Kernels announce opening day roster

CEDAR RAPIDS - Seven players who have seen time here previously highlight the 2011 opening day roster for the Cedar Rapids Kernels.

Pitchers Max Russell and Suammy Baez, catchers Braulio Pardo and Carlos Ramirez, and infielders Jean Almanzar, Ricky Alvarez and Mitch Blackburn all have been men of corn, with Ramirez playing the entire 2010 season in Cedar Rapids.

The highest draft pick of the parent Los Angeles Angels on the roster is second-rounder Dan Tillman, who is expected to be part of the starting pitching rotation. Tillman went 2-2 with a 1.95 earned run average in 22 relief appearances last season for Rookie-level Orem.

Four guys ranked by Baseball America among the top 30 Angels prospects are on the team: Tillman (14), outfielder Travis Witherspoon (21), relief pitcher Donn Roach (25) and outfielder Drew Heid (29). Heid hit .362 in 68 games for Orem.

Outfielder Randal Grichuk, a first-round draft pick in 2009, was originally slated to play for the Kernels but is remaining in extended spring training because of an injury. He hit .292 in 52 games last season for Cedar Rapids.

The Kernels begin their season Thursday night at Peoria. The home opener is Monday night against Wisconsin.

4-04 Kernels Roster