FALL LEAGUE NOTEBOOK: NO MATTER WHO IT WILL FACE, STEALTH FAVORED IN PLAYOFFS.

Byline: Chris Cocoles Staff Writer

His coaching duties at the major-league level with the Pittsburgh Pirates forced manager Lloyd McClendon to arrive late joining the Lancaster Stealth of the California Fall League.

But McClendon need not worry. His players were ready when called upon and that's a big reason why the Stealth is in the championship playoffs that begin today.

At press time, the Stealth, who clinched the top spot in the four-team league earlier this week, was unsure of its opponent for the best-of-three series that begins on the road before shifting to Lancaster Municipal Stadium on Sunday at noon.

The San Bernardino Sand Dragons held a one-game lead over the Lake Elsinore Land Sharks entering Friday night's final regular-season games. The Stealth will open the series either at Lake Elsinore at noon or at San Bernardino at 7:05 p.m.

Sunday's game could be followed by a another seven-inning game if the teams are tied at a win apiece.

Whatever the matchup, the Stealth is favored to take the championship in the league's California debut.

From opening night, when Lancaster routed Rancho Cucamonga 11-1, the Stealth has been on top of the standings, either alone in first or sharing the league lead.

Former Dodger Tracy Woodson guided Lancaster to an 8-3 mark while McClendon finished the season with the Pirates. And when the permanent manager arrived in early October, McClendon could see the makings of a club that could compete.

``I saw a lot of foot speed out on the bases. The kids we had in the outfield were all very good. The three catchers looked outstanding. And we had some good arms,'' McClendon said. ``From top to bottom, I think we've had the best team in the league.''

Despite hailing from seven big-league organizations, the Stealth jelled quickly and quelled any fears McClendon had that egos would get in the way.

A number of roving instructors from the various big-league teams affiliated with the Stealth have been in town throughout the 42-game schedule. Most of them commented on the professional demeanor in the clubhouse and on the field.

Developing chemistry isn't easy on a talented roster, with the bulk of the players having major-league-caliber tools, according to McLendon, who spent eight seasons in the big leagues.

McClendon cited the potential problems keeping everyone happy. There are only so many spots on the lineup card to fill everyday, meaning normally everyday performers are forced to sit.

``It's like in the bullpen. Not everyone can be the closer. Everybody on this team had good years and the competition among each other is big,'' McClendon said. ``It's only going to get tougher as they get to the big leagues.''

Notes: The Stealth's pitching rotation for the series will be right-hander Justin Miller (4-0, 3.78) for the opener and right-hander Steve Sparks (1-2, 3.13) in Sunday's first game.