March 31, 2008 – The 2008 Cedar Rapids Kernels have broken Spring Training camp and are on their way to Cedar Rapids! The 25-player roster includes two of the LA Angels Top 10 Prospects, as ranked by Baseball America, in RHP Jordan Walden (#3) and C Anel De Los Santos (#10).

The roster includes three members of the 2007 MWL playoff team as C Cody Collet, RHP Sammy Leon, and OF Tyler Johnson return to Cedar Rapids.

Pitching will once again be the Kernels’ strong suit as the projected starting rotation features three left-handers (Michael Anton, Robert Fish and Trevor Reckling) with Mason Tobin and Jordan Walden completing the starting five. The bullpen looks strong too with two closers: RHP Eddie McKiernan (5 saves) and RHP Ryan Brasier (9 saves - .212 BA against).

The Kernels’ offense should feature power and speed as OF Anthony Norman led the Arizona League in batting average (.362) and triples (10). Third baseman Jay Brossman had 7 HR and 44 RBI and first baseman Gordon Gronkowski had 8 HR and 50 RBI for the Orem Owlz last season.

Three position players join the Kernels as Angels Top 10 draft picks – they are: INF Andrew Romine (5^th Rd – 2007), OF Clay Fuller (4^th Rd – 2007) and OF Jeremy Moore (6^th Rd – 2005).

The 2008 Kernels are scheduled to arrive in Cedar Rapids at 6 pm tonight (Monday). They are scheduled to play an exhibition game against Kirkwood Community College at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, April 1^st as part of ‘Meet the Kernels Night’ and start the 2008 MWL season on the road at Clinton on Thursday, April 4^th.

Opening Day at Dale and Thomas Popcorn Field at Veterans Memorial Stadium is scheduled for Monday, April 7^th at noon when the Kernels take on the Quad City River Bandits. 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.