MLB Plans For Minor League Contraction Spares Kernels
Major League Baseball has released details on a plan to contract a number of minor league baseball teams in an effort to save money and improve facilities. According to reports, the Cedar Rapids Kernels would NOT be affected by this plan.
The New York Times recently reported the list of 42 teams that would be affected by MLB's contraction plans. The Kernels, a class A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, was not listed on the report, suggesting that the team would be spared if the MLB plan is eventually adopted. Several other Iowa based minor league teams weren't quite as lucky.
The Burlington Bees, Clinton Lumberkings, and Quad City River Bandits were all included on the list. The Bees are the class A affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. The Lumberkings are the class A team for the Miami Marlins. The River Bandits are the class A affiliate for the Houston Astros.
The Cedar Rapids Kernels can trace their baseball heritage all the way back to 1890, with league affiliation beginning in 1932.
[via KCRG]