2009 Kernels Coaching Staff

It hasn't been released yet, but word is Keith Johnson will return to manage the Cedar Rapids Kernels in the 2009 season. KJ did a fine job in his first year as a professional skipper this past season, leading the Kernels to the second round of the Midwest League playoffs.

Brandon Emanuel is expected to return for his second season as the team's pitching coach. Former Kernels catcher Brent Del Chiaro is expected to be named the Kernels hitting coach. He was in the Arizona Rookie League last season.

Word is this past year's hitting coach, Damon Mashore, is being promoted to high-Class A Rancho Cucamonga.

Again, none of this has been officially released by the parent Los Angeles Angels, yet. The club is notorious for being among the last of the major league organizations to publicly release their minor-league coaching staffs each season.