OPPORTUNITIES OPEN UP FOR SEVERAL WHO HAVE SERVED IN INDEPENDENT LEAGUES

The Atlantic League's Sugar Land, TX biggie has lost a good one because the Chicago White Sox have given one of the former stars, BRITT BURNS, a pitching coach job in their farm system. Burns was in a similar capacity with the Skeeters in their first season.

ORV FRANCHUK was left hanging when Edmonto dropped out of the Independent ranks last season. He had guided the Capitals to the North American League title in 2011. Franchuk has been hired by the Los Angeles Dodgers as hitting coach at Chattanooga.

Congratulations to JOHN BOOHER on his appointment as a national crosschecker for the Red Sox. Booher spent time in coaching roles in the Central League (Jackson) and Northeast League (Elmira, NY) years ago.

BILL SIMAS, the successful closer for the Long Island (NY) Ducks (Atlantic League), has moved up a level in the Dodgers' farm system, taking his pitching skills from Ogden, UT to Great Lakes (Midland, MI).

TEAM SUCCEEDS BUT CHANGES FOCUS

San Rafael, CA was a bright light as the North American League was falling apart last season to the point new seating sections are being added to undersized Albert Park for a second year of play by the Pacifics. But since the North Division of the league has basically evaporated except for the two teams in Hawaii we understand San Rafael will operate essentially by playing what probably amounts to semi-pro teams in the area. The Pacifics may still make at least one trip to Hawaii, which will help attract players, whose compensation may be limited to some living expenses.

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