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Here are the Daily News’ preseason baseball rankings heading into the 2023 season, which begins Saturday, Feb. 11.
BASEBALL TOP 10
1. Notre Dame: The Knights, who were the CIF Southern Section Division 1 runner-up last season, return a quad of talented seniors in the field with Dean West (UCLA commit), Madden Ocko (Fordham), Ryan Limerick and Greg Pierantoni (Pamona-Pitzer). The bullpen is loaded with talent, too, with Justin Lee (UCLA), Oliver Boone (Cal), Levi Sterling (Texas) and Sammy Petrocelli (Stanford).
2. Harvard-Westlake: The Wolverines return Will Gasparino (Texas), Bryce Rainer (Texas), Tommy Bridges (TCU), Owen Carlson (Cornell) and Kai Caranto. Pitcher Duncan Marsten (Stanford) returns from injury and is expected to have a big year.
3. Crespi: The Celts are primed for a huge year under coach Mike Glendenning, returning Mission League pitcher of the year Isaiah Magdaleno (Hawaii), Cal-commit Ethan Kodama in the outfield and shortstop Chris Arce.
4. Newbury Park: The Panthers possess an ultra-talented bullpen with Cole Miller (UCLA), Derek Turner (Cal State Fullerton) and James Guyette (Kansas St.).
5. Hart: Hart will return a Foothill League championship team led by Brayden Jefferis, Ryan DeLaMaza and Michael Hogen with a deep, talented pitching staff including Mike Rogozik and Sean Elsee.
6. Calabasas: The Coyotes return one of the area’s top players in Phoenix Call (UCLA) with coach Thomas Cassidy back as head coach. Peter Lynch and Jordan Kingston are the top arms on the mound.
7. Oaks Christian: The Lions won the CIF-SS Division 3 championship last year and will look to make another run with Elijah Clayton, Tommy Famer (Texas), Finley Buckner (Cal) and ace Jaden Onaca (San Jose State).
8. Birmingham: Coach Matt Mowry is heading into his 17th year as a head coach with big-hitter Gavin Taylor (BYU) and shortstop Vince Cervantes. Daniel Flores and Kaden…
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