MWL1 Cedar Rapids Kernels

Kernels Release 2011 Opening Day Roster

Published on April 4, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Cedar Rapids Kernels News Release


Cedar Rapids, IA - The 2011 Cedar Rapids Kernels have broken Spring Training camp and are on their way to Cedar Rapids! The 25-player roster includes four of the Angels Top 30 Prospects, according to Baseball America: RHP Dan Tillman (#14), OF Travis Witherspoon (#21), RHP Donn Roach (#25), and OF Drew Heid (#29).

The roster includes seven members of the 2010 MWL playoff team as pitchers Suammy Baez and Max Russell; catcher Carlos Ramirez; and infielders Ricky Alvalrez and Mitch Blackburn return to Cedar Rapids. Ramirez is the only member of that list that played the entire 2010 season in Cedar Rapids. Catcher Braulio Pardo and infielder Jean Almanzar played for the Kernels in 2009, but didn't in 2010.

Pitching will once again be the Kernels' strong suit as the projected starting rotation features RHP Suammy Baez, RHP Brian Diemer (6th Rd - 2010), RHP Justin La Tempa, RHP Heath Nichols, LHP Max Russell (4th Rd - 2010), and RHP Dan Tillman (2nd Rd - 2010). The bullpen features RHP Donn Roach (3rd Rd - 2010), LHP Dakota Robinson and LHP Kevin Johnson.

The Kernels' offense continues to be built around the Angels' foundation of speed and skill, but should feature some power. OF Drew Heid led the Pioneer League with 104 hits, batting .364 with 9 HR and 34 RBI in 68 games, while INF Brandon Decker posted a .341 BA with 13 HR and 47 RBI in 52 games at Orem and Travis Witherspoon hit .309 with 10 HR and 45 RBI in 71 games and was a perfect 20 for 20 in stolen bases.

The 2011 Kernels are scheduled to arrive in Cedar Rapids Monday afternoon and are scheduled to hold a workout under the lights at Perfect Game Field starting at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, April 5th as part of 'Meet the Kernels Night'.

The Kernels open the 2011 MWL season on the road at Peoria on Thursday, April 7th. Opening Night at Perfect Game Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium is scheduled for Monday, April 11th when the Kernels take on the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers at 6:35 pm. Tickets are on sale on-line at www.kernels.com, or by calling the Kernels Ticket Office at (319) 896-7560. Ticket Office hours are 10 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday, and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

Check out the Cedar Rapids Kernels Statistics

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