SML selects gems for diamonds of Palau

With only a handful of games remaining in the fall edition of the Saipan Major League, the organizing officials have selected the members of the CNMI baseball team that will represent the best island talent next July in the 2005 South Pacific Mini Games in Palau.

The local hardballers will be under the watchful eyes of a team of experienced winners, as manager Tony Rogolfoi, head coach Jess Wabol, and assistant coach Craig Tenorio have proved that they can get their players to perform at the top of their games in crucial situations.

While the selection committee released the names of 23 standouts, only 20 will make it to the final squad when they board the plane next summer. Missing from the list is a small group of top players that have opted to participate in fast-pitch softball in the games.

The CNMI will reap the benefits of having a stable of strong-armed pitchers from which to choose when they face their first competition, as Jonathan Jones fronts a list that mixes youth and experience.

Kevin Kapileo, Joe Guerrero, Chris Camacho, Jonathan Camacho, J.P. Flores, and Byron Kaipat round out a multi-purpose staff that can be ready to go atop the mound or in the field at a moment’s notice.

Craig Sanchez has also been called upon to display his talents as a hurler, and though his skills may come in handy throwing the ball, he was selected alongside Robert Bansil and Pat Alepuyo to catch the ball.

All three of these signal callers have earned their stripes in the SML, and they will most certainly be an integral part of a solid CNMI defense.

The infield players have one of the hardest jobs in the game, as they have to stop speeding projectiles from creating holes in their barrier, while trying not to get injured when snagging grounders.

Known for his ability behind the plate and between the bases is the hard-hitting CNMI infielder Joey Dela Cruz. He will be joined by an experienced group of players that should bring the local team success overseas. John M. Reyes, Greg F. Camacho, Ned Norita, Dane Lizama, Tony Celis, and Peter Tomokane have been playing on the same fields for a few years now, and that familiarity will bring youngster A.J. Allen into an already tightly knit infield.

The department of outfield security will be anchored by a speedy team of young arms that is matched only by their bats. Jerome Delos Santos, Dwight Quitano, Clifton Silil, Tyrone Omar, and Ben Jones Jr. will thwart opposing offenses with a surprising array of arm strength and intelligent play, but their presence at the plate will certainly bolster their own.