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nclahammer

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  1. nclahammer

    Corn Crop in Cedar Rapids is looking good.

    By nclahammer,


    Corn Futures Update
    It was baseball road trip BONUS time this past weekend with buddies Steve-O & TJ as the Cedar Rapids Kernels wrapped up their series with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers on Sunday, August 20.   During our intitial road trip to Cedar Rapids at the end of June, one of our games was suspended due to rain after three innings.  Despite seeing the completion of said game the following day, followed by the regularly scheduled contest, we were told we could exchange the suspended game tickets for another Kernel's game.  So we did.   This time we made it a day trip, and in case you ever wondered, "Of course" I would drive seven hours (round trip from Red Wing, MN) in one day to catch 3 hours of baseball. 
     Zebby Matthews toted the rubber for the home team and really stood out on the mound touching 95 MPH several times.  He pitched 4 2/3 innings, allowed 5 hits, striking out 5 and walking 2.  Matthews is listed as the #25 Twins prospect on the MLB.  Former Twins Daily top 20 prospect Noah Miller displayed his MLB ready glove multiple times at shortstop and paced the offense with two hits.   Miller is batting .219 on the season, but the team has had him leading off regularly since infielder Tanner Schobel was promoted to AA on July 18, and this Kernel is beginning to pop.  After struggling intially at the top,  Miller is now hitting .266 for the month of August, with nearly half of his 17 hits of the extra base variety (6 doubles and 2 HRs.)  And remember...the kid is just 20 years old.  The decisive blow in the game for Cedar Rapids was struck by #13 TD prospect Kala'l Rosario who broke open a 1-0 game with a 3-run HR in the fourth, his 18th of the year to go along with 77 RBI.  No runs were scored over the last five innings.  4-1 Kernels was the final score. 
    A couple of notes from a very hot Sunday where it was mostly sunny and 96.  Kernel leftfielder Carson McCusker , who was promoted from Fort Myers on August 3, had one of the toughest defensive innings I've seen in quite awhile.  In the top of the 4th inning on a single hit out to left, McCusker picked up the ball and then dropped it...and then picked it up again...and dropped it...then picked it up a third time and dropped it, allowing the runner Hendry Mendez to move up to second base (and later score.)  He was not given an error for playing hot potato this time, but two batters later in the SAME inning, on a base hit to the gap, the exact same thing happened, and this time he was given an error.    We were left wondering if he has forgot to wipe some sunscreen off his hands or something during that one inning.  It was just very odd.
    Twins Daily #3 prosect Emmanuel Rodriguez had the day off.  The good guys silenced the Rattlers in the series winning 5 of their 6 meetings.  It was Team Photo Day #2, which paired perfectly with the players signing on the field after a Sunday game (see pic below.)   Twenty-seven autographs in twenty minutes (without pushing or shoving any kids.)  I also caught a quick selfie with pitching prospect Andrew Morris, because I just knew he was going to be chosen as the Minnesota Twins Minor League Pitcher of the Week this week.

    The Cedar Rapids Kernels are winding down their regular season with just one home series left, August 29 - Sept. 3 vs. Lake County, split between two series on the road at South Bend and at the Wisconsin Timer Rattlers.  If you've never been down to Cedar Rapids, they have a nice facilty, terrific fans, and a very good baseball team.  The Kernels will open the playoffs on Tuesday, September 12, at an opponent TBD, before hosting game two on Sept. 14, and game three if necessary on the 15th.

