[batted balls]

With April winding down, it's time to look at each All-American Baseball League team in terms of strengths and weaknesses.

Here's a look at the West clubs:

UCLA: Bruin manager Art Reichle has his club hitting on all cylinders. UCLA is finally getting the pitching that has long kept it from the top of the standings. Jim Parque (4-0, 1.50 ERA), Dave Schmidt (3-0, 2.75) and Bill Bonham (4-0, 1.50) have been nearly unhittable. The Bruin offense has been punishing opposing pitchers. Two-time All-Star Bob Hamelin (.337-12-27) and Troy Glaus (.268-10-27) have supplied plenty of pop. Jackie Robinson is having a breakthrough year and leads the West with a .392 average. Chris Chambliss (.358-2-12) and Ron Roenicke (.286-4-21) have also contributed.

Arizona State: The Sun Devils are struggling offensively. Arizona State's .228 team average ranks 18th in the AABL. Yet, the Sun Devils are second in home runs, thanks in large part to two-time All-Star Bob Horner (.273-6-15) and infielder Bump Wills (.292-4-9). Left-hander Eddie Bane leads the mound staff (3-1, 3.21 ERA). Paul Moskau, last season's Golden Arm Award winner, has just one win despite a 2.03 ERA.

Oklahoma State: Manager Gary Ward's Cowboys have rebounded from a disasterous '07 season. Oklahoma State's hitting has led the way (.279). Short stop Gary Green (.333-3-15), catcher Mickey Tettleton (.259-1-12) and third baseman Robin Ventura (.282-1-11) have been catalysts. Meanwhile, Pete Incaviglia (.247-1-2) is off to another slow start. Lefty Tim Borland (3-1, 2.28) has reverted to his All-Star form of two years ago. Closer Scott Williamson (five saves, 1.04) has provided strength at the back of the bullpen.

Cal State Fullerton: Augie Garrido's perennial losers have found winning to their liking this spring. Starter Jeff Robinson (2-0, 1.57 ERA) has emerged as the staff ace. Promising outfielder Dante Powell is third among West batting leaders (.367) while Phil Nevin (.355-0-2) and Dave Staton (.295-3-11) have also produced.

Southern California: The hangover from last fall's College World Series victory still looms over the Trojans. USC has crawled along at a .500 pace. Two-time batting champion and last year's Golden Spikes Award winner Fred Lynn (.163-3-8) has been in the biggest stupor of all. Twenty-three game winner Jim Barr is off to a 1-2 start with an inflated 5.75 ERA. Meanwhile, left-handed flamethrower Randy Johnson (4-0, 1.91, 35 strikeouts in 33 innings) has established himself as a dominating presence.

Texas: The Longhorns feature the league's best pitching staff. Hard-throwing right-hander Roger Clemens (3-1, 1.54 ERA, 36 Ks in 41 innings) has blossomed into a top-flight pitcher. Left-hander Ricky Wright (3-0, 1.52) has kept hitters off balance. Stopper Houston Street (three saves, 1.35) has been strong. Converted infielder-turned catcher Shane Halter (.299-2-9) has added offense.

Arizona: The Wildcats are a team that has been outhomered by UCLA first baseman Bob Hamelin (12-10). Batting just .230 as a team, Arizona has struggled to produce runs. Kenny Lofton (.342-0-12) has developed into a reliable leadoff man. Pitchers Joe Magrane (0-4, 4.65 ERA) and Trevor Hoffman (5.06 ERA) have been hit hard.

Stanford: Only All-Star right fielder Steve Hovley (.326-1-10) has been consistent. Jeffrey Hammonds, an All-Star selection a year ago, has slipped to the tune of a .237 average. Reserve outfielder Jody Gerut is out indefinitely with a broken foot. Even usually reliable closer Steve Chitren (two saves, 4.15 ERA) has stumbled.

Cal: The Golden Bears appear tarnished. Ranking dead last in hitting (.221) and 18th in pitching (4.45 ERA), Cal shows very little sign of life. Outfielder Jackie Jensen is the team's leading hitter with a .268 average while Bill "Bugs" Werle (3-1, 1.60 ERA) is the team's top pitcher.

San Diego State: The Aztecs are again last in team pitching with a 5.40 ERA. Opponents are batting .290 against a staff that has only one starter (Aaron Harang) who has broken into the win column. First baseman Mark Grace is second among West batting leaders at .375.