THE MINOR LEAGUES

The Angels’ minor league system includes six affiliates within North America and another in the Dominican Republic. Two of the North American teams--in Boise, Idaho, and Butte, Mont.--do not start play until after the June draft. Here’s a look at the four teams with seasons already underway:

CLASS AAA

Edmonton Trappers

Manager: Carney Lansford

Coaches: Leon Durham, Rick Wise

Team Outlook: The Angels stocked this team with loads of Triple-A refugees from other organizations, primarily as insurance for injuries to the elderly starting rotation in Anaheim, so

there are precious few prospects here. Center fielder Norm Hutchins, 23, who has drawn comparisons to current Dodger and ex-Angel Devon White for his speed and defense, could get a chance to replace Jim Edmonds next year if Edmonds does not return. Catcher Bret Hemphill, 23, a former Cal State Fullerton standout, must prove he can overcome a shoulder injury and Triple-A pitching. Jarrod Washburn, 24, who went 6-3 with a 4.62 earned-run average for the Angels last year, returned to Triple-A and started for the Trappers on Opening Day.

Fun Fact: The Trappers play at TELUS Field, so called because the local telephone company bought naming rights. The locals simply call the ballpark “The Phone Booth.”

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CLASS AA

Erie (Pa.) SeaWolves

Manager: Garry Templeton

Coaches: Howie Gershberg, Bill Lachemann

Team Outlook: The Angels shifted their Double-A team here from Midland, much to the delight of pitchers sick and tired of playing in a ballpark that resembled a closet with the wind blowing out. No longer fearing the inflatable earned-run averages that could damage a pitcher’s psyche, the Angels assembled a starting rotation they believe consists of all prospects: Ramon Ortiz, 23, the top prospect in the organization, Seth Etherton, 22, the first-round draft choice last year out of USC and Dana Hills High, Brian Cooper, 24, Mark Harriger, 23, and Matt Wise, 23, of Cal State Fullerton. All are right-handed.

Fun Fact: After the first inning of every home game, for a contest sponsored by a local plumbing company, the SeaWolves blow up a giant inflatable toilet on the field. Two fans then compete to see who can toss in the most plungers.

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CLASS A

Lake Elsinore Storm

Manager: Mario Mendoza

Coaches: John Orton, Kernan Ronan

Team Outlook: The Angels returned two of the most successful players here: catcher Steve Hagins, 24, who led the Storm with 17 home runs, and shortstop Nelson Castro, 22, who led the Storm with 36 stolen bases. The Angels would like to see better defense from Hagins (University High) and more offense from Castro, who hit .234 with four home runs and 101 strikeouts. Steve Fish, 24, the Angels’ minor league pitcher of the year last season, jumped here after going 10-4 with a 2.47 ERA at Cedar Rapids. Two other middle infielders worth watching, both from last year’s draft: Jay Hood, 22 (sixth round), and Jason Huisman, 23 (14th round).

Fun Fact: Baseball America ranks the Lake Elsinore Diamond as the finest Class A stadium in North America, and it’s well worth the easy drive (Highway 91 east to Interstate 15 south). Ken Griffey Jr., Pete Rose and Bob Uecker all have filmed commercials at the Diamond.

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CLASS A

Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Kernels

Manager: Mitch Seoane

Coaches: Tyrone Boykin, Greg Minton

Team Outlook: The Angels’ renewed scouting emphasis on Latin America has yet to pay off in Anaheim but may pay off here, with highly touted prospects from the Dominican Republic in shortstop Bienvenido Encarnacion, 21, and outfielder Elpidio Guzman, 20. Four of the Angels’ top eight draft picks last year are here, too: pitcher Brandon Emanuel, 23 (second round), infielder Brian Oliver, 22 (fourth round), catcher Jason Hill, 22 (eighth round), and pitcher Jeff Hundley, 22 (seventh round), who played at Boise last summer and led the Northwest League in strikeouts.

Fun Fact: In an era when minor league logos explode in inexplicable combinations of clashing styles, the Kernels have a cool, clean, classic logo germane to the area: a baseball peeking out from a husk of corn. Bless them.