     
  2. nclahammer

    Corn Futures on the Rise for the Twins in Cedar Rapids

    By nclahammer,


    Kernels Outstanding in their Field
    I just completed my 24th annual baseball road trip with my buddies Steve-O and TJ, this past weekend we caught a trio of games in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, home of the Minnesota Twins High Class A team the Kernels.   The Beloit Sky Carp won the first game we saw on Friday, June 23, 11-9.  Cedar Rapids then won the next two days by scores of 10-6 and 8-3.  Sky Carp, in case you are wondering, is a not-so-flattering moniker for Canadian geese.  I am by no means a baseball expert, but rather just an avid fan who loves to go to baseball games, watching and observing.   With my scorebook in hand, I make notes throughout the game of what I see happening on the field (and sometimes inthe stands.)   Here's a summary along with some thoughts and observations on how players on the Twins Daily Top 20 prospect list faired, along with some of the other Kernels "popping" in the minors.  
    Current Twins Daily Top 20 prospects (after mid-May rankings)
    #3 prospect - OF Emmanuel Rodriguez   Over the three games we saw...10ABs/2H/HR/RBI/4SO/4BB/SB - Rodriquez played CF the first two games and DH the final one.   Good athleticism in CF.  In the first game he showed excellent range getting to a ball in the LF/CF gap and then he non-chalantly flipped his glove for the catch and the ball glanced off his glove for a three-base error.  The next night was windy and with a rocket hit to CF he hustled back to the ball in time, but it hit off his glove for a triple (we thought it could have been an error, but then again it was windy.)  Showed some patience at the plate with 4 walks to go along with 4 strikeouts.  Has some of that "Wow" factor going for him with his swing (he's got "pop"), presence, and confidence.   I hope he can continue to mature and improve, he is the youngest player on the Cedar Rapids Kernel roster.
    #6 prospect - P Marco Raya - 4th round pick in 2020 out of HS - He pitched the first game we saw on Friday and got off to a quick start, retiring 7 of the first 8 batters he faced.   Then an error (Rodriguez) and two unearned runs later, the Kernels were down 2-0 after three.  Raya got the first out in the 4th, but never finished the inning after loading up the bases on three consecutive singles.  His stat line was 3 1/3IP/4H/3ER/2K/BB.   In ten Class High-A starts, Raya is 0-1, 3.19 ERA, 35K/6BB in 31 IP.  The word I would use to describe Marco Raya is "efficient."  He started out the game dealing strikes and going after the hitters and was getting outs.  Then after giving up three consecutive singles to load the bases in the 4th, the Kernels made a call to the bullpen, which let the game get away in the middle frames (see Jaylin Nowlin below.)  Nothing "Wow" about his stuff like when I saw Brusdar Graterol pitch here, but Raya did exhibit good control and confidence.   They seem to be bringing Raya along slowly with 31 IP in ten starts.
    #12 prospect - IF Jose Salas    Also acquired in the Luis Arraez trade - 7ABs/R/H/RBI/2B/2K/2BB/2HBP/1SB.  He played 2B two games and 3B once, with a slick glove, great range, with no errors.  On the season batting .166 with 61 Ks in 193 AB.  He is the second youngest player on the roster.  The glove is there, the bat is not (yet?)   Good versatility and speed.
    #13 prospect - SS Noah Miller - 1st round pick 2021 out of HS - 9ABs/R/2H/2RBI/SB/5Ks.  Miller played two games at SS and was part of 3 double plays.  His glove is MLB ready IMO.  He gobbled up anything hit his way and was smooth as butter with his glove & throws, but has much work to do with the bat.  Miller is a switch hitter batting .208 (not sure of his splits.)   He had two RBI singles late in the Friday night game, otherwise he had tough at bats.  Out of the regulars playing offensively, Miller is the third youngest behind Rodriguez and Salas.  
    Preseason Top 20 Twins Daily prospects
    #18 prospect - IF Tanner Schobel (2nd round pick 2022 out of Virginia Tech as a draft eligible sophomore)  In two games batting leadoff and playing third base, 9AB/3R/3H/5RBI/2HR/K.  Batting .279 on the season with ten HRs and tied for the team lead with 46 RBI.  He's only 6 months older than Miller, but has got the bat and is a solid fielder.  I was surprised he dropped out of the Twins Daily Top 20 in the mid-May updated rankings, while Miller climbed one spot.  I can see him earning a promotion to Wichita before long.  Good stick & solid glove.  Very comfortable at the plate.
