Jack Roeder blog: Spring training, as good as it gets

If some days are better than others, this was as good as it gets.

We started early today at the Angels' major league facility working with former Kernels who are now playing for the Angels. It was a thrill to visit with them and share some old memories. They were nice enough to do some interviews and promos for the upcoming season.

It was a beautiful morning and we were allowed to set up down the right field line. The players walk that direction to use the hitting cages before the regular practice begins, so we got to see the entire team while doing our interviews.

I've already mentioned the help that Metro Studios has been giving us, but I would like to thank them one more time for all of the assistance. They even took us to lunch today.

We had a chance to visit briefly with Torii Hunter, the Angels star center fielder. He mentioned that he played in Cedar Rapids while playing for the Fort Wayne Wizards in 1994.

While talking with Bobby Wilson, a former Kernels catcher, he informed us that he will be getting married to a Cedar Rapids girl in December.

I told Mike Napoli that I thought he could hit 30 home runs this year, and he liked that idea. Later in the day, he hit a monster home run as the Angels defeated the Royals, 8-6. His home run went over the fence, grass berm, trees and on to a road behind the park. That was something else!

On the minor league front, we had more good news as the new Kernels team won handily. Wally and I watched them play for five innings before catching the last half of the Angles game. The Kernels didn't disappoint as we had outstanding pitching and the guys swung the bats pretty well too. It didn't hurt that the other team had four errors in the first four innings.

This is my 30th year in minor league baseball and I can honestly say that I've never been this excited to start a season. Our staff in Cedar Rapids has set the table for a great season, and I think this team will be the final piece to the puzzle.

Speaking of people who play a key role in an organization, I would like to thank all of our local families who take in the ballplayers while they are in Cedar Rapids. Our Host Family program is first class, and they deserve so much more credit than they receive. It has been nice seeing some of them here during this trip.

We had a chance today to spend some time with Tom and Abby Pumroy, Mark and Michelle Hocraffer and Lanny Peterson. It's nice to get a chance to visit with them away from the hustle and bustle of Veteran's Memorial Stadium at Perfect Game Field. The relationships they form with the ballplayers has been a pleasure to watch develop over the years.

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