Along with yesterday's game in Rancho Cucamonga, Thursday's in Lake Elsinore resulted in me working in what are, in my opinion, the two best ballparks the California League has to offer. In fact, the way they're built and handled, they could pass for a Double-A facility, if not Triple-A (capacity notwithstanding).

On a day that neared 100 degrees, I watched Stockton's Jason Fernandez dominate the Lake Elsinore hitters to the tune of 2 hits over 8 innings. He doesn't get a lot of strikeouts, so he kept his defense active with a good mix of grounders and fly balls. The Ports rallied for a pair of runs and that was all Fernandez would need. He's not getting as much attention as other pitching prospects like Trevor Cahill, Brett Anderson, James Simmons, Henry Rodriguez, Gio Gonzalez or Fautino de los Santos are, but it looks like Fernandez has just as good a shot at progressing through the system as any of them.

I enjoyed shooting at the Lake Elsinore Diamond quite a bit. Though the sun was a little tough when it came to shadows caused by the hats, it was in a very good position for me to get a lot of good, sharp shots. I got more action away from the mound and the plate in this one, including a couple diving catches in the outfield (though just after the ball went into the glove). Still working on timing grounders about to be fielded, though. It's definitely a place I'd like to work again sometime.

A sample:

5/15/08: Stockton Ports at Lake Elsinore Storm