FIELDER’S CHOICES: Spring forward by following my baseball, softball picks

Struggling with your NCAA Tournament bracket? I know the feeling.

But don’t let it get you down. You can bounce back with your Southern Nevada baseball and softball picks, which is exactly what I’m striving for.

To “baseballfan,” I’m flattered you care enough to see my humble opinions on spring sports. As to your other comment, I had even less luck chasing girls in between seasons than with my bracket.

Friday was the first official day of spring, and league play throughout Class 4A begins Monday. I can’t get enough of this stuff, and neither should you.

Remember to leave your picks for me so I have something to read during math class.

BASEBALL

Northwest League: Cimarron-Memorial

The Spartans were 7-0 before a 15-5 loss to Sierra Vista on Saturday.

Seven starters are back from last year’s playoff club, including stud catcher Kaz Smith.

Cimarron opened the season by winning a tournament in Utah called the Little Caesars Invitational, which didn’t include many cupcakes.

If you haven’t tried Little Caesars and cupcakes together, it’s never too late.

Runner-up: Arbor View

Southwest League: Bishop Gorman

The Gaels will be playing some of their “home” games this season at Cashman Field.

And why not? They’ve got about as much talent as a Triple-A club. Gorman opened the season ranked No. 1 nationally by Baseball America, only to stagger to a 2-3 start.

But the Gaels have five Division I signees for a reason, and that talent will eventually shake off the rust.

Runner-up: Sierra Vista

Northeast League: Las Vegas

He’s only a sophomore, but if you have a chance to get Bryce Harper’s autograph, it might not be a bad idea.

He’ll probably be the No. 1 overall draft choice in Major League Baseball in 2011.

You know, he’s that hulking, 6-foot-3-inch catcher who was blasting 500-foot bombs during a showcase at Tropicana Park over the winter.

With all the intentional walks he’ll get, Harper could hit .700 this season (14-for-20).

It’s not just Harper, though. Seven others return from last year’s 12-0 team in league.

Runner-up: Rancho

Southeast League: Silverado

The Skyhawks opened some eyes with a 4-2 win over Gorman to start the season, and they won three straight after that.

Silverado can be streaky, but has as much experience as any team in the league. The Skyhawks have scored in double digits four times already.

Runner-up: Green Valley

3A Southern League: Virgin Valley

Runner-up: Faith Lutheran

2A Southern League: Needles (Calif.)

Runner-up: The Meadows

1A Southern League: Pahranagat Valley

Runner-up: Lake Mead

1A Central League: Beatty

Runner-up: Indian Springs

SOFTBALL

Northwest League: Shadow Ridge

Mandy Harmon has always been fearsome in the circle, but word is she has stepped it up at the plate for her senior season, too.

That’s bad news for the Northwest, in which runs will be a premium.

The Mustangs thumped a solid Green Valley team, 17-0, and won 9-1 over Spring Valley.

Six teams in the league are worthy of the postseason. Watching them duke it out until the final week (maybe game?) of the regular season will be a blast.

Runner-up: Cimarron

Southwest League: Bonanza

After going 5-7 in the league in 2008, the Bengals are 9-0 overall to start this season.

And yes, they’re for real.

In its first nine games, Bonanza has shut out two teams and allowed one run to three others. With numbers like those, they’d fit in more in the Northwest.

Runner-up: Durango

Northeast League: Las Vegas

It’s a rebuilding year for just about everyone in the league — and the nonleague records show it — but the Wildcats get the nod until someone can knock them off.

Las Vegas returns seven from a team that went 12-0 in the Northeast last season, including stud second baseman Bri Guzman.

Runner-up: Eldorado

Southeast League: Green Valley

The Gators have weathered the storm to start the season 4-1 without injured pitcher Alicia Firelein, who was 19-2 last season in

leading Green Valley to the Sunrise Region title game.

In her absence, Katie Stewart has carried the load. If Firelein returns, watch out for that duo in the circle come playoff time.

Runner-up: Foothill

3A Southern League: Faith Lutheran

Runner-up: Boulder City

2A Southern League: Needles

Runner-up: Lincoln County

1A Southern League: Pahranagat Valley

Runner-up: Tonopah