The 2010 baseball Warriors should be solid on the mound, but question marks remain about their defense and whether Orestimba will have enough punch at the plate to put together a successful season.

Coach Louie Dominguez said he will look to returning seniors Michael Pargaz, Luke Pasco and Alec Santos for leadership on the field.

“The guys we lost from last year, like Craig Beevers and Jack Escobar, are going to be tough to replace,” Dominguez reflected. “The seniors coming back are going to have to carry us as far as they can.”

Pargaz will be the leader of the pitching staff.

A number of players will contend for the No. 2 starting spot and to back up the starters in a relief role.

Sean James, Blake Dudley, Abraham Virgen, Joseph Lance and J.J. Moreno will all get an opportunity to throw.

“We’ve got some guys who can throw strikes,” Dominguez commented. “One of those players is going to have to step up as our second starter.”

Santos is slated to catch, while Pasco returns at first base. When not pitching, Pargaz will anchor the infield lineup at shortstop.

“Defensively, our outfield should be pretty good but we’ll have several new players in the infield,” Dominguez explained. “We don’t really have a second or third baseman yet, or a shortstop when Pargaz is pitching.”

Dominguez expects varsity newcomers Moreno and Lance to contribute at the plate, and said sophomore Brandon Perez should add some punch to the lineup as well.

But, he conceded, “the hitting is where we have some question marks.”

One of the goals, Dominguez said, is to build a solid program with an eye on the long term.

At the same time, the Warriors want to earn their share of wins this spring.

“We should be able to compete,” Dominguez remarked. “You never know what will happen in baseball if you throw strikes and make plays.”

Orestimba visits Ripon Christian today (Thursday) and travels to Denair Friday. The Warriors are on the road until hosting Livingston on March 23.