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The hard-hitting Mavericks representing the California League include Joe Dunigan (.336, 17, 60), Juan Diaz (.323, 2, 22), Alex Liddi (.341, 16, 60) and Travis Scott (.324, 11, 36). Each rank in the league's top 10 in hitting. Dunigan paces the circuit in home runs, RBIs and slugging percentage (.664). Liddi is tied in RBIs with teammate Dunigan for the league lead and ranks among the league's best in a handful of other offensive categories.

Known for their offense, the California League's lineup contains a few other sluggers. Thomas Neal (.342, 13, 44), whose batting average tops the circuit, and Jonathan Gaston (.315, 17, 52), who leads the league in homers, extra-base hits (46), runs scored (60) and triples (9), are on the roster. Rounding out the lineup is Inland Empire's lightning-quick Trayvon Robinson (.301, 9, 32) who currently leads the league with 24 stolen bases.

While the California League may be known for its offensive power, the Carolina League's roster sports an enviable list of outstanding pitchers. Eric Berger (5-5, 2.11), Zach Britton (4-2, 1.94) and Daniel Duffy (6-2, 2.85) have some of the lowest ERAs in the league, and teammate Brad Meyers (4-2, 1.67) leads the pack.

The Carolina League lineup also includes its fair share of sluggers such as Myrtle Beach's Cody Johnson (.274, 20, 48), Kinston's Lonnie Chisenhall (.286, 13, 52) and Frederick's Brandon Waring (.275, 13, 46).

Southpaw Cory Luebke (8-2, 2.34) of the Lake Elsinore Storm will be starting in front of his home crowd for California's squad. Luebke has the lowest ERA in the league, and he's also pacing the league in wins and innings pitched (88 1/3). Three other members of the Storm's pitching staff will join Luebke on the All-Star squad -- Jeremy McBryde (6-3, 3.44), Wynn Pelzer (7-3, 5.09) and closer Bryan Oland (3-1, 1.34, 17 saves).

It's a bird! It's a plane!
It's the California-Carolina League All-Star Home Run Derby! At 6:00 p.m. PDT on Tuesday evening, prior to the 7:05 game, some of the best power hitters from both leagues will swing for the fences in a three-round bash fest.

The first round allows participants 10 outs, the second five and the final only three.

Waring, Johnson and Chisenhall will represent the Carolina League, and Dunigan, Liddi and Gaston will represent the California League. The contest will also feature participants from Southern California youth baseball programs.

The extras
Host Lake Elsinore has scheduled a full afternoon of events The activities include an autograph session with both teams, two chances to see Gale Webb's extreme sports and air show and, of course, the home run derby. After the game fans will be treated to the "Redonkulous Fireworks Extravaganza," which the Storm say is 10 times larger than a normal 4th of July show.

Kira Jones is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.

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