Kernels Opening Day Roster announced

[Steven Buhr]

The Kernels have announced their Opening Day roster, as posted on their web site:

 

Pitchers

 

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Brandon Bixler[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Hudson Boyd[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Ryan Eades[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Dallas Gallant (restricted)

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Felix Jorge

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Yorman Landa[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Josue Montanez[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Alex Muren[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Brandon Peterson[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Christian Powell[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Randy Rosario[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Aaron Slegers[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Kohl Stewart[/TD]

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[TR=class: dataRow odd]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Miguel Sulbaran[/TD]

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Catchers

 

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Bo Altobelli[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Mitch Garver[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Michael Quesada[/TD]

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Infielders

 

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Chad Christensen[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Bryan Haar[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Joel Licon[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Tanner Vavra[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Engelb Vielma[/TD]

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[TR=class: dataRow odd]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Logan Wade[/TD]

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Outfielders

 

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Zach Granite[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Zach Larson[/TD]

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[TD=class: dataCell, align: left] [/TD]

[TD=class: dataCell, align: left]Jeremias Pineda[/TD]

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[maxisagod]

Guess Sulbaran was the odd man out at High A, Making Gonsalves the odd man out here. The Twins need more hitting at this level, the next trade needs to included an A ball position player.

[Jim H]

It sort of looks like there are at least 7 pitchers you would like to see starting. I expect that will work itself out as the season goes along. I will agree that there aren't a lot of highly regarded bats in this bunch. Should I be surprised to see Vielma on the roster? I kind of thought that Vavra was more of an outfielder, which might explain only 3 outfielders on the roster.

[Jim Crikket]

I think Ryan Walker was penciled in to play a lot of SS in CR to start the season (he was with the Kernels for a week or so at the end of the regular season last summer), but I'm told a pitch hit him a little over a week ago and broke a finger on his left hand, so he'll be a few weeks away from joining the Kernels (or any team).

 

I didn't see Vavra play any OF last week in the games I watched, but CHad Christensen can play both corner OF positions.

[Seth Stohs]

Yes, Ryan Walker is starting the season on the Disabled List.

 

Vavra is really only a 2B.

[Chance]

It sort of looks like there are at least 7 pitchers you would like to see starting. I expect that will work itself out as the season goes along. I will agree that there aren't a lot of highly regarded bats in this bunch. Should I be surprised to see Vielma on the roster? I kind of thought that Vavra was more of an outfielder, which might explain only 3 outfielders on the roster.

 

Christensen is also an outfielder.

[Jim Crikket]

The roster the Kernels released in pdf version to the media lists Christensen among the outfielders, while the roster on their website lists him as a 3B among the infielders. Again, demonstrates the flexibility he brings to the table.

[Mr. Brooks]

I'm kind of surprised (and disappointed) that Gonsalves won't start the year in A ball.

It seemed to me like he showed enough last year that you maybe try to push him a little bit and see how he handles it.

[Butterfingers8]

I'm kind of surprised (and disappointed) that Gonsalves won't start the year in A ball.

It seemed to me like he showed enough last year that you maybe try to push him a little bit and see how he handles it.

 

If Eades or sledger excel and are moved up quickly, I think we will see Gonsalves in short order.

[Physics Guy]

Looks like a very pitching heavy roster, at least with respect to prospects. If I remember correctly, the opposite was true last year. I made it to CR last year for Buxton. Looks like this year might take a little more planning and fit it around a Stewart start.

[twinsfan34]

Great post, I had been monitoring all the Twins affiliates for their rosters but forgot the past few days.

 

What I find interesting is that Engelb Vielma is the only SS (or only one listed). He didn't hit RK that well, but looks like he's going to get all the playing time possible to increase that hit tool.

 

It also makes me wonder about A+ concerning the SS position, which also affects AA.

 

I get the feeling the Twins want to see, and for good reason, if Jorge Polanco can play SS. Ft. Myers had Aderlin Mejia, who hit .308 (no power though) in 78 games at SS - he did rather well. He got the position due to an injury I heard and it was expected to be short term, but he just kept hitting. Ft Myers also has Levi Michael on the roster, our 1st RD draft pick from 2011. He's a college player running out of time. Then you don't see Nick Goodrum on the Cedar Rapids roster...so he's got to be at A+ or higher too. He only hit .260 at Cedar Rapids last year.

 

Any guesses how A+ and AA get filled out at the SS position?

 

AA - Aderlin Mejia? Levi Michael?

A+ - Jorge Polanco Niko Goodrum?

 

And this is why, if it's not guaranteed already, that Danny Santana has to be at AAA.

