Kernels' 'Million Dollar Monday' a farce this time

OK, maybe the word "farce" is too strong a word.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels hold their second "Million Dollar Monday" promotion tonight at Memorial Stadium. It's sponsored by Perfect Game USA baseball club of Cedar Rapids.

If the Kernels throw a complete-game perfect game, a fan wins $1 million. Yes, the odds of a complete-game perfect game are astronomical anyway. In this case, they're impossible.

The starting pitcher for Cedar Rapids is Tyler Chatwood. The 19-year-old is being limited to no more than five innings per start the rest of the season because of his inexperience and workload already this season.

If there is a combined perfect game, a lucky fan would win $50,000 however. The Kernels also are adding a twist tonight, awarding $10,000 to a fan if the Kernels are able to obtain a specified achievement in a particular inning, such as a triple play.

The minute the perfect game ends tonight, by the way, hot dogs, soda and beer will be sold for $1. Now that's a good deal.