    #20 prospect - OF Misael Urbina (signed as MLFA in 2108, just turned 21) - 13AB/2R/4H/5RBI/(2)2Bs/HR/3K.  Played two games in LF and one at DH.  Had 3 hits in Friday's game.  Adequate fielder batting .192 on the season.  I heard a lot about a high ceiling with him, nothing to write home about at this point (yet), hasn't taken off.  Still A LOT to prove.
    Best of the rest
    Jorel Ortega IF - 6th round pick 2022 (signed out of Tennessee after his junior year) - recently promoted to Cedar Rapids.  12AB/5R/5H/2B/HR/BB.  Played 1B,2B, and DH in the 3 games we watched.  He catches your attention when playing.  Batting .400 in 5 games since his promotion from Ft. Myers.  I like his game, he hustles and does things positively that you notice.
    Kala'i Rosario OF - 5th round pick 2020 - Yay, another Rosario in the Twins organization!   Played RF for 2 games.  7AB/5R/3H/2RBI/2B/HR/2K/3BB.  Drafted out of high school in Hawaii, currently leads the Kernels in doubles (14), batting average (.279), and tied for HR lead with 12.  41 BBs to go along with 71 Ks.  Nothing flashy defensively, but very solid at the plate.  Possible OF promotion to Wichita if an opening should arise?  On a side note, during a rain delay during the Saturday game, Rosario was the ONLY player from either team, on the side of the dugout signing autographs for kids (and some big kids too-see pic below) for over twenty minutes during a light (and sometimes not-so-light) rain.
    Ben Ross Utility - 5th round pick 2022 out of Notre Dame after his junior year - A clear fan favorite who plays everywhere, big blonde mullet (see locks below.)  1B/SS/CF when we saw him.  12AB/2R/3H/5RBI/(2)2Bs/HR.  Batting .235 on the season with 11HRs.  Fun player to cheer for, goes all out.  Made an error while in CF otherwise was solid, but not spectacular on defense.  
    Andrew Cossetti C - 11th round pick out of St. Josephs - Earned a promotion from Ft. Myers in May after a strong start.  3AB/R/2H/2B.  Played one game behind the plate last weekend and is built as solid as a brickhouse.  Not Ben Rortvedt solid, but a stocky 5'10/215 lbs.  Seemed to call a really good game in the final game we saw on Sunday, and showed really good hustle legging out his double, helmet flew off and everything (almost Willians Astudillo like.)
    Other pitching prospect notes:
    I was hoping to see pitchers Cory Lewis and Zebby Matthews, who have created a bit of buzz this spring, but Lewis & Matthews did not throw.  I heard pitcher Connor Prielipp (2022 2nd round pick) was at the Twins facility in Florida for evaluation, but someone was wearing his number 47 during Friday's jersey auction and they said it was HIS jersey in their online auction site.  Mmmm?   I did see Jaylin Nowlin pitch in relief Friday and he got lit up to the tune of 2IP/5H/4ER/3BB/noKs.  Matthew Swain closed out Sunday's win allowing 2HRs on 3H with a K & BB in one inning pitched.  Ironically, the best pitching performance of the weekend came from starter Orlando Rodriguez who threw 5 shutout innings on Sunday. earning the win and improving his record to 7-2 on the season.  As mentioned earlier in Twins Daily, he was released after the game on Sunday.  Rodriguez is 5-7 years older than most players in high-A ball and I guess they needed the roster space.  Tough break.
    If you make the trip to Cedar Rapids, the players are pretty accessible after the games.  They walk right out of the clubhouse past you, as does the opposition on the way to their bus.  There was only one other person looking for autographs with me after Friday's game.  On Sunday, fans are invited to go on the field as ALL Kernel players sign on the field after Sunday games for 10-15 minutes or so.
    The Cedar Rapids Kernels won the first half of the season standings and are loaded with talent, especially in the infield (with depth too.)  It will be interesting to watch some of the names above and follow their development during the second half of the season and beyond.  Thanks for reading.





