HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL: MOUSTAKAS IMPRESSES.

Byline: HEATHER GRIPP Staff Writer

Chatsworth High junior shortstop Mike Moustakas is in Joplin, Mo., this week trying to earn a spot on the USA Baseball Junior National Team. Moustakas was already turning heads among the elite before he departed for Missouri.

As a three-year starter on Chatsworth's nationally ranked team, Moustakas' power hitting and strong arm at shortstop are hardly a secret. However, he surprised scouts recently when he tried out for the Area Code Games as a catcher and turned in an impressive performance.

Moustakas had one of the top times in throwing to second base, and his overall arm strength compared well to the other catchers at the tryout at Cal.

The versatility could further increase the stock of the player who already rates among the nation's top high-school position players. The left-handed Moustakas batted .427 with 47RBIs and a school-record 14home runs this season for the City Section finalists. He was named City Player of the Year.

During SPARQ testing at the Area Code tryout, Moustakas' bat exit velocity was the highest of any player participating.

He was invited back for the next round of tryouts in July.

Team USA: Chatsworth junior third baseman Matt Dominguez and Agoura junior pitcher/catcher Robert Stock join Moustakas as locals trying to earn a spot on the 18-and-under Junior National Team.

They are among 144 players divided into eight teams for this week's Tournament of Stars, from which up to 32 players will be selected to attend team trails in September.

The three locals each had big days for their respective teams Wednesday.

Dominguez, representing the American Legion all-stars for this week's tournament, went 2 for 3 with a three-run home run, giving him five RBIs through two games. Moustakas had two RBIs for the USA Stars, and Stock went 3 for 4 with an RBI for the American Amateur Baseball Congress team.

More all-star juniors: Chatsworth outfielder Bobby Coyle, El Camino Real of Woodland Hills third baseman Tyler Kolodny and Crescenta Valley of La Crescenta pitcher Dustin Emmons are on the South team for this weekend's North-South series showcasing top juniors from throughout the state. The three-game series begins today at UC Irvine.

Area Code standouts: Several locals began their quest this week to earn a spot in this summer's Area Code Games. Southern California tryouts for the prestigious showcase were held Monday and Tuesday at USC. Coyle and Newbury Park junior first baseman/pitcher Andrew Lambo were leading hitters at Monday's workout, and ECR sophomore left- hander Casey Fry was one of the top pitchers.

The Area Code Games are Aug. 5-10 at Blair Field in Long Beach.

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