California League Report
John Danks and Thomas Diamond represent the future of the Texas Rangers' starting staff and based on early returns with the Bakersfield Blaze, the future is bright. The former first-round picks are both sporting ERAs under 1.00. Combined, Danks (1-0, 0.90) and Diamond (1-0, 0.93) have allowed only two runs and have struck out 20 in 19 2/3 innings.
High Desert Mavericks (Kansas City Royals) (7-4, 4-3)
High Desert took six of its first ten games thanks in large part to third baseman Billy Butler. All he's done is hit .421 and drive in 12 runs, good for fourth and second in the California League. Almost as impressive has been his plate presence -- he has almost as many walks (7) as strikeouts (8).
Inland Empire 66ers (Seattle Mariners) (3-7, 2-5)
After dropping its first two games, the Inland Empire 66ers have rolled through the California League for six wins in seven games. During the streak the 66ers are averaging almost eight runs a game, including a 14-2 romp over Stockton last Wednesday. Seven regulars are hitting over .300, with outfielder Steve Baker's .378 mark leading the way.
Lake Elsinore Storm (San Diego Padres) (6-4, 4-2)
The Lake Elsinore Storm won six of its first nine games by battering California League pitching at a league-leading .320 clip. They led the CL in runs and walks and are tied for the lead in hits, although they are tied for last with only three home runs. Twenty-six doubles and a balanced lineup have made up for it though.
Lancaster Jethawks (Arizona Diamondbacks) (4-7, 3-4)
The Lancaster Jethawks are off to a disappointing 3-7 start marred by inconsistent starting pitching. Jonathan Castellanos has been outstanding, winning both of his starts, while his cohorts have combined to go only 1-7. Chris Kinsey has struggled the most with a 12.86 ERA.
Modesto Nuts (Colorado Rockies) (6-4, 4-2)
Outfielder Jud Thigpen has established himself as the star of the Modesto Nuts after an outrageous first few games of the season. Through nine games he's hitting .484 and leads the team with 11 RBIs. Unfortunately for the Nuts, only two other regulars come even close to his production: Walkill Guance (.333) and Garry Smith (.300).
Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) (6-5, 4-3)
In typical Rancho Cucamonga fashion, the Quakes are near the top of most California League offensive categories. The Quakes are always a major force at the plate and are tied for the CL lead in hits (103), second in batting average (.289) and third in home runs (11). Howie Kendrick leads the team in hitting (.383) and RBIs (10).
San Jose Giants (San Francisco Giants) (3-7, 2-4)
The San Jose Giants have lost six of its last seven games, but lost only once by more than three runs. An offense that is at or near the bottom of the California League in most major categories is to blame. The Giants have scored the fewest runs (34), collected the second fewest hits (74) and has the second-lowest team batting average (.251).
Stockton Ports (Oakland A's) (5-5, 3-3)
The back-end of the Stockton Ports bullpen has helped the Ports overcome some shaky work from the starters. Closer Alex Santos has been the most dominating and has yet to allow an earned run in 5 1/3 innings of work. He's been accompanied by Justin Crowder (3 2/3 innings, no runs, one hit), J. R. Pickens (8 1/3 innings, one run) and Chris Shank (4 2/3 innings, one run).
Visalia Oaks (Tampa Bay Devil Rays) (6-5, 3-4)
After a strong start, the Visalia Oaks have come back down to earth with a three-game losing streak. That has limited the effectiveness of closer Tony Peguero, who has been outstanding. He's allowed a sole run in four appearances, including two saves. The California League is hitting only .053 against him.
Mark Swanson is a contributor to MLB.com.