RED SOX OR ATHLETICS

Twelve of the eighteen NABA Palm Beach fall league teams participated in the league draft and added thirty players to their rosters. Only the defending 18AA champion Team USA made no selections. The Expos, who played as the Renzo Yankees in the spring league, had the number one pick and selected a 19-year old righthanded pitcher. Eric Calis of Boynton Beach was a member of the Netherlands national team and made a couple of NABA appearances in the past. The Patriots nabbed former West Palm Beach Indians’ pitcher/shortstop Chad Mainville, 22, of Palm Beach Gardens in hopes of adding depth to their mound staff. The Rockhounds, who will move back to the 18AAA division after a season in 18AA, picked up first baseman/pitcher Robert Thomas, 25. Timothy Hall, a 33-year old pitcher from New Jersey, who can play second base and the outfield was chosen by the Rockets. He may get a long look as a pitcher, but most likely will play infield and outfield positions with them. The A’s signed 21-year old pitcher Jordan Stabinsky of Lake Worth. Stabinsky also plays infield and outfield positions when he doesn’t pitch. Nineteen year old pitcher Edgar Pass of Hobe Sound, also an outfielder, was the Cardinals’ only pick of the day, while the soon to be renamed Mariners made 19 year old middle infielder Sean Bucsak of Loxahatchee their number one choice. In the 18AA league, the Marlins opened a very successful draft by picking up 19-year old outfielder/first baseman Steve Best of Port St. Lucie, who received a strong hitting rating. The Atlantic Sails picked 22 year old middle infielder Andy Caballero of Royal Palm Beach, who can double as an outfielder. The new Marz Angels selected a familiar name in 36-year old left handed first baseman Harry (Jim) Smith, who has seen action with more than one Palm Beach league team in the past. The Yankees rounded out the first round by drafting 30-year old infielder Erin DeMara. The other picks were: 18AAA EXPOS 2. Ryan Slattery, 20, middle infielder, Lake Worth 3. Frank Lennane, 37, infielder-outfielder, Delray Beach PATRIOTS 2. Dana (Alex) Thomas, 20, 3B-P ROCKHOUNDS 2. Jim Oberdier, 29, infielder-played with the Rockets in spring league 3. Mark Lanier Jr., 22, outfielder, Royal Palm Beach MARINERS 2. Chaz Freshour, 20, C-3B-1B, Royal Palm Beach-played with Green Space Royals in 18AA league this spring 18AA MARLINS 2. Johan Martinez, 25, 2B, played with Rockets 3. Lino Batista, 24, OF, played NABA baseball in Monroe County, PA ATLANTIC SAILS 2. James Hadzopulos, 33, IF, Delray Beach MARZ ANGELS 2. Jeff Roth, 28, 1B. Also NABA umpire assigner 3. Mike Sheets, 38, OF-2B-C- Formerly player-manager of Renegades; Patrick Luce, 25, OF; Jesus Perez, P, 27, Lake Worth; Robert Strout, 1B-OF, 20, Lake Worth; Steve Lebrun, 2B-1B-OF-Played with Green Space Royals 18AA in spring; Jose Soto, 21, P, Royal Palm Beach; Domingo Rodriguez, 26, OF; Mike Young, 36, OF; Jose Rodriguez, 21, 2B, Palm Springs