Kernels, Angels talking PDC

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Cedar Rapids Kernels last to the Fort Wayne Tincaps, 6-0, Wednesday night at Veteran's Memorial Stadium with some visitors from the parent club on hand to witness it.

Scott Servais, assistant general manager of the Anaheim Angels, was in attendance. He and Angels General Manager Jerry Dipoto will try to persuade the Kernels' Board of Directors to renew a player development contract when they meet Thursday.

“We're really excited,” Servais said. “We love Cedar Rapids and we're hoping to keep our relationship here with the Kernels. They're great people in a great town, and we want to make sure we don't lose it.”

Last night's poor performance by the Kernels certainly won't be much of a negotiating points for Angels management. The Kernels dropped to 40-55 and are next to last in the Midwest League Western Division standings for the second half of the season.

But the relationship with Anaheim has seen some success.

From 2002 to 2011, the Kernels are 723-664 record, the best in the Midwest League. And of the Angels' current 25-man roster, 13 of them went through Cedar Rapids.

Two of the most notable Angels who played here are Mike Trout (2009-10) and Mark Trumbo (2006-07). The two helped the Angels rebound after their slow start to become serious American League Wild Card contenders at 50-42.

Trumbo is a ball crusher. He has 25 home runs this season and since May 25 leads the majors with 19. He put on a show at this year's home run derby at the All-Star Game. Although he didn't win, he showcased his brute power with farthest average distance at 443 feet.

Rookie Mike Trout, 20, was promoted to the majors April 27.

He leads the American League in stolen bases with 30 and leads the league in multi-steal games with nine.

But he's not one-dimensional. He's batting .353, and has one of this year's most impressive defensive plays - a leaping catch over the wall to rob a home run.