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Wednesday, August 07, 2024
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Jim Ecker, President & Editor
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Metro Sports Report

Twins, Kernels eye 4-year extension

The Minnesota Twins and Cedar Rapids Kernels have been delighted with their partnership the past two years since signing a Player Development Contract in September of 2012.

Now it appears both sides have agreed to a four-year extension of their original four-year deal, which would push the arrangement through the 2020 season.

Brad Steil, Minnesota's director of minor league operations, met Tuesday afternoon with Kernels officials and the Kernels' Board of Directors at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Neither side would publicly confirm an agreement had been reached, but one board member said a "positive" announcement could be made Wednesday.

"The bottom line is, we're both very happy with the agreement after almost two years together now," said Kernels Board President Gary Keoppel. "Both of our goals is to make it a long-term relationship."

Keoppel stopped short of confirming an agreement had been reached.

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Joe Mauer ready to help Jake's Kernels

Joe Mauer arrived in Cedar Rapids Monday and found himself in the thick of a pennant race with the Kernels.

The 2009 American League MVP and six-time all-star is not here to help his older brother's team make the Midwest League playoffs, but he'll do what he can during his injury rehab assignment from the Minnesota Twins.

Mauer, 31, came here to get healthy and return to the Major Leagues as soon as possible. He could spend the entire week with the Kernels, giving him a chance to revitalize his body under the watchful eye of Kernels Manager Jake Mauer.

"So far, so good," Joe Mauer said Monday after pre-game practice with the Kernels. "Every day is feeling better with the swing and getting back into baseball shape."

Mauer has not played since July 1 due to a strained oblique muscle on his right side.

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Mauer sits as Kernels fall to Wisconsin

Cedar Rapids Kernels Manager Jake Mauer had a former American League MVP and six-time all-star on his bench in the ninth inning of a tight ballgame Monday night, but there was no way he was going to use his younger brother in that situation.

Joe Mauer stayed on the bench as the Kernels lost to Wisconsin, 4-3, before 1,902 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

Joe Mauer practiced with the Kernels Monday afternoon and took batting practice, but the Minnesota Twins did not want him to play until Tuesday night as he rehabs from a strained oblique muscle.

Using the Minnesota star as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the ninth was a tempting thought, especially in the midst of a pennant race, but orders are orders.

"It would have been nice, wouldn't it?" Jake Mauer said, smiling at the thought at sending his brother up to hit. "It would be like high school. Use him to pitch AND hit.

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James claims 3rd City Am title

Chris James joined some elite company Sunday when he captured his third City Amateur golf tournament at Ellis Park.

Dave Aossey won three City Am titles in 1954, 1956 and 1960 in the early years of the annual event, putting James on the same line with one of the historic names in local golf.

Sam Aossey and Bob Kollsmith are the only four-time champs in the City Am, which gives James something to shoot for next year and in the future.

James is only 28 years old, and the only thing that might stop him from winning more amateur titles would be a possible pro career.

He's flirted with the idea of trying some pro events, but nothing is imminent.

"It would be nice at some point," he said after winning the 61st annual City Am title by five shots with a 54-hole total of 9-under-par 207. "I'm not going out looking for sponsorships, but if people want to I wouldn't be opposed to it.

"I love my job and what I do, but if there were an opportunity to play golf for a living, that would be my dream."

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Mauer, Nolasco will sign autographs

Minnesota Twins players Joe Mauer and Ricky Nolasco will sign as many autographs as possible during their rehab assignments with the Cedar Rapids Kernels this week.

Mauer is scheduled to practice with the Kernels Monday at 3 p.m. and if there are no medical setbacks, he will play for the Kernels Tuesday night and Wednesday night against Wisconsin. Both games are scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

If Mauer's workout does not go well Monday he will return to Minneapolis, according to a statement issued Sunday by the Kernels.

Nolasco is scheduled to pitch for the Kernels Tuesday night. If all goes well in that start, he will pitch again next Sunday afternoon for the Kernels against Kane County.

Gates will open at 3 p.m. Monday and Tuesday for ticket-holders. The Twins have not established precise times for autographs, but both players will be available.

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