Tough Day for Kernels

[pioneers3]

Today was a sad day for me. I wish I could of been around more to post for you guys all year, but work got in the way.

 

The season ended for the Kernels in a 4-2* loss (the asterisk I will explain later)

 

I sat with fans who were pissed that the Kernels lost and it made me sad. They won 88 games, and they only had 6 maybe 7 guys who played the whole year in Cedar Rapids. Like I said in my first post, I am a Brewer fan first, but the Twins farm system is loaded with just not prospect, but guys who can play the game.

 

I been around baseball for over 20 years, from playing, coaching and scouting, and Adam Brett Walker hit a ball tonight that I didn't see come off the bat (even though I was watching it from my seat). I heard it. It didn't sound like a "gun shot" it sounded like a cannon went off. The ump called it foul...I don't know if it was fair or foul, but I know this, balls hit that hard, don't hook foul that fast, which it would have to do to be called foul. It would of brought the game to 4-3 and who know what would of happened. Having it called foul kind of took the wind out of the Kernels.

 

Players that impressed me over the the 2nd part of the season are as follow.

 

Brett Lee-Big time pitcher, didn't like him early, was a little cocky and got hit a little bit, but made big pitch after big pitch down the stretch.

 

Tyler Grimes-Grinder, could be a 24-25 type player in MLB, tough out, can play a few spots. Developed as a catcher.

 

Hudson Boyd-One of my favorite Kernels this year, I know him from his Sophomore year in HS, I really believe in my heart he will be a big league set up man or closer. Had nice chat with him tonight and he told me that the weight he lost was to prove that he was serious about his career and that he was going to put on good weight now in his core. He is going to be a 95-97 MPH guy with a dirty slider if he does it right.

 

Niko-Such an athlete. He is my pick besides Buxton and any pitcher to make it to the big leagues first of all the players that came through Cedar Rapids. Is a bit raw but can play.

 

Travis Harrison-he was worn out and struggled down the stretch. Was diving out over the plate, but like Boyd, I seen him the most in High School. Sad thing is I don't think he makes to the bigs with the Twins, 2 years from now he is going to be traded when the twins are making a run. There is no where in the system for him to play. Sano will be at third, OF will be loaded with talent, and DJ hicks are another power guy will be at first.

 

I have others. I will post some more in the off season. I plan on coming to the September 14th game vs the Rays...The twins are now my second favorite team to follow, it will be fun to watch this group that I got to see grow up and develop more.

 

Thanks and I wish you guys the best. Good days are a head of die hard Twin Fans!