Kernels could be strong up the middle
(EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the third in a series of preseason position-by-position articles about the 2013 Cedar Rapids Kernels. Next: Outfielders.)
In preparation for the first season of the new affiliation between the Minnesota Twins and the Cedar Rapids Kernels, we’ve embarked on a series of “get to know them” articles.
The intention is to give Kernels fans information about the Twins prospects you may see in a Kernels uniform over the summer, understanding that it’s impossible to know exactly who will fill the Kernels’ roster until just before Opening Day.
In Part 1 of the series, we looked at catchers and in Part 2 we covered corner infielders. In this article, we’ll look at middle infielders who could spend all or part of their summer in Cedar Rapids.
There's no shortage of possible middle infielders at this level of the Twins organization.
Adam (A.J.) Pettersen – Age 24 – Bats R/Throws R
2012: Beloit (Class A – MWL)
G - 93, BA - .248, K - 53, BB - 28, 2B - 13, 3B - 2, HR - 2
In all likelihood, Pettersen will start the year at high-A Fort Myers. However, when you consider all the other middle infielders who could/should play at the high-A level, there may not be room for Pettersen with the Miracle.
Pettersen was selected in the 25th round of the 2011 draft from the University of Minnesota. After just a few games with Elizabethton at the end of the 2011 season, he spent the entire 2012 campaign in Beloit.
He was the epitome of a “utility player” with the Beloit Snappers, playing 2B, 3B, SS, LF and DH. He even pitched an inning.
His offensive stat line would indicate that spending a few more weeks at Class A while he waits for things to shake out a bit in the middle infield further up the organizational ladder wouldn’t be the worst thing for Pettersen.
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