3 amigos are running the Kernels
Jake Mauer, Tommy Watkins and Henry Bonilla were promising young ballplayers in the Minnesota Twins farm system in 2004 for New Britain in the Class Double-A Eastern League, all hopeful of reaching the Major Leagues at some point.
Only Watkins made it, playing in nine games for the Twins in 2007. Mauer hurt his arm and had to retire, never climbing above Double-A. Bonilla reached the Triple-A level with the Twins, but was unable to take the final step.
But 11 years ago, all things seemed possible.
"We were really good, too. Back then," Mauer said Tuesday, only half in jest with the passage of time.
But the truth is, they were good. Mauer hit .258 as a versatile infielder, a heady ballplayer with a great feel for the game. Watkins, mostly a third baseman, hit .267 with eight home runs and 47 RBIs. Bonilla, a pitcher, went 11-10 with a 4.54 ERA and made it to Triple-A that year.
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