Kernels split DH, Ramirez continues progress

CEDAR RAPIDS - The start of spring training was awesome for Carlos Ramirez. The end was awful.

The Cedar Rapids Kernels catcher got his first invite to major league camp, spending a couple weeks soaking up everything and everyone. What a blast.

“Unbelievable experience,” said Ramirez, whose Kernels split a Saturday double-header with Quad Cities before 1,444 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium. “The guys up there are nice, great people. They really teach you a lot of things just by … watching them, taking everything in.”

Ramirez had to take in some tough news late in minor league camp when he was told by the parent Los Angeles Angels that he was heading back to Cedar Rapids. Considered a top 10 to 15 prospect heading into 2010, the former Arizona State star saw his batting average drop from .376 in Rookie ball to .226 in 77 games last season.

“Not really disappointing. A learning experience,” Ramirez said. “My defense, I was very pleased with. I got better. My hitting wasn't where I wanted it to be, but I feel like I've made strides. We'll just go from there.”

Kernels Manager Brent Del Chiaro is looking at Ramirez, 23, to be a leader for a Kernels club that doesn't have many players with full-season experience. He's off to a better start offensively, hitting in the middle of the order and contributing a walk and single in a 5-3 Game 1 win Saturday.

Ramirez also has thrown out six basestealers.

“He's done a complete 180,” Del Chiaro said. “He's competing in the (batter's) box. His game calling has been through the roof. I'm excited to have him back … He's our leader. No doubt about it.”

“I felt like I took the news pretty well,” Ramirez said. “It was one of those things where at the end of the day, it's baseball. That's what I most want to to, just play baseball.”

Quad Cities (7-9) won Game 2, 8-0, shelling Kernels starter Heath Nichols for six runs the first three innings. David Harris hit a two-run home run in the first game for Cedar Rapids (10-6) to support starting pitcher Max Russell's six strong innings.

The Kernels have Sunday off, then host

Kane County on Monday night.