017 Chaparral Baseball Capsule

Head coach: Dave Soto, sixth season

2016 record: 20-10 (11-3 Division I-A Sunrise, second)

Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (four)

Top players: 3B/SS/P Erick Villarreal, 1B/C/P Connor Jarvis, C/P Robert O’Connor, IF/OF/P Antonio Vara, IF Talon Greene, James Cobian, Thomas Pablo

Outlook: Vara (.380, 21 runs), Villarreal (.340), O’Connor (32 runs, 18 RBIs), Jarvis (18 runs, 16 RBIs) and Greene (23 RBIs) give the Cowboys plenty of offensive weapons to start the season.

“The 2017 version of the Cowboys will be one where offense leads the way,” Soto said.

And the Cowboys may have to score a few more runs this year to make up for the loss of Mark O’Connor, who was 8-0 with a 0.44 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 47 innings in his senior season last year.

“Losing Mark O’Connor and his unbelievable year will be hard to overcome,” Soto said. “But we should be able to do the job. Defense has been given a top priority while always focusing on baseball fundamentals. What we lack in numbers, we overcome with hard work, sacrifice and dedication.

“This will be an exciting year.”