Prospects are good in Cal League

Before they made it to the Hall of Fame, Don Drysdale, Joe Morgan, Don Sutton, Reggie Jackson, Rollie Fingers, George Brett, Dennis Eckersley and Kirby Puckett all had to prove they could make it in the California League, a 10-team minor league stretching from Stockton to Lake Elsinore. Although a version of the Cal League existed as early as 1887, the current circuit was founded in 1941. After a three-year suspension for World War II, the league returned in 1946 and opened play for the 62nd consecutive season earlier this month.

A Class-A full-season league, the California League is a rung in the middle of the minor league ladder, two steps above rookie ball and two steps below triple A. But it is unique among minor leagues in that half its teams play in ballparks located less than a 90-minute drive from at least one big league stadium.

Other prominent Cal League alumni include Rickey Henderson, Ken Griffey Jr., Mark McGwire and Pedro Martinez.

SOUTH

HIGH DESERT MAVERICKS

Seattle Mariners

Phone: (760) 246-6287

Website: www.hdmavs.com

2007 record: 54-86

Comment: The losingest team in the league a year ago, the Mavericks are off to a fast start this season behind the hitting of catcher Travis Scott. Outfielders Greg Halman, a 20-year-old from the Netherlands, and Carlos Peguero, a 21-year-old Dominican, are among the Mavericks with the highest ceilings.

INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS

Dodgers

Phone: (909) 888-9922

Website: www.sixtysixers.com

2007 record: 72-67

Comment: Although the 66ers lost 11 of their first 15 this season, the minor league talent in the Dodgers' system is among the best in baseball -- and much of it is on display in San Bernardino. Pitchers James Adkins, Josh Wall and Javy Guerra, third baseman Josh Bell and catcher Carlos Santana all rank among the Dodgers' top 21 prospects.

LAKE ELSINORE STORM

San Diego Padres

Phone: (951) 245-4487

Website: www.stormbaseball.com

2007 record: 74-65

Comment: Left-hander Cory Luebke and catcher Mitch Canham were both first-round picks last June and will be playing their first full summer of pro ball this year. But outfielder Cedric Hunter, who made a brief visit to triple A last season, may have the biggest upside of anyone on the Storm roster.

LANCASTER JETHAWKS

Boston Red Sox

Phone: (661) 726-5400

Website: www.jethawks.com

2007 record: 83-57