Workman-like year makes Workman Kernels' MVP

CEDAR RAPIDS - You could legitimately make a case for Kaleb Cowart, even though he got promoted over two months ago. He still leads the Cedar Rapids Kernels in RBIs, believe it or not.

The “Fan's Choice Award” winner for 2012 will be announced the final weekend of the Midwest League season. There's still time to vote online and at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

The “Manager's Choice Award” for most valuable player this season is ...

“Andy Workman,” Kernels Manager Jamie Burke said. “He's been here all year and has played solid defense. He's hitting in the .270s.”

Workman has been here since opening day and been a solid contributor for a struggling team that got a boost with a 3-2 walk-off win Friday night over Quad Cities before 4,023 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Abel Baker's one-out RBI single to left-center scored Zach Borenstein with the winning run.

Workman, who went 0-for-3 with a walk, has played good defense at all the outfield spots and has hit progressively better every single month. That's what the minor leagues are all about.

“It's been a good learning experience season,” Workman said. “Battling through tough losses and stuff like that is a good way to grow as a player and also a team player. I'm thankful for Burke. He's a great manager.

“I go out there every day and try to do my best, therefore giving the team the best opportunity to win. I feel like I've progressed, as well as a lot of my teammates.”

Workman went into last night's game with a .276 batting average, nine home runs and 52 RBIs. He's played hurt for most of the second half, dealing with a bone bruise on the bottom of his hand.

“It has its days, good and bad,” he said. “You just keep grinding. It's a long season, and this is what you have to be able to put up with. It's even longer when you get up to the majors.”

“At the beginning of the year, he started off pretty slow,” Burke said. “It's a process. It wasn't about his swing, I think it was more about his thought process at bat. Having a plan, relaxing. He's got that football mentality. Where he wants to go out there and be all out all the time. You've got to relax a little bit. That's where I've noticed a big difference with him.”

The Kernels improved to 48-75, 16-37 in the second half with a morale-boosting victory. Borenstein doubled into the left-field corner with one out. After Gary Mitchell was intentionally walked, Baker lined a 1-1 pitch from losing reliever Heath Wyatt (4-6) into the gap.

Cedar Rapids is on the road for the next seven games, including Saturday night at Clinton.

Here is the game boxscore:

Scoreboard _ Midwest League Scoreboard