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MLB

Kernels release 2015 Opening Day Roster

Roster features four top prospects, including 2014 1st round pick, Nick Gordon
By Andrew Pantini
April 6, 2015

Cedar Rapids, IA - The Cedar Rapids Kernels, in conjunction with the Minnesota Twins, are pleased to release the 2015 Opening Day Roster! The 25-player roster features four of the Twins Top 30 Prospects, according to Baseball America, including the Twins 2014 first round selection (fifth overall), shortstop Nick Gordon.

In addition to Gordon as the Twins #6 Top Prospect, according to Baseball America, the roster includes LHP Stephen Gonzalves (#14), RHP Michael Cederoth (#23), and RHP Felix Jorge (#28).

The Kernels' pitching staff features five that spent either all or part of the 2014 season with the Kernels (Mat Batts, John Curtiss, Stephen Gonsalves, Felix Jorge and Jared Wilson) and a strong core from Elizabethton including RHP Michael Cederoth (3rd Rd - 2014), LHP Sam Clay (4th Rd - 2014) and RHP Randy LeBlanc (10th Rd - 2014). Elizabethton finished second the Appalachian League in team ERA and lead the league with 14 shutouts and two complete games (68 game season).

Five position players return to the Kernels for the 2015 season including infielder Jonathan Hinojosa and outfielders Tanner English, Zack Granite, Zack Larson and Max Murphy. Infielder Trey Vavra finished fourth in the Appalachian League with a .319 batting average and led the league in doubles with 20. Tyler Kuresa was second with 44 RBI and posted a .478 slugging percentage. And Nick Gordon finished second in the league with 46 runs scored.

Seven pitchers begin the season on the Kernels roster either on the disabled or restricted list. DL pitchers include Brandon Bixler, Yorman Landa, Chris Mazza, Randy Rosario, Fernando Romero and Lewis Thorpe. Hudson Boyd begins the season on the restricted list. All will remain in Fort Myers and continue to rehab as part of Extended Spring Training.

Your first opportunity to meet the 2015 Kernels is on Tuesday, April 7th as part of 'Meet the Kernels Night'. The event is FREE to the public at Perfect Game Field with the gates opening at 5:00 pm. Food and beverage is available for purchase and fans can visit with the players on the main concourse from 5:15 to 7:00 PM. A short program begins at 7:00 PM, then the Kernels will conduct a short workout under the lights at Perfect Game Field, (weather permitting) which is open to the public. Meet the Kernels Night will be held, rain or shine.

Tickets to all 70 Kernel home games, season ticket packages, and 10-game Anytime Coupon Books, are available through the Kernels Ticket Office and on-line at www.kernels.com. Ticket Office hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, and 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday. The Kernels open the 2015 MWL season on Thursday, April 9th at Kane County and the 2015 Home Opener is Sunday, April 12th when the Kernels host the Beloit Snappers at 4:05 pm.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels are the Midwest League affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.