The Times' top 25 baseball rankings

Preseason high school baseball rankings by Ben Bolch: Rk. Team (2009 rec., Sec.-Div.) Comment1 EDISON (23-6, SS-Div. I) Lake Elsinore's Storm Stadium will become Edison Field on June 5.2 CRESPI (21-11, SS-Div. II) On a scale of 1-10, ace Ryon Healy was 11-0 last season.3 JSERRA (22-7, SS-Div. I) Catcher Austin Hedges is such a threat to opponents, "Danger" should be his middle name.4 BISHOP AMAT (26-6, SS-Div. IV) Lancers loaded with so many college-bound players that theme for season could be "Committed."5 CAPISTRANO VALLEY (26-6, SS-Div. I) Having won three CIF titles at Angel Stadium and three at Dodger Stadium, Cougars to try Petco Park.6 ORANGE LUTHERAN (18-11, SS-Div. I) Lancers return 10 starters and bad taste from playoff loss to Capistrano Valley.7 MATER DEI (24-6, SS-Div. I) Homer-happy Cory Hahn is back to lead Monarchs in quest to go deep in playoffs.8 PALM DESERT (22-6, SS-Div. IV) Top desert attractions now include premier golfing, high-end restaurants and Aztecs baseball.9 WEST RANCH (21-8, SS-Div. I) If outfielder Allen Sarkissian goes to Washington, football coach may try to say they're related.10 CHATSWORTH (30-4, City-Div. I) Only thrill Chancellors haven't had at Dodger Stadium is Vin Scully calling their game (hint, hint).11 ROYAL (19-7, SS-Div. I) Pitcher Cody Buckel schedules workout for pro scouts following "American Idol" audition.12 YUCAIPA (27-3, SS-Div. II) Thunderbirds hope to save some runs -- and victories -- for the playoffs.13 FULLERTON (21-8, SS-Div. IV) Cal State Fullerton Coach Dave Serrano trims recruiting expenses by nabbing a pair of Indians.14 ST. JOHN BOSCO (14-11, SS-Div. I) When you think "shortstops" and "St. John Bosco," naturally you think Dante Flores.15 CYPRESS (19-10, SS-Div. II) Eight returning starters should be enough for Centurions to make extended postseason run.16 QUARTZ HILL (19-9, SS-Div. III) Pitcher Jack Sheeley is so unflappable that he could be described as a Rebel and a bulldog.17 MARINA (22-7, SS-Div. I) Surf City USA will become Hardball Central each time Vikings take on Sunset League rival Edison. 18 REDLANDS E. VALLEY (23-7, SS-Div. II) Wildcats suffer loss before opener when outfielder Tyler Shreve is dismissed from team.19 UPLAND (20-5, SS-Div. II) Heavyweight pitcher Scott Frazier scores his knockouts via fastballs.20 LA MIRADA (18-12, SS-Div. II) No chance of a sophomore slump for Matadores since roster is composed of seniors and juniors.21 NEWBURY PARK (20-10, SS-Div. I) Panthers lag behind Newbury Park Pony Baseball, which has its own Facebook group.22 LONG BEACH POLY (15-16, SS-Div. I) When was last time students at football power said "Wait 'till baseball season?"23 CHINO (19-8, SS-Div. II) Cowboys strive to change image from hick town on "The O.C." to baseball town.24 WESTLAKE (12-16, SS-Div. I) Infielder Christian Yelich provides big bat, but can Warriors overcome lack of power arms? 25 EL SEGUNDO (23-9, SS-Div. IV) Rankings nod a tribute to the late John Stevenson, the winningest coach in California history.