The Padres High-A Affiliate, the Lake Elsinore Storm, have released their opening day roster.  Here is a look at our top five players to watch, as well as the Storm roster.

Top 5 players/prospects

Jaff Decker- LF/RF  5-10, 190lb, L/L. Was first in on-base percentage  and second in slugging in the Midwest League last year. Finished top ten in the league in batting average. Lots of raw power and hits for average, most concerning is his frame and fitness. He came into spring this year 10-15lbs lighter, but is currently on the disabled list with a hamstring pull. He should thrive in the Cal league, considered a hitter’s league.

Cody Decker 1B/OF  5-10, 230lb, R/R. Drafted in the '09 draft, he played in the Arizona Fall League and lead in HR, RBI, total bases and extra base hits. His .717 slugging percentage was almost 80 points above the next ranking player. His defense is a question, but if he continues to put up offensive numbers there will be a place for him. He appeared thinner and in better shape this spring.

Blake Tekotte- OF  6-0, 166, L/L.  Probably the best defensive CF in the organization. He needs to prove more with his bat but did well in the Midwest League last year.He was second on the team in extra-base hits and is working on his mechanics to improve his hitting. The Cal league should help him, especially the Diamond, which favors lefties.

Anthony Bass –SP /RHP,  6-2,  190lb. Made the jump from FW to LE in ‘09 and maintained a below 3.0 ERA at both levels. He possesses four pitches and is working on commanding them all. His biggest concern at this point is an unimpressive strike out rate per 9 innings. Could move quickly through the system. If he does well this season he will be promoted midway.

Alexis Lara-  RP/RHP  6-0, 175lb. Originally a Dominican signing, he has struggled with his control in the past. The second half of last season was a breakout period for him and his numbers for the year were impressive: 4-0 3.03ERA, 65IP, 39H, 28BB, 80K. He projects with end-of-the-game ability, a fastball at 92-95mph, and will probably work the 7^th or 8^th innings this year if he continues his progress.

One of the best values in baseball, a game in Lake Elsinore is a treat for fans and players alike. Many Padres who came up through the system (Chase Headley, Kyle Blanks) have stated it was the highlight of their minor league careers. Besides many players from last year’s championship Fort Wayne team, (best record in MiLB) there are several talented recent draft picks who have proven they deserve the chance to play at this level.

2009 Highlights- The Storm completed the first half of the season in second place. Their overall record of 73-67 won the Wild Card and advanced them into the playoffs. They were 10 games back of High Desert, the league winner.

Wynn Pelzer- SP  11-8 record, 3.94 ERA, 150.2 IP, 147 SO, 59BB

Jeremy Hefner SP 14-9 record, 4.12 ERA, 150.2 IP, 142 SO, 38BB

leading the way as starting pitchers. Both are top 10 pitching prospects in the organization.

The best two hitters: Brad Chalk- CF   .301/.357/.398  .755 OPS  and Beemer Weems- SS  .253/.401/.354  .755 OPS   have advanced to the next level.

Lake Elsinore is also rated as one of the top minor league organizations in the country with an enviable ballpark, a logo/clothing line that is very popular and one of the most recognizable mascots in the country—Thunder—a green something. As with all minor league teams, there are sweeping changes from one season to the next; the system would not be very useful if there weren’t. Of the players starting the year in LE, several achieved this promotion with good performances in low A (Fort Wayne) last season but others wowed the staff in the Arizona Fall League and Instructional League. Performances in Spring Training are used to solidify last season’s impressions and strengthen off-season instruction.

Coaching Staff:  Manager- Carlos Lezcano, Pitching coach- Dave Rajsich, Hitting coach Bob Skube

Roster- including last year’s status

Pitchers

Anthony Bass- low A

Brad Brach- low A

Aaron Breit- LE

Erik Davis- low A

Chris Fetter- Eugene to low A

Zach Herr-  LE

Colt Hynes-  LE

Alexis Lara- low A

Jorge Reyes- 09 draft

Nick Schmidt- LE

Nick Schumacher- LE

Nick Vincent- LE

Catchers

Robert  Lara- low A

Ali Solis- low A

Infielders

Vince Belnome- 09 draft

Drew Cumberland – low A

Cody Decker- 09 draft

Allan Dykstra- low A

Cole Figueroa- LE

Andy Parrino- LE

Outfielders

Yefri Carvajal- LE

Danny Payne- LE

Dan Robertson- low A

Blake Tekotte- low A

DL

Jaff Decker- low A – on disabled list with hamstring pull

Jackson Quezada- LE - last year’s closer has a shoulder strain

Adam Zornes- low A- first string catcher with pulled muscle

One of the best values in baseball, a game in Lake Elsinore is a treat for fans and players alike. Many Padres who came up through the system (Chase Headley, Kyle Blanks) have stated it was the highlight of their minor league careers. Besides many players from last year’s championship Fort Wayne team, (best record in MiLB) there are several talented recent draft picks who have proven they deserve the chance to play at this level.

Lake Elsinore is also known for it’s great promotions and are encouraging fans to come to the website to help make this year’s choices – www.stormbaseball.com