FIELDER’S CHOICES: Back in the saddle again with baseball, softball picks

Sad that spring break is over? Don’t be — the real fun is yet to come.

I’m talking league games dripping with postseason implications. I’m talking regional playoffs full of intrigue.

It took me a while to put together scouting reports for baseball and softball teams after Eric and I survived our trip back from Reno (long story), but rest assured, I haven’t gone anywhere.

I am, however, wondering who put Bud Selig in charge of tournaments involving area teams. Tech’s softball team has as many ties (two) as its boys soccer team had all season.

Good thing you won’t find any ties in my league predictions:

BASEBALL
Northwest League

Champion: Arbor View

Runner-up: Palo Verde

The Aggies get the nod because they have deeper pitching, but the Panthers boast a potent lineup. And don’t forget about Cimarron-Memorial.

Southwest League

Champion: Bishop Gorman

Runner-up: Sierra Vista

Another season, another ring for the Gaels? The Mountain Lions could have something to say about it, especially if Nick Kingham is on the hill when the two teams meet. Good thing they take four teams for the playoffs, because this is the American League East of Southern Nevada baseball.

Northeast League

Champion: Rancho

Runner-up: Las Vegas

This is finally the year the Rams break through and knock off the Wildcats.

Southeast League

Champion: Green Valley

Runner-up: Silverado

The Gators strike me as the most viable threat to Gorman’s bid for another state title.

3A Southern League

Champion: Virgin Valley

Runner-up: Boulder City

Boulder City will compete, but how can’t you give the edge to the two-time defending 3A state champions?

2A Southern League

Champion: Needles

Runner-up: The Meadows

The young Mustangs will continue to improve, but it’ll be hard to top the older Mustangs.

Central League champion: Beatty

Southern League champion: Pahranagat Valley

Both teams appear to have improved from last season — bad news for others in 1A.

SOFTBALL
Northwest League

Champion: Arbor View

Runner-up: Palo Verde

At least six teams are worthy of reaching the postseason, so someone is going to get left out. The Aggies finally broke through in girls soccer, and I see softball following suit.

Don’t count out Cimarron-Memorial if the Spartans can regroup from their puzzling start. Centennial lost too much from last year’s state title team.

Southwest League

Champion: Bonanza

Runner-up: Durango

Perhaps the toughest league to pick, but I settled on the team I think returned the most. I can confidently say the league champion won’t go 15-1 like Durango did last year (just to spite me, they might go 16-0).

Northeast League

Champion: Las Vegas

Runner-up: Valley

The Wildcats have wins over Bonanza, Silverado and Cimarron, and they played Green Valley tough. Not a bad resume out of the gates.

Southeast League

Champion: Green Valley

Runner-up: Basic

I long ago circled April 7 and 27 on my calendar — the dates when these two teams do battle. Are the Wolves ready to leap from contender to favorite?

3A Southern League

Champion: Boulder City

Runner-up: Virgin Valley

Perfect example of why we need more teams in 3A. This won’t be close.