MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT

The JetHawk clubhouse will take on a more global flavor this season with the addition of Yuni Kim, a 25-year-old outfielder from Japan.

Jim Colborn, newly hired as director of Pacific Rim scouting for the Seattle Mariners, was introduced to Kim by contacts within the Japanese major leagues.

Kim had been playing for a company team, which Colborn said is a level of Japanese amateur baseball similar to the lowest levels of professional baseball in the United States.

The Mariners invited Kim to work out in spring training in Arizona, and they were impressed enough to sign him. Colborn said Kim has a good arm, some power and potential to hit for a high average.

One of the Mariners’ biggest concerns is finding a Japanese interpreter for Kim in Lancaster.

“We’re looking in the area to get in contact with some Japanese families,” Colborn said.

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The High Desert Mavericks, the JetHawks’ opponent tonight, should be one of the nation’s more intriguing minor league clubs.

They are the highest affiliate of the expansion Arizona Diamondbacks, who begin play next season.

The roster includes first baseman Travis Lee, who signed with Arizona for a $10 million bonus after starring for the U.S. Olympic team and winning the Golden Spikes Award as the nation’s top college baseball player.

Right-handed pitcher Vladimir Nunez, a Cuban defector who signed with the Diamondbacks for $1.75 million, will start tonight.

Two other notable pitchers--former Cy Young Award winner Mark Davis, who is attempting a comeback after sitting out two seasons, and Cuban defector Larry Rodriguez--will each join the Mavericks after they recover from minor injuries.

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Tonight’s Game:

High Desert (Vladimir Nunez, 0-0, 0.00) at JetHawks (Kevin Gryboski, 0-0, 0.00), 7:15.