Metro Sports Report

New Twins farm director likes Kernels

Brad Steil was a sports-minded graduate student when he joined the Minnesota Twins as an intern in their scouting department.

That was 14 years ago, and today he's the new Director of Minor League Operations for the entire organization.

"I've been a huge baseball fan my whole life," said Steil, now 36. "It's been fun so far. I feel very fortuante to be in this industry, period."

Steil is based in Minneapolis and spends about half the season visiting the Twins' minor league teams. He spent a week in Cedar Rapids for the homestand that ran from April 25 through April 30 and saw six games.

Quick start, late runs send Kernels past 'Caps

COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. - The Cedar Rapids Kernels tallied four runs in the first inning, added two more in the ninth and salvaged the third game of their series against the West Michigan Whitecaps with an 8-6 win Friday at Fifth Third Ballpark.

The Kernels (19-7) had lost the first two games of the series.

The Kernels first five batters reached base in the first inning. Jorge Polanco, Dalton Hicks and Adam Brett Walker had RBI singles and another scored on a wild pitch.

West Michigan came back with three runs in its half of the first, but the Whitecaps never caught the Kernels.

Anderson named principal at Prairie

Erik Anderson has been named the new principal at Cedar Rapids Prairie High School, pending board approval.

Anderson has worked as an administrator, teacher and coach in the College Community School district for 13 years and has served as interim principal since February.

Anderson is a native of Pocahontas, Iowa. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Northern Iowa.

Local players in pro baseball

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers)) - Started in left field Friday and was 2-for-4 with a double and three RBIs in the Quakes' 6-3 win at San Jose. Season stats: G - 24, Avg. - .314, AB - 86, H - 27, HR - 4, RBI - 19, SB - 2.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Lansing (Blue Jays)) - Started at first base Friday and was 0-for-2 with an RBI and two walks in the Lugnuts' 10-8, 10-inning loss to Wisconsin. Season stats: G - 23, Avg. - .167, AB - 72, H - 12, HR - 2, RBI - 5, SB - 0.

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Iowa (Cubs)) - The I-Cubs' home game against Oklahoma City was postponed by snow Friday. Season stats: G - 21, Avg. - .351, AB - 77, H - 27, HR - 6, RBI - 16, SB - 1.