  3. nclahammer

    Oh Winter Caravan...where are thee?

    By nclahammer,


    Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan
    To lead off, thank you for reading my very first blog.  
    For me, the coming of the Minnesota Twins winter caravan was always a time of sharing and celebration.   Taking my two daughters to meet Twins players and catching up with friends and fellow baseball fans was a great way to warm up during what always seemed to be some of the coldest times of the year.   The picture above is of my oldest daughter during the 2014 winter caravan and even made it into the Twins yearbook that year. 
    Following the “kick-in-the-groin” of cutting back to one day of player signings at TwinsFest, I know that I, along with many other fans are, really looking forward to the return of the caravan.    Prior to COVID, the Minnesota Twins have usually had their winter caravan schedule out for some time by now.   Here’s what was announced by the team back on December 1st.  According to Andrew Halverson, the Director of Broadcast for the Minnesota Twins…
    ”The goal will be to connect with Twins fans in person but also look for opportunities to give back as well.  We are partnering with the Twins Community Fund to help us create those charitable events and contributions.  As a result, we will be re-wording the Twins Caravan to the “Twins CARE-avan.”
    I read this to mean perhaps fewer stop-and-run free community visits, and more buy a ticket, get a quick meal, to help raise money for a local organization, type of events.   No big deal, many of their winter caravan events have been like this in the past, and I’ve been more than happy to buy a ticket to help support a local cause and get some autographs from my favorite team.  
    Today is January 8, and there has not been a formal announcement by the Minnesota Twins with their winter caravan schedule for 2023.     So I starting doing some searching online, and I’ve found a few crumbs of a caravan schedule through their radio affiliates.  Here’s what I’ve found with links to more information.
    January 23, Monday, in St. Paul, MN.  
    St, Paul area Twins Caravan Event:  
    St. Paul Baseball Old Timers Hot Stove League Banquet
    Southview Country Club: 239 Mendota Road East, West St. Paul, MN 55118
    Batting Practice (social hour): 5:30 pm
    Game Time (steak dinner & program): 7:00 pm
    Q & A Session, Door Prize Drawing, Silent Auction, and more!

    Personalities include: Dan Gladden, Louie Varland, Kris Attebery (emcee), Dave St. Peter, Thad Levine, Jerry Bell, Jim Rantz, Derek Sharrer (St. Paul Saints AAA), John Anderson (MN Gophers)

    Further Info / Tickets:  http://tricitybaseball.org/oldtimers.htm
    (Tickets must be purchased by 10 pm Sunday, Jan. 15th)
    January 24, Tuesday, in St. Cloud, MN, at Rivers Edge Convention Center. UPDATE Doors open at 5:30 pm with program beginning at 7:00 pm.  Players expected (subject to change , of course), Jose’ Miranda, Nick Gordon, coach Tommy Watkins, and broadcasters Kris Atteberry and Dan Gladden.  See the link for more information.          https://wjon.com/twins-winter-caravan-stopping-in-st-cloud-in-2-weeks/
    January 25, Wednesday, in Fargo, ND, at the Sanctuary Events Center (from KFGO.)  Doors open at 5:00 pm with program starting at 6:00 pm.  Tickets are $10.00.  You receive a ballpark meal…again likely a hotdog, chips, and pop.  Players expected (subject to change , of course), Jose’ Miranda, Nick Gordon, coach Tommy Watkins, and broadcasters Kris Atteberry and Dan Gladden.  See the link for more information.
    https://kfgo.com/twins-winter-caravan/#:~:text=The%20Minnesota%20Twins%20are%20coming,meal%20thanks%20to%20Country%20Hearth.
    January 25, Wednesday, in Mankato, MN, at Kato Ballroom (from KTOE - just added from comment below.)  Hours are 6:30 - 9:00 with guests Ryan Jeffers, Justin Morneau, Dick Bremer, Tony Oliva, and Caleb Thielbar expected to attend.  See this link for more information.
    http://thefanmankato.com/event/twins-winter-caravan-2/  
    January 29, Sunday, Treasure Island Resort and Casino, Welch, MN (by Red Wing.)    This date has not yet been confirmed, by my source at our local Minnesota Twins affiliate (KWNG) says it is the date being considered at this time.   I will post an update with time and players when this information is confirmed.
    January 30, Monday, at Whistle Binkies on the Lake in Rochester, MN (KROC.)  Time from 6:30 - 8:00 pm.  Guest include Louie Varland, LaTroy Hawkins, Cory Provus, Rocco Baldelli, and David Popkins.
    Here a link with details and ticket info.  https://kroc.com/mn-twins-caravan-rochester-mn/
    UPDATE - January 12 - The Minnesota Twins finally release their Winter Caravan schedule for 2023.  Here's the link.
    https://www.mlb.com/twins/community/winter-caravan
     
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