There was some disgruntlement on why reigning three-time Pacific Division champion North Salinas was not bumped to the Gabilan Division this spring.
The program has gone 49-5 in the Pacific Division during its run of titles. But graduation did strip this team down, particularly pitching, where it has allowed 26 runs in three non-league games.
The one recognizable name in the Vikings lineup is three-year starter Tim Burkhardt, who drove in a team high 17 runs last year while belting a pair of homers.
Watsonville's appearance in the Gabilan Division was brief as it's back in the Pacific, where it has presented the biggest challenge to North Salinas' title runs in 2014 and 2015.
Alisal has some momentum coming into this spring, having closed last season with three straight wins after enduring a horrific five-game skid that took them out of playoff contention.
Still, the 15 overall wins for the Trojans was an improvement for the fourth straight year. It was also the most wins for the program in 28 years.
The core of last years team is back with the return of all-leaguers JC Maravillo and Ruben Gomez, both of which finished among the team leaders in hits last year.
Maravillo is also the ace of the staff while Raul Garnica and Josiah Ramos have sprayed the ball all over the field.
For the Trojans to make a postseason run, they have to find a way to get past North Salinas, which has beaten them 14 straight times.
Alisal opens Pacific Division play on Wednesday, hosting the Vikings.
A sleeper in the Pacific Division will be Seaside, who had just one senior on last year's roster, and has outscored two non-league opponents 24-4.
The heart of this team starts with four-year starter Tristian Beza, who is also the ace on the mound, and led the team in runs batted in last spring.
Daniel Sayre and his team high 31 hits from last year are back along with Roderick Gaskins and Ray Huggins III.
Six freshmen are filling spots on the roster for the Spartans, including Tristan Trotter, who has hit safely on both games.
Sophomore AJ Valdez is off to a blistering start at the plate for North County, who also returns all-leaguer Josh Garcia and Adrian Soto.
Alvarez made a playoff push last year, going 7-1 before finishing the year 2-4 and falling short for a postseason berth.
Pajaro Valley will come into league play looking to snap a 108-game league losing streak.
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