Author's Blog |
January 7, 2009 |
2008 Minor League Preview
The season starts today for Single A and Triple A teams in California.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
2007 was a good year to be a fan of minor league baseball in California. Of course, the California League Champion was going to be a Californian team, in this case the San Jose Giants. The Sacramento River Cats not only took the PCL title, but where crowned “Triple A Champions” by virtue of a one game victory over the International League champs, the Richmond Braves, in the “Bricktown Showdown” played in Oklahoma City. That game took on the feel of an all star game…maybe even more the feel of the Pro Bowl where nobody really cares who wins, but the River Cats don’t seem to mind that Triple A Champions title. Meanwhile, the independent Golden Baseball League crowned the Chico Outlaws champions. Throw in the fact that the Los Angeles Angels took the AL West, and many of a fan in California got to share in the glow of a championship.
2008 promises to be another good year. The Sacramento River Cats always seem to be at the top of the standings, but with Oakland’s trade of top players for some top prospect during the off season, the A’s farm system appears to be well stocked with a number of promising players. The Fresno Grizzlies also have some promise. Last season was one of dramatic improvement for the Grizzlies, and with 16 of their core players from their 2007 squad returning, the teams should have another good season.
The California League can be a little harder to nail down as the rosters see so much movement. What holds true for the River Cats, also holds true for the Stockton Ports. Add two home grown pitching prospects out of Kane County, and it would be hard not to pick the Ports as a favorite.
When it comes to Single A ball, I usually put my money (not real money) on the managers, since the rosters do seem to change so much from year to year. CAL Champs San Jose lost Lenn Sakata to the Japanese minor leagues. The most success skipper in San Jose Giants history, he led San Jose to three California League championships in his six years as manager over the last nine seasons (he had brief stints with Bakersfield and Triple A Fresno). To me, Sakata's departure makes San Jose an unknown this year. New manager Steve Decker had similar success at Salem-Keizer of the Northwest League, but he is untested in Single A Advanced.
I hate to do this but…her are my picks and sleepers for 2008 California League.
South
Predicted winner: Lancaster Jethawks. The Jethawks led throughout the season last year, and just enough players are returning to make this team a strong contender for 2008.
Also watch the Lake Elsinore Storm. The Storm seemed to improve as the season went on for first year manager Carlos Lezcano. Eventually the Storm surprised the Jethawks in the playoffs, then won the first two game of the championship series before falling to San Jose in five. This is Carlos Lezcano’s second year as manager. Let’s see what he can do.
Sleeper: Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. The Quakes always seem to find a way to finish below .500, but with five of the “Top 30 Prospects” list put out by Baseball America wearing Quakes uniforms to start the season (according to the team website), this team seems to have a good core of prospects. Could this be the year of the Quakes?
North
Predicted winner: Stockton Ports. They just have too much talent this year not to pick them. There is a lot of excitement around this team right now.
Also watch the Visalia Oaks. A number of top prospects and former college players form a nucleus that could be solid.
Sleeper: San Jose Giants. Is it alright to call the defending champs sleepers? The Giants went a combined 179 – 241 in the three seasons since 1999 that Lenn Sakata did not manage the team, and won three championships in the six years with Sakata. If Decker can duplicate his success at Salem-Keizer, this team could be a contender, but it is tough to call them a favorite.
So there you have my California League predictions. Of course, I left the door open for six of the ten teams, so at least the odds are in my favor.
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