Softball: Two fresh faces for Japan trip

Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase is implementing his desire to build depth in every position ahead of the 2009 world series, making several changes for the trip to Japan this month.

He's selected pitcher Regan Manley and power hitter Malcolm Namana for the side for the first time and made two slightly unusual calls - naming outfielder Donny Hale in the infield to cover first base and Jarrad Martin, who usually plays at first base, as a designated player.

Kohlhase feels there is too much reliance on Martin in the first base position and is keen to change that.

The other feature is the omission of veteran pitcher Marty Grant.

Kohlhase admits it was a big call to leave out Grant but said it is a good chance for the veteran to rest up for next season.

"It would be the first time in 13 or 14 years that Marty Grant's name has not appeared in a Black Sox squad.

"I have always looked to Marty to win the games when it really counts and this is an opportunity for the rest of the guys to step up."

Joining Manley and his brother Jeremy in the pitching lineup are Thomas Cameron and Michael Gaiger. It is the first time in New Zealand men's softball that two brothers have been named as pitchers.

The 17-man squad heads to Japan at the end of this month to contest the Pacific Cup series against Australia, Samoa and Japan.

The Black Sox are the defending champions, having claimed the title at the inaugural series held in Rotorua last season and will look to build on their series win over Samoa in December and Commonwealth Series success in January.

Wayne Small has been named the team's new manager through to the 2009 world championship. He replaces Grant McCarroll.


Black Sox

Pitchers
* Jeremy Manley (Hutt Valley), Thomas Cameron (Auckland), Michael Gaiger (Canterbury), Regan Manley (Hawkes Bay).
Catchers
* Patrick Shannon (Auckland), Stephen Ratu (Wellington).
Infield
* Donny Hale (Auckland), Travis Wilson (Canterbury), Brad Rona (North Harbour), Nathan Nukunuku, vice captain (Auckland),
Outfield
* Daniel Milne (Canterbury), Thomas Makea (Wellington), Rhys Casley (Hutt Valley), Stacy McLean (Wellington), Gus Leger (Auckland), Malcolm Namana (Hutt Valley).
Designated Player
* Jarrad Martin, captain (North Harbour).