The Times’ top 25 baseball rankings
Preseason high school baseball rankings by Ben Bolch:
| Rk. | Team (2009 rec., Sec.-Div.) | Comment |
| 1 | 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. |
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