 

Suddenly, the SS position for the Twins is a position of interest as is pitching - both positions that are were very weak at the MLB level in 2013, giving some hope as early as 2015.

 

On Chad Christensen, yes he can play OF as well, but then who plays 3B - this is where I was thinking (maybe more hoping than thinking) Amaurys Minier would make the team as I had no idea who plays 3B for them - and this revealed roster - I feel - still doesn't answer that question. Unless they have high hopes for Christensen at 3B and for that 3rd OF (Pineda - no idea who this guy is).

[roger]

I see the Rochester roster is also posted. Does anyone know what happened to Michael Tonkin because he isn't listed on the Red Wings roster?

[cmathewson]

Great post, I had been monitoring all the Twins affiliates for their rosters but forgot the past few days.

 

What I find interesting is that Engelb Vielma is the only SS (or only one listed). He didn't hit RK that well, but looks like he's going to get all the playing time possible to increase that hit tool.

 

It also makes me wonder about A+ concerning the SS position, which also affects AA.

 

I get the feeling the Twins want to see, and for good reason, if Jorge Polanco can play SS. Ft. Myers had Aderlin Mejia, who hit .308 (no power though) in 78 games at SS - he did rather well. He got the position due to an injury I heard and it was expected to be short term, but he just kept hitting. Ft Myers also has Levi Michael on the roster, our 1st RD draft pick from 2011. He's a college player running out of time. Then you don't see Nick Goodrum on the Cedar Rapids roster...so he's got to be at A+ or higher too. He only hit .260 at Cedar Rapids last year.

 

Any guesses how A+ and AA get filled out at the SS position?

 

AA - Aderlin Mejia? Levi Michael?

A+ - Jorge Polanco Niko Goodrum?

 

And this is why, if it's not guaranteed already, that Danny Santana has to be at AAA.

 

Suddenly, the SS position for the Twins is a position of interest as is pitching - both positions that are were very weak at the MLB level in 2013, giving some hope as early as 2015.

 

On Chad Christensen, yes he can play OF as well, but then who plays 3B - this is where I was thinking (maybe more hoping than thinking) Amaurys Minier would make the team as I had no idea who plays 3B for them - and this revealed roster - I feel - still doesn't answer that question. Unless they have high hopes for Christensen at 3B and for that 3rd OF (Pineda - no idea who this guy is).

 

I heard on the radio that Michael is going back to the Miracle. Don't know where Goodrum is going.

[Seth Stohs]

I see the Rochester roster is also posted. Does anyone know what happened to Michael Tonkin because he isn't listed on the Red Wings roster?

 

I can't answer that one, but I can say that there is no need to worry about it. Nothing bad. He will be at Rochester soon, I'm certain.

[Seth Stohs]

I heard on the radio that Michael is going back to the Miracle. Don't know where Goodrum is going.

 

Michael, Goodrum, Polanco and Pettersen will all be at Ft. Myers.

[diehardtwinsfan]

No Gonsalves or Thorpe... color me annoyed... Bit surprised that Sulbaran isn't in Fort Meyers. He put up pretty good numbers in the MWL last season, not sure what good repeating will do him.

[Thrylos]

What I find interesting is that Engelb Vielma is the only SS (or only one listed). He didn't hit RK that well, but looks like he's going to get all the playing time possible to increase that hit tool.

 

I saw Vielma play a couple of weeks ago and was really surprised (whole ST post here) by his play, and had this to write about him:

 

This is the single one most unknown superstar in the making in the Twins' organization. He turned two unassisted double plays (one a line out/throw out the other a step on second throw at first) today and he made them seem so easy. Like it is an everyday kind of thing. Looks like his contact tool is getting better. He has crazy nutty speed and as a cutoff guy, he almost threw a guy out at third on a easy triple. Very strong arm. And he has room to grow. I think that he will move into second in my SS rankings after 6th overall ranked Jorge Polanco.

 

That "superstar" categorization was not written lightly. The kid has Ozzie Smith ceiling with the glove. Very good catch by Keith Law, but the rest of us had not seen him play before this Spring. Which makes me think that a July-August Fort Myers trip might be in order to catch GCL Cedar Rapids' folks are in for a treat with this kid...

 

On JC's roster I am certain that there are at least half a dozen or so total position players and (mainly) pitchers, including Josh Burris who are on the CR roster but in the DL. Bet we will find out early next week.

[cmathewson]

No Gonsalves or Thorpe... color me annoyed... Bit surprised that Sulbaran isn't in Fort Meyers. He put up pretty good numbers in the MWL last season, not sure what good repeating will do him.

 

I think Sulbaran will be the first one promoted. He came in out of shape and has been held back some as a result. But once he's doing what he as doing last year, I expect he'll join Berrios in Ft. Myers.

