Kernels release 2009 Opening Day roster
Published on April 6, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release
The 2009 Cedar Rapids Kernels have broken Spring Training camp and are on their way to Cedar Rapids! The 25-player roster includes two of the LA Angels Top 30 Prospects, as ranked by Baseball America, in RHP Will Smith (#12) and RHP Manuarys Correa (#19).
The roster includes nine members of the 2008 MWL playoff team as pitchers Chris Armstrong and Michael Davitt; catchers Anel De Los Santos and C.J. Bressoud; infielders Alexi Amarista, Hector Estrella and Gabe Jacobo; and outfielders Angel Castillo and Carlos Colmenares return to Cedar Rapids. RHP Vladimir Veras, who played in Cedar Rapids in 2007 but was injured last season, also is a member of the 2009 team.
Pitching will once again be the Kernels' strong suit as the projected starting rotation features RHP Manuarys Correa, RHP Michael Davitt, LHP Manuel Flores, LHP Jayson Miller and RHP Will Smith. The bullpen looks strong too with two closers: LHP Andrew Taylor (5 saves) and RHP Jeremy Thorne (8 saves - .121 BA against).
The Kernels' offense should feature lots of speed as OF Robert Auer and INF Alexi Amarista both had over 20 stolen bases in short-season play. Gabe Jacobo (10 HR/56 RBI) and Angel Castillo (14 HR/47 RBI) should supply some power and RBI production.
The 2009 Kernels are scheduled to arrive in Cedar Rapids at 4 pm tonight (Monday) and are scheduled to play an exhibition game against Kirkwood Community College at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, April 7th as part of 'Meet the Kernels Night'.
Opening Day at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium is scheduled for Thursday, April 9th when the Kernels take on the Beloit Snappers at 6:35 pm. Tickets are on sale on-line at www.kernels.com
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
Midwest League Stories from April 6, 2009
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