CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PRESEASON CIF-SS TOP 10 BASEBALL POLL

I was pretty surprised when only three area teams were selected for spots in the preseason CIF-SS coaches’ top 10 baseball poll. No word on Arcadia, Monrovia, La Salle, Pasadena or Temple City, all of which, from what I’ve gathered, will have good squads. The Star-News preseason top 10 rankings will publish in Thursday’s paper, but is there a real clear favorite at No. 1? That’s where you come in … I’m making calls today, gathering info and will put together the preseason rankings, but as you know they always shape out after tournaments end. But here’s a start: Arcadia visits Monrovia today at 3 for a scrimmage. I can’t make it because I’m covering a CIF-SS semifinals soccer match, but if you happen to be there be sure to report back and give your insight. Big Baseball Fanatic, I’m talking to you! I’m hearing big things from Pasadena and La Salle particularly, which is nice to see them back in the mix this early in the season. Maranatha begins life without Dylan Covey, who did not sign with the Milwaukee Brewers. Covey picked up his first win of the season last week as a Toreros pitcher. Still, it’s not as bad as what St. Francis has to endure this season. David Hubinger, a Star-News All-Area selection as a junior catcher David Olmedo-Barrera, a junior short stop, is out for the season with a broken wrist. Still, word around town is the Golden Knights have talent to give the San Gabriel Valley teams a run for their money, as has been the case the last few seasons with St. Francis having successful runs in the Elks Tournament. Will it continue this season? Time will tell …

DIVISION 3
1. Ocean View
2. Bonita
3. Woodbridge
4. Beckman
5. Rialto
6. Gahr
7. Culver City
8. Alhambra
9. Lancaster
10. Paloma Valley
Others: None

DIVISION 5
1. Woodcrest Christian
2. Linfield Christian
3. Montclair Prep
4. Campbell Hall
5. Tahquitz
6. Lompoc
7. Heritage
8. Cabrillo/L
9. Maranatha
10. Cathedral
Others: None

DIVISION 6
1. Oxford Academy
2. Desert Christian/L
3. Pasadena Poly
4. Sage Hill
5. Vasquez
6. Capistrano Valley Christian
7. Villanova Prep
8. Bishop Union
9. St Anthony
10. Boron
Others: None