Kernels’ Garver named MWL postseason all-star

DAVENPORT - Mitch Garver of the Cedar Rapids Kernels was named Monday to the Midwest League postseason all-star team.

Garver is the MWL's all-star catcher, hitting .299 in 114 games with 29 doubles, a triple, 14 home runs and 74 RBIs. Ironically, he was not selected to participate in the league's midseason all-star game.

Others on the postseason all-star team, as selected by league managers, are Most Valuable Player Wynton Bernard of West Michigan and Prospect of the Year Andrew Velazquez of South Bend.

Kane County's Mark Johnson is Manager of the Year.

Other all-star are first baseman Jake Bauers (Fort Wayne), second baseman Kean Wong (Bowling Green), third baseman Mitch Nay (Lansing), shortstop Velazquez, outfielders Bernard, Brett Phillips (Quad Cities) and Joey Curletta (Great Lakes), designated hitter Clint Coulter (Wisconsin), right-handed starting pitcher Buck Farmer (West Michigan), left-handed starting pitcher Kevin Ziomek (West Michigan), righty reliever Silvino Bracho (South Bend) and lefty reliever Will Locante (South Bend).

The Kernels, by the way, struck out 18 times in a 3-2 loss Monday night to Quad Cities, their magic number for clinching the top second-half spot in the MWL Western Division remaining at two. The teams play again Tuesday night.