Where's the Area Code Talent?

A blog from Baseball America about the Area Code tryouts for the Milwaukee Brewers Southern California team voices concern about the talent pool being on the "narrow side."

Well, that's no surprise, considering the best pitching prospect, Henry Owens from Huntington Beach Edison, is playing for the U.S. U18 national team, and several other players didn't try out because of commitments to other tournaments.

Among the players singled out were pitcher-outfielder Nigel Nootbaar from El Segundo, outfielder Aaron Brown from Chatsworth and third baseman Taylor Sparks from Bellflower St. John Bosco. -- Eric Sondheimer

Side note:

Pitcher Henry Owens from Huntington Beach Edison allowed one run on two hits in five innings to help the U.S. 18U National team defeat the Minnetonka Millers, 9-1, in an exhibition game Monday night in Minnesota.

Michael Lorenzen, a Fullerton grad, had three hits.

The U.S. team is preparing for the World Championships in Canada.