Since 2006, Richmond and Rangeley have dominated the diamonds of Western Class D. Those two teams enter 2009 as the region’s favorites once again.

Defending state champion Rangeley must replace its top two pitchers from last season. Ben Bliss, the winning pitcher in the Lakers’ 3-2 victory over Katahdin in the state game, graduated and hard-throwing lefty Luke Hammond transferred. Still, the Lakers have the talent to contend for a third straight regional title.

“We have the hitting. We have the pitching,” Rangeley coach Mark Gordon said.

Rangeley returns three players who started last June’s state championship game, designated hitter Jordan Richard, first baseman Zach Abbott and second baseman Ross Gordon. Coach Gordon hoped to get shortstop Alex Rodway back from Carrabassett Valley Academy as well.

The Lakers will get a boost from the return of senior outfielder Quinn Philbrick, who missed all of last season with a knee injury. Juniors Pat Anthony and Craig Marshall are back at Rangeley after missing previous seasons as students at CVA. Anthony will be one of the Lakers’ top pitchers, while Marshall can catch or play the outfield.

Ross Gordon and Richard round out the pitching staff behind Anthony. Freshmen Alec Morton and Eric White could contribute quickly.

The return of three starting pitchers and a number of position players makes Richmond the preseason favorite in Western Maine Class D. The Bobcats lost to Rangeley in the last two Western Maine championship games despite going 31-4 over that span.

This season they return three seasoned pitchers in Matt King, Josh Brown and Nick Woods. Junior Bruce Carver could also see some time on the mound as well as Kyle O’Brien. Richmond coach Ryan Gardner likes his team’s pitching and defense, but is unsure how the Bobcats will hit.

“We’ve got plenty of speed, we’ve just got to get on base,” he said. “I think we could be really successful playing small ball.”

Woods, who stole 27 bases last season, is the team’s leadoff hitter while Carver, who batted .468, will likely hit third.

“We’ve got some young kids who will really have to step up for us,” Gardner said.

At Forest Hills, coach James Caron has more eighth graders on the roster (two) than he has seniors (none). Sophomores Josh Mercure and Dylan McNally are the Tigers’ top two pitchers and will lead the offense, too. With 11 players on the roster, everyone will contribute, Caron said.

“Hopefully, we’ll see some offense from the younger players as well,” Caron said.

Junior Cory Plante did some pitching last season, but is recovering from shoulder surgery. For now, Plante is limited to playing first base.

Valley has a new coach in Winslow native Caleb Morin. Like Forest Hills, Valley’s roster isn’t deep. The Cavaliers have 10 players.

“If anybody goes down with an injury, obviously it’s a concern,” Morin said. “These guys are all willing to step in for each other.”

Senior Jonathan Hunnewell will pitch and catch for the Cavaliers. Zack Mathieu could also see time on the mound and will play some first base.

After years of practicing on a bumpy, uneven field and playing its games on the road, the Kents Hill baseball team has a brand new turf field.

Coach Jim Smucker has a few good returning players, including shortstop Ryan Dorso and pitcher Tom Ferri, but he doesn’t anticipate a power hitting lineup.

“We must be able to play small ball and make the routine plays,” Smucker said. “A lot will depend on our pitching and our ability to get ahead on the count.”