Several former Kernels' fill the LA Angels' roster

Of the 25 players on the Los Angeles Angels' postseason roster heading into the American League Championship Series against the New York Yankees, nine cut their teeth playing for the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Three are catchers: Mike Napoli, Jeff Mathis and Bobby Wilson. Mathis was the No. 1 catcher for the 2002 Kernels, with Napoli his backup, though their roles have reversed since they made it to the major leagues.

Napoli hit 20 home runs this season.

Also on that 2002 team were pitchers Ervin Santana and Joe Saunders, who should get starts in the series for Los Angeles. The 2002 Kernels lost in the Midwest League playoff semifinals.

Starting second baseman Howie Kendrick won the Midwest League's batting crown in 2004. His double-play partner up the middle is shortstop Erick Aybar, who played for Cedar Rapids in 2003.

Aybar hit a career-best .312 this season. The other former Kernels on the postseason roster are pitchers Kevin Jepsen and John Lackey.

Lackey played only a month for Cedar Rapids during the 2000 season before being promoted. Jepsen was a starting pitcher for the 2004 Kernels but is a reliever for Los Angeles.