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MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Kernels Announce 2005 Opening Day Roster

April 4, 2005 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


The Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim today announced the tentative Opening Day roster for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Twenty-five players will arrive in Cedar Rapids tonight to prepare for the team's Thursday afternoon home opener against Kane County.

The roster includes 12 pitchers, 3 catchers, 6 infielders, and 4 outfielders. Nine members of the 2005 roster have played in Cedar Rapids previously.

Highlighting this year's roster will be 2004 Pioneer League MVP Sean Rodriguez. A shortstop, Rodriguez began last year in Cedar Rapids before being sent to the Angels' Provo affiliate where he blistered opposing pitchers to the tune of a .338 batting average, 10 home runs, and 55 runs batted in.

Other returning Kernels include RHP Jesse Smith, RHP Rafael Rodriguez, LHP Nic Touchstone, C Michael Collins, C Tommy Duenas, INF Billy Boyer, OF Warner Madrigal, and OF Aaron Peel.

Baseball America ranks Madrigal's arm as the strongest outfield cannon in the entire organization. He was injured during the Kernels' 2004 season opener and hit .275 in limited action last year.

The roster includes three of the Angels' top 10 picks from the 2004 Free Agent Draft. 2B Josh LeBlanc (.299 Avg. 4 HR 30 RBI 15 SB at Provo) was taken in the sixth round, RHP Billy Layman (2-2 4.91 ERA 51 K 40 IP at Provo) in the seventh, and 3B Freddy Sandoval (Did not play in 2004) with the eighth pick.

Fifteen players on the 2005 roster helped the Angels' Rookie League team in Provo, to a 44-32 record and the 2004 Pioneer League championship. Rodriguez and RHP Mitch Arnold were both named to the circuit's postseason all-star team. Arnold led the league with 13 saves and notched a 2-0 record with a sparkling 2.48 ERA while striking out 41 batters in just 33 innings of work.

Bobby Magallanes returns for his second season as the Kernels' skipper. He guided the team to 75 wins and a spot in the Midwest League playoffs last season. He's joined on the staff by hitting coach Justin Baughman and pitching coach Kernan Ronan. Trainer Eric Munson, Strength and Conditioning coach Jake Miller, and Equipment Manager Ron Plein round out the 2005 field staff.

The Kernels open the 2005 season on Thursday, April 7th as they take on the Kane County Cougars at noon. Tickets are available by calling the Veterans Memorial Stadium ticket office at 896-7560, or on line at www.kernels.com.

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