Compiled by Allan Simpson (PG Crosschecker) / Andrew Hartwell (College Summer Ball Blogspot)

Even with a roster that included 2009 first-rounder Grant Green, two sandwich picks, three third-rounders and a fourth-round selection in this year’s draft (not to mention a number of potential early-round picks in the 2010 draft), the Chatham A’s finished near the bottom of the Cape Cod League standings in 2008.

But this year, as the newly-named Anglers, Chatham not only has a fresh new look, but a fresh start and has surged to the top of the Cape standings in the early going. In addition, the Anglers have retained their advantage as the No. 1 team in the Perfect Game/College Summer Ball Blogsite weekly summer-league top 25 rankings for the second straight week.

Though all Cape League teams have had to deal with some significant early-season weather issues, Chatham, coached by John Schiffner, the winningest coach in league history, has bounded out to a quick 7-1 start and taken a sizeable lead in the Eastern Division standings.

Boston College freshman righthander Mike Dennhart has played a key role for the Anglers, working 12 scoreless innings in his first two starts, while the Vanderbilt twosome of sophomore righthanders Russell Brewer (1-0, 1.50, 2 SV) and Taylor Hill (2-0, 1.13, 1 SV) have fortified the bullpen, striking out 20 between them in 14 innings. Overall, the Anglers have posted a 2.19 ERA, and the team’s pitching staff was expected to be bolstered soon with the return of North Carolina sophomore righty Matt Harvey, whose Cape debut was delayed by UNC’s participation in the College World Series. Harvey is projected to be one of the early selections in the 2010 draft.

To remain No. 1 in the Top 25, the Anglers have had to stave off a hot start by the Forest City Owls, which set a Coastal Plain League record with its fast 20-2 start. The Owls had already clinched the CPL’s Western Division first-half title, and have been getting significant seasons to date from Wofford freshman outfielder Konstantine Diamaduros (.387-2-20), North Carolina State freshman first baseman Pratt Maynard (.365-1-19) and SIU-Edwardsville junior righthander Spencer Patton (3-0, 1.12, 32 IP/8 BB, 52 SO).

We’ll rank the top 25 summer college league teams every Tuesday or Wednesday from 20-plus leagues around the country, and here’s our early take on the top teams in Week Two (last week’s ranking noted in parentheses).