Just a matter of ‘time’ for Big Leaguers

Aside from the high-caliber of competition in the 2008 Big League World Series, one other thing that CNMI Big League All-Star manager Robert Magofna is thinking about is the vast time difference between the North Pacific and the East Coast of the United States.

“While we’re preparing the kids physically and mentally for the World Series, one of our biggest challenge when we arrive there is the time difference. We’re going to the East Coast and by the time we start playing that’s normally the time we sleep here on Saipan. So, the time difference is something we need to adjust to.”

He said other than that, his boys just need to play their game, which translates to a lot of hitting and great defense.

And speaking of defense, Magofna said the Big League All-Stars got a big boost recently with ace pitcher Nicolas San Nicolas joining them in Easley, South Carolina.

“San Nicolas is one of the best pitchers we have on the team. I know he’s with the Rock Steady team that won the pennant in the 2008 Budweiser Saipan Major League, so that says a lot about his game-changing ability on the mound. Nikki has always been with the team except for that one suspended game and I’m happy he’s back and the rest of the boys are happy too with his return,” said Magofna.

The Saipan Tribune also caught up with Big League All-Stars assistant coach Juan K. Tenorio, who volunteered that the kids are excited as ever to go to the World Series.

“They’re excited. They want to over there and go up against world class competition. We’ve been practicing three times a week, but before the As-Pac (Asia-Pacific Regional Tournament) we were practicing everyday for two weeks.”

Tenorio said he is confident of the Big League All-Stars’ ability on the field and the only thing he wants them to improve on is their cohesion and teamwork.

“Speed is one of our strengths. These boys also have strong arms. Most of them they already have the determination to win and all that. They all can play. I guess we should try harder to work together as a team though. These guys were all in different teams and all that. So we really need to work on teamwork and overall cohesiveness,” he said.

Aside from the flame-throwing San Nicolas, the CNMI Big League All-Stars also include Ryan Ada, Giovannie Ayuyu, Jesus Borja, Vicente Cabrera, Vicente Camacho, Timothy Cruz, Lawrence Dikito, Jesus Iguel, Nunu Kapileo, Vicente Deleon Guerrero, Smith Regis, Vincent Sablan, Mario Salas, Elton Santos, Juan Tenorio Jr., and Shane Yamada.

Of the 17, only Yamada, Kapileo, Sablan, and San Nicolas are returning Big League All-Stars.
Magofna and his boys booked a ticket to big show after holding off a gallant comeback by the Philippines in the third and final game of the 2008 Asia-Pacific Regional Little League Tournament last July 3 at the Francisco M. Palacios Baseball Field. The score was 8-7.

The newly minted Asia-Pacific champions open up their campaign against Latin America champion, Dominican Republic, on July 26. The next day, July 27, they will take on Puerto Rico followed by a game against Canada on July 29. The CNMI will conclude its elimination round assignment with a game against European champion, Germany, on July 30.

If the CNMI is fortunate enough to reach the International Championship it will be played on Aug. 1 with the championship of the 2008 Big League World Series set for Aug. 2 and will be televised live on ESPN.

For the eighth consecutive year, Easley will host the Big League Baseball World Series. The Big League Baseball tournament is set from July 26 to Aug. 2 and features players from ages 16 to 18 coming from around the world.