KINGSTON (AP) - Catcher Ed Paskert of the Jamaica Rastafarians is finally rounding that corner, turning into a well productive star... and a leader at that. With all the veterans the Rastafarians have brought in to put this team into contention, it is Paskert leading the team in HR's, RBI's, and he's the only Rasta batting over .300.

He might have been considered an overlooked catcher in the past depending on who you asked. If you ask me I would say that he was overlooked despite making the All-Star team a couple times. But this year it is different for Ed.

"I got to start for the BL this year," Paskert was quoted as saying after a recent home game. "The last few seasons I've felt that I deserved the starting role in the All-Star game, but ultimately it was givin up to Quintanar."

One thing that hasn't been overlooked this season is the tight race a top the Roehm Division. Jamaica made their first big jump last season finishing in 2nd with a 93-69 record. The team has done well, but owner Eric Cochran has been having some doubts as to Paskerts percieved "Me First" midset.

"I love this kid and I've had his back since the beginning when we traded our stud 2B prospect for him. But the Babe has told me recently that everything out of the kids mouth is All-Star this and All-Star that. He's gotta realize we're playing a team game."

With the initiation of the Free Agent draft the Rastas have been one of the teams that have taken the most advantage of it. After two seasons of competition the Rastas are now looking to be hit hard by the FA draft. Sure they will only lose one player but with so many eligable it's gonna be very hard to make sure certain guys don't leave. Not knowing who they might lose is probably what scares them the most. Newly accquired pitcher Joe Duff, long time slugger Darius O'neal, or maybe even a franchise player like Horatio Barnes... Any one of them of them could find themselves on the way out.

All in all the Rastas are still in a good posistion. Getting to the playoffs is one thing, the the pressure will be on the players to perform at the next level. We talked to Rastas coach Babe Ruth about the playoff situation and he told us, "Everyone knows what they are here for on this ball club... Except for maybe Paskert. I've been all over him lately about worrying about some stupid All-Star game. He's gotta make sure he doesn't burn out. We HAVE to win the division this season. He's still real young and real good. All I can do is stay on him, but ultimately it's all up to him and he'll make his own decisicions."