At Cedar Rapids

[stringer bell]

My brother and I have motored down from Minnesota to take in a weekend of Kernels Baseball. We came this early because we figured that if we came later, Buxton et al would have been promoted. We are staying at the motel which is housing this weekend's opponent (Kane County?). The weather looks pretty iffy, but we are hoping to see some of the future of the Minnesota Twins. I'll try to write a report at the conclusion of the game.

[Seth Stohs]

Gates open an hour before the game. Be sure to get there early. Can't wait for your report. Enjoy!

[stringer bell]

Well, my luck is holding. I have gone to two Twins games this year, both with questionable weather forecasts and both turned out fine weather wise. The same scenario was in effect for the Kernel-Kane County matchup tonight. Did I mention the Twins lost both games? The Kernels also endured the "curse of Stringer Bell" with a non-competitive 15-1 drubbing.

 

Not much went right for the Kernels. LF J.D. Williams made a fine throw in the second inning and 2B Joel Licon made a nice diving play. Pitcher Brett Lee was utterly hittable--fastball was OK, but straight, his curveball seemed to spin and the change wasn't effective. Buxton had three hits, but none of them were hard hit.

 

Perfect Game Field is a nice minor league venue. It was nearly a full house, with fireworks following the game. The field looks small to me, especially down the lines. Kane County's first run was a homer down the LF line. It didn't seem well-hit at all, but managed to just make the seats, I guess. The ball really scoots through the infield.

 

I guess my highlight was meeting JO Berrios and shaking his hand. He seems bigger than he looked in uniform (at the WBC) and certainly looks really young (just turned 19). He was sitting next to us by himself and i finally asked him his name just before he left. BTW, his English is good.

 

I'll be at tomorrow's tilt weather permitting. If any TDers want to stop by, my brother and I are in Section 111, Row V, seats 8 & 9.

[Madre Dos]

That was a tough play-by-play game to watch on the computer. Jose is a wonderful kid and yes, his English is very good. I hope the Kernels have better luck tomorrow, several of "my kids" from past seasons are on the team.