Jack Roeder blog: Buzz surrounds talent en route to Kernels

Another day in paradise. This weather makes you think of a nice July evening in Cedar Rapids, and I can't wait for it to get here. And I can't wait for the 2010 Kernels to arrive either.

There is a buzz around spring training about the talent that will be headed to Cedar Rapids in less than three weeks. No matter what coach, instructor or front office person you talk to, they are all in agreement on the talented team heading to the City of Five Seasons.

I've been thinking and saying that all winter, and I'm glad they agree. This should be an exciting year for the fans as this team will have a good combination of hitting and pitching. If we are fortunate enough to make the playoffs this year, it will be the fourth consecutive year. That's only happened one other time since the team entered the Midwest League in the early 60's, so we will keep our fingers crossed. I'll get a chance to see them play tomorrow at 1 p.m. against the Peoria Cubs.

Wally and I had a chance to sit down for a nice visit with Angels General Manager Tony Reagins this morning in his office which over looks the field. He's a busy man! Between phone calls, emails and texts, his world never stops. He was nice enough to arrange for some interviews and promotional shots with some of the former Kernels, who are now stars with the Angels, on Wednesday morning.

Luckily, Metro Studios, who handles our game production in Cedar Rapids has an office down here and are more than willing to help out. They are a wonderful group of people to work with. We will also be doing some interviews with our minor league personnel tomorrow before the game with Peoria.

We visited the minor league complex early this morning and had a chance to catch up with a lot of old friends, including Charlie Romero. Charlie runs the Angels Dominican League team and has for some time. He was a coach in Cedar Rapids way back in 1994, and this is the first time that I've seen him since that time. He reminded me that 1994 was the last time Cedar Rapids won the Midwest League Championship. Maybe that will change this year?

NOTE: Kernels general manager Jack Roeder will be providing these daily updates from spring training all this week. Check back for updates each morning.