Kernels concentrate on development

CEDAR RAPIDS - Fresh off another rough road trip, the Cedar Rapids Kernels returned home just looking to get better.

"We try not to talk about the wins and losses, or where we're at," Kernels Manager Jamie Burke said before his team was thumped last night by the Beloit Snappers, 13-2, in front of 4,004 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium. "At this level right here, it's for developing these guys."

In their first home game following a 1-6 swing through Clinton and Wisconsin that saw their second-half road record fall to 6-26, starting pitcher Arjenis Fernandez (3-2, 4.68 ERA in Arizona Rookie League) struggled in his Kernels debut, giving up six earned runs in 3 1/3 innings. Fernandez also walked three batters, hit another, and was credited with two wild pitches.

At 49-82, the last-place Kernels are on pace for the worst franchise record since the 1975 Cedar Rapids Giants finished 41-87. Despite the obvious struggles in his debut season as manager, Burke points to a bigger picture.

"You know as long as our guys, our players are going up it doesn't matter," Burke said. "It's not about me winning or losing, it's about these guys getting better and getting out of here and getting to the big leagues as quick as possible."

Burke takes pride that 10 of his former Kernels are on the high-A Inland Empire roster.

"Yeah, definitely, it's exciting to sit one of these young guys in here and tell them they're going to the next level, they're going up, not down," Burke said. "So it's fun to be in that situation with these guys."

With just nine games remaining, Burke and his staff lean on their experience as former players to ensure his players don't just play out the string.

"Letting the guys know that it flies by quick," said Burke, who played 18 seasons in the minors and majors. "Never take a break from anything, don't cash anything in, don't mail it in, finish until the end, and you'll never regret it when you get done."

The teams play today at 2.