[Thrylos]

I think Sulbaran will be the first one promoted. He came in out of shape and has been held back some as a result. But once he's doing what he as doing last year, I expect he'll join Berrios in Ft. Myers.

 

Sulbaran played a grand total of four (4) games with the Kernels last year. Hard to make conclusions based on that.

 

His career line (in 118.7 IP) in the Midwest League in a tad more than a season, is: 3.56 ERA (FIP around 3.3ish), 1.340 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 2.89 K/BB. Hardly top of the line level... I first saw him pitch this spring, and I liked what I saw, but for some weird reason in the back of my mind, I have 2 words: Jose Mijares...

[clutterheart]

Omissions:

Austin Malinowski

Hein Robb

Lo

Im almost shocked that Malinowski didn't make the roster. Anyword on these guys Seth?

[gunnarthor]

In any event, it'll be nice to see Stewart and Eades pitching down the road, if I wanted to see them.

[Seth Stohs]

Omissions:

Austin Malinowski

Hein Robb

Lo

Im almost shocked that Malinowski didn't make the roster. Anyword on these guys Seth?

 

Robb is hurt.

 

I think it will be interesting to see if Malinowski does some starting this season for Elizabethton after being pretty solid out of the bullpen there last year. He could also be one of the first called up.

 

Lo, I'm not sure. He was pretty good last year too, but he begins the season in EST.

 

The guys in EST, pitching-wise, that surprised me most are Ethan Mildren and Derrick Penilla. I think those two should be next up.

[diehardtwinsfan]

Sulbaran played a grand total of four (4) games with the Kernels last year. Hard to make conclusions based on that.

 

His career line (in 118.7 IP) in the Midwest League in a tad more than a season, is: 3.56 ERA (FIP around 3.3ish), 1.340 WHIP, 7.9 K/9, 2.89 K/BB. Hardly top of the line level... I first saw him pitch this spring, and I liked what I saw, but for some weird reason in the back of my mind, I have 2 words: Jose Mijares...

 

I'd be quite happy if he had a Mijares like career. He was a pretty good reliever for us for a while. The fact that we got a decent prospect for Butera still surprises me.

[Thrylos]

The guys in EST, pitching-wise, that surprised me most are Ethan Mildren and Derrick Penilla. I think those two should be next up.

 

Penilla has a few GCL innings and most in relief under his belt. He has to be E-town bound...

[clutterheart]

 

I think it will be interesting to see if Malinowski does some starting this season for Elizabethton after being pretty solid out of the bullpen there last year. He could also be one of the first called up.

 

Lo, I'm not sure. He was pretty good last year too, but he begins the season in EST.

 

.

 

Malinowski struck out a guy an inning as a 19 year old in GCL and did basically the same as a 20 year in E-town. He had 2.01 ERA in the bullpen.

 

He's from Minnesota and he's 21. My head is full of questions to not see him on.

 

Have you seen him pitch? Does he has an attitude problem, something wrong with his delivery?

 

Its possible there is information on Malinowski I don't have. But to leave him off the roster while non prospect guys like like Powell or Muren repeat makes no sense.

 

Is it possible the Malinowski family bought a car from Mauer Chev, had some problems, filed a complaint with the BBB and now he is being punished?

[Tibs]

Do we know the order of the rotation?

[Steven Buhr]

Tweeted by Kernels play by play guy, Morgan Hawk:

 

Morgan Hawk‏@Morgan_Hawk57 mins@CRKernels rotation for opening series with the @LumberKings: THUR: Aaron Slegers, FRI: Randy Rosario, SAT: Ryan Eades, SUN: Kohl Stewart

 

They have a travel day on Monday as they head to Great Lakes. Pitching coach Ivan Arteaga said last night they'd use a 5-man rotation the first couple weeks with the fifth and sixth starters (Jorge and Sulbaran) piggy-backing to split game 5.

 

Of course, with the weather forecast for Thursday and Friday in CR, this is all very much "tentative."

[Seth Stohs]

Wish I could be there for Opening Weekend again this year!! I'll have to find a four-five game home stand in June to get to!

[Steven Buhr]

Wish I could be there for Opening Weekend again this year!! I'll have to find a four-five game home stand in June to get to!

 

The way things are looking, you might have been able to see the entire 4 game series by getting here Saturday morning. Thursday looks like rain/low 40s. Friday looks like rain-snow/upper 30s.

 

Since Clinton doesn't return to CR again in the first half of the season, they'll likely try to do whatever they can to get all 4 games played. Otherwise, they'd probably have to play postponed games at Clinton in a few weeks.

 

Hope you can make it down here at some point.