Raiders land reinforcements

Having to work three senior transfers and other younger, fresh-faced players onto a baseball team can seem like an impossible chore.

But if that team has eight straight playoff berths under its belt, the transition becomes a lot smoother.

With two transfers from Kofa and one from Yuma High, Cibola looks for its ninth straight playoff appearance this year - especially after No. 8 ended with two straight losses in the double-elimination state tourney.

Joey Robles, a catcher who transferred from Kofa, said Cibola was going to be good this year - whether or not he, fellow former King Edgardo Celaya and former Criminal Jose Contreras joined the team.

"As long as everybody keeps working hard, everybody is going to have a good impact," Robles said. "It's a good program overall, and even if we weren't here it would still be a good program. Hopefully, we can help them out."

Coach Duane Evans said the team lost four or five seniors from last year's team. As for the role the trio will have in helping the team back into the playoffs, Evans said it was "hard to say."

"They're quality ballplayers, they're good kids and it's nice to have them in the program," Evans said. "But it's a different year and there's a lot different things going on. We expect them to contribute and help this team out, and I think it's only a good thing for us."

Robles will back up Daniel Vega behind the plate and also see time at first. Josh Contreras played short last year, but will fill more of a utility role this year for the Raiders, who have Daniel's twin Jose at short. The Vegas add a big chunk of offense to the Raider lineup.

The third transfer, Edgardo Celaya, will play second base.

"We have a real good team this year and are real excited to start playing," said Celaya, who hit .333 last year. "I'm just hoping to help out the team as much as I can and have a good year. We have a lot of talent; all we have to do is all cooperate and do as much as we can and we'll be alright."

From the chemistry standpoint, Evans said the early-season schedule - starting with the Desert Vista tournament today - will help the players to get to know each other in a hurry.

"I think it's important, especially this time of year, to get some early tournaments so that we can go on the road and gel," Evans said. "It gives us some time to get to know each other and get some unity."

Contreras agreed, saying unity would be the key to a successful season.

"We have to work as a team," said Contreras, who hit .361. "That's what baseball's about - work as a team. Everyday we just practice and try to get to know each other more and more everyday."

Evans said the goal is another region title followed by a little more postseason luck.

But as Evans said again and again, the role the transfers play in that quest is "hard to say."

"Is it make or break for the season? No," Evans said. "But it's definitely going to help us."