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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Hawaii players moving closer

Advertiser Staff

At least two players from Hawai'i have been invited to play in the Arizona Fall League, according to the league's Web site.

Pitcher Kea Kometani (Punahou '01), of the Frisco RoughRiders (Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers), and first baseman Kila Ka'aihue ('Iolani '02), of the Wichita Wranglers (Double-A team of the Kansas City Royals) were assigned to the Surprise Rafters.

The six-team AFL is for top prospects who are close to making the major leagues. The players have mostly Double-A or Triple-A experience.

Kometani is 2-4 with a 4.38 earned run average and eight saves. In 74 innings, he has 65 strikeouts to 29 walks for the RoughRiders. Ka'aihue has split time between High-A Wilmington of the Carolina League and Wichita, where he is hitting .248 with 13 doubles, nine home runs and 36 RBIs. All stats were through Monday.

Also, at least 14 players who played in Hawaii Winter Baseball last season have been assigned to the AFL.

Because there are still roster slots available, it is possible for more players with ties to Hawai'i to be added.