Metro Sports Report

8 Kernels selected to MWL All-Star Game

The Cedar Rapids Kernels will be well represented at this year's Midwest League All-Star Game.

The Midwest League announced the rosters for the 2013 MWL Summer All-Star Classic, scheduled for June 18th at Fifth Third Field in Dayton, Ohio, and the Kernels had eight players selected to the Western Division team. The All-Stars were nominated and selected by the field managers of the 16 MWL teams.

Four Kernels were selected as starters: Dalton Hicks at first base, Jorge Polanco at second base, and Byron Buxton and Adam Brett Walker as outfielders. Travis Harrison and Niko Goodrum were selected as reserve infielders and Tyler Duffey and Jose Berrios were selected as pitchers. Duffey has been promoted to Fort Myers of the Florida State League and will not play in the game.

Kernels southpaw Steve Gruver was named to replace Duffey.

Future Kernels will be drafted this week

It’s an event that will go largely unnoticed by even the most loyal Cedar Rapids Kernels fans, but the 2013 MLB First-Year Player Draft that stretches over three days beginning Thursday evening will likely play a critical role in determining the Kernels’ on-field fortunes for at least the next two summers.

While local fans are enjoying a successful season that has the Kernels sitting atop the Midwest League’s Western Division standings with less than two weeks to play in the first half of the season, the front office of the parent Minnesota Twins organization is busy finalizing decisions that will determine, in large part, who will wear Kernels uniforms in 2014 and 2015.

If you want a sneak peek at who is likely to play starring roles for the 2014 Cedar Rapids Kernels, here’s a suggestion: Pay close attention to who the Twins select with the fourth overall pick in the first round of the draft on Thursday and any college-age players drafted in the following 15 rounds or so.

Butz helps Prairie 'dodge' Kennedy

Cedar Rapids Prairie senior Tyler Butz hurt his right shoulder this spring playing prom dodgeball.

True story. Prom dodgeball.

Butz is almost fully recovered now and played a major role Tuesday as the Hawks spanked Kennedy, 7-3, to beat the struggling Cougars on back-to-back nights.

Butz went 3-for-3 with a double, three RBIs and a sacrifice bunt. He also played a solid game at second base, although he's itching to return to third base once his right shoulder is back to normal.

Local players in pro baseball

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers)) - Did not play Tuesday in the Quakes' 7-1 loss to Inland Empire. Season stats: G - 48, Avg. - .266, AB - 177, H - 47, HR - 6, RBI - 24, SB - 6.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Lansing (Blue Jays)) - Lansing did not play Tuesday. Season stats: G - 44, Avg. - .196, AB - 148, H - 29, HR - 3, RBI - 11, SB - 0.

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Chicago Cubs) - Started in left field Tuesday and was 3-for-4 with an RBI in the Cubs' 4-3 loss to the Angels. Season stats: G - 21, Avg. - .351, AB - 37, H - 13, HR - 1, RBI - 4, SB - 0.