First Posted: 4/4/2012

Cory Spangenberg is working his way up through the San Diego Padres farm system.

The 21-year-old Abington Heights High School graduate is set to open the season with the Lake Elsinore Storm of the California League.

Lake Elsinore is the highest level of three Class A teams in the Padres system.

Spangenberg, listed as the top second base prospect in all of the minor leagues by mlb.com, needed just 25 games at Eugene of the half-season Northwest League.

After being picked 10th overall by the Padres in last June’s Major League Baseball Draft, Spangenberg hit .384 at Eugene to earn a promotion to the Fort Wayne Tin Caps of the Midwest League.

Spangenberg struggled early at Fort Wayne, then finished strong, helping the Tin Cups to the playoffs.

Overall, Spangenberg hit .316 with three homers, 44 RBI and 25 stolen bases in his first professional season.

Spangenberg spent part of spring training with the parent Padres.