Kernels weigh in on Clemens indictment

Bill Mosiello spent four years as a minor-league manager and coach in the New York Yankees organization. He doesn't know Roger Clemens, just said hello to him a couple of times during chance encounters in spring training.

"He was a great worker," the Cedar Rapids Kernels Manager said prior to last night's 7-3, 10-inning loss to Kane County at Veterans Memorial Stadium. "I liked his competitiveness, but I didn't like the way he did the Brett Favre thing. I couldn't believe they let him do that. Sit out until he wanted to play. I don't know how you let anyone do that to your team."

Mosiello was referring to Clemens retiring and unretiring a couple of times during his career, particularly in 2007 when he didn't join the Yankees until June. That's peanuts compared to the trouble the pitching great is facing after being indicted Thursday for allegedly lying to a grand jury when he testified he never used performance-enhancing drugs during his career.

Mosiello and other Kernels were asked to comment about the indictment and if "The Rocket" was fueled by steroids and/or Human Growth Hormone.

"Clemens was one of those guys you loved to watch," said Kernels reliever Mike Kenney. "He was a horse on the mound. But looking back at how many guys have gotten caught, I guess it's not really a shocker that he was under some sort of illegal supplement. That was just the era back then."

"I don't know. It's a sticky situation," said Kernels starting pitcher Stephen Locke. "I really don't think stuff like that is that big in baseball. Performance-enhancing drugs, I don't think they are as big in the game as everyone thinks. When people get caught doing it, it gets blown up so much."

Locke said he didn't really follow Clemens intensely as a youth because he was a lefty and Clemens a right-hander.

"I don't really have much an opinion on (the indictment)," Locke said. "He did what he did. He might have done it, he might not have done it. I don't know."

"He'll get whatever he deserves," Mosiello said. "They'll get it right. However it's supposed to be, that's how it will turn out."

Michael Wing had a two-run home run and Matt Long a two-out, go-ahead infield single in the seventh for the Kernels. Starting pitcher Buddy Boshers threw six shutout innings but got a no decision.

Closer Johnny Hellweg gave up a run in the ninth to tie it and blow a save opportunity for just the second time in 17 opportunities. He hit Anthony Aliotti with the bases loaded and two outs.

In the 10th, Kane County (61-60) used back-to-back bunt base hits to score four times. Mitch LeVier's two-run double off the right-field wall against losing pitcher Mike Kenney (3-3) put the Cougars up for good, 5-3.

The Kernels host Wisconsin for four games, beginning Saturday night at 6:35.