California League Top Propects for 2009

This year the Cal League will boast some of the hottest prospects since Josh Hamilton, Jake Peavey and Matt Cain. This years hottest prospect will Bakersfield's Justin Smoak, but there are several more worth watching from around the Cal League as they make their way through Bakersfield.

Bakersfield Blaze (Texas Rangers)
Player to watch in 2009
Justin Smoak (1B) was the Rangers #11 pick in the 2008 draft. During his three years at the University of South Carolina, the switch-hitting first baseman set career records with 62 home runs and 207 RBIs. With a smooth, easy swing and decent power, this switch-hitting first baseman might just be the long-term answer to the Mark Teixeira shaped hole in the Rangers lineup.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Michael Main (RHP), Blake Beavan (RHP) and Engel Beltre (OF)

Inland Empire 66'ers (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Player to watch in 2009
Chris Withrow (RHP) was #1 in the 2007 draft but has pitched only thirteen innings as a pro. Withrow has a low to mid 90's fastball and 12-6 curveball.
Others prospects to watch for in 2009
Ethan Martin (RHP) and Matt Sartor (RHP)

Lancaster Jet Hawks (Houston Astros)
Player to watch in 2009
Jason Castro (C) was selected 10th overall in the 2008 draft. After two mediocre seasons at Stanford, he led the Cardinal in batting average (.376) while hitting 14 HRs with 73 RBIs.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Collin Delome (OF)

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim)
Player to watch in 2009
Angels12th round draft pick in 2006 Jordan Walden (RHP)whose performance in the Midwest league was more than good, posting a 2.18 era, and holding opposing hitters to a .207 batting average. Possessing the best fastball in the system, Walden should begin the year in Rancho Cucamonga.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Trevor Reckling (RHP) and Mason Tobin (RHP)

Stockton Ports (Oakland A's)
Player to watch in 2009
Jemile Weeks (2B), the 12th overall selection of the June amateur draft, has performed admirably in his first professional appearance, posting an .827 OPS at low A Kane County.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Scott Mitchinson (RHP) and Craig Italiano (RHP)

High Desert Mavericks (Seattle Mariners)
Player to watch in 2009
Standing 6'7" and 220 lbs and possessing a fastball in the upper 90's, Canadian born Phillippe Aumont (RHP) should begin the 2009 season in High Desert. After trashing Midwest League hitters to the tune of 50 strikeouts versus just 19 bases on balls in 55 innings, the 20 year old has emerged as the top-pitching prospect in the organization.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Juan Ramirez (RHP) and Dennis Raben (OF)

Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres)
Player to watch in 2009
James Darnell (3B), 2nd round pick in 2008 should get his start at Lake Elsinore to begin 2009. Darnell possesses above average athleticism for a third baseman that should allow for him to be an asset running the base paths.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Jackson Quezada (RHP) and Cory Luebke (LHP)

Modesto Nuts (Colorado Rockies)
Player to watch in 2009
Darin Holcomb (3B) who took home the Sally Leagues MVP award in 2008 finished with an impressive line of .318/.400/.491, with 14 HRs and 102 RBIs. The former Gonzaga Bulldog is a plus defender at third.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Christian Friedrich (LHP) and Connor Graham (RHP)

San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants)
Player to watch in 2009
Madison Bumgarner's (LHP) 2008 performance in the Sally League was phenomenal; a 15-3 record, 1.46 ERA, a strikeout to walk ratio of 164-21 in 141 innings, and a WHIP of 0.93. He has all the makings of a big league pitcher.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Buster Posey (C), Angel Villalona (1B) and Scott Barnes (LHP)

Visalia Rawhide (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Jarrod Parker (RHP) the ninth overall selection of the 2007 draft finished the 2008 season by striking out 117 batters in 117.2 innings while posting an era of 1.91. Parker features a plus fastball a curve, slider, and change.
Other prospects to watch for in 2009
Daniel Schlereth (LHP)