The Times’ preseason baseball rankings

1. AGOURA (Division 1): Seven starters return, led by pitchers Tyler Cohen, Henry Baker and Andy Sondreaal.

2. MATER DEI (Division 1): Monarchs have a batting order that can produce lots of runs

3. ORANGE LUTHERAN (Division 1): There’s no lack of college prospects playing for Lancers

4. CYPRESS (Division 2): Catcher Tyler Alamo and shortstop David Fletcher will be tough to stop

5. BISHOP AMAT (Division 3): Lots of starters return from a team that doesn’t mind playing anybody and everybody

6. EL TORO (Division 1): With three standout pitchers back, beware

7. HARVARD-WESTLAKE (Division 1): Jack Flaherty’s pitching and hitting will be key

8. GAHR (Division 3): There’s lots of talent throughout the lineup

9. LONG BEACH POLY (Division 1): Any team with Chris Castellanos pitching is going to cause problems

10. VISTA MURRIETA (Division 1): Pitcher Tyler Russell always comes through

11. GARDENA SERRA (Division 3): An influx of transfer students has transformed Cavaliers

12. CHATSWORTH (City Division I): Chancellors are clear-cut favorite to win City championship

13. LAKEWOOD (Division 1): If Lancers develop an ace pitcher, beware

14. JSERRA (Division 1): Young players can propel Lions to top status

15. LOYOLA (Division 1): Strong pitching and exceptional defense will make Cubs tough to beat

16. CHAMINADE (Division 1): Everything is in place for Eagles to be a top team

17. BONITA (Division 3): Pitching transfers give Bearcats a big advantage

18. GREAT OAK (Division 2): Team has earned respect from winter performances

19. NOGALES (Division 4): Loaded with returnees, including ace Erik Gonzalez

20. DAMIEN (Division 2): Pitchers Grant Hockin and Jonathan Olsen are UCLA commits

21. EL DORADO (Division 1): The versatile Chris Rivera leads Golden Hawks

22. EDISON (Division 1): Young team last season won Sunset League

23. VALENCIA (Division 1): Vikings finally have the pitching to win some playoff games

24. EL CAMINO REAL (City Division 1): Top pitchers return for defending City champions

25. St. JOHN BOSCO (Division 1): Will have to break through in tough Trinity League

—Eric Sondheimer