The Kernel Journal - Vol. 7, No. 3 - A Changing of the Guard

[blake]

Moving forward with the tradition of success that they have managed to establish since their inaugural 1973 season, the Des Moines Kernels today have announced the hiring of Blake Camden for its General Manager position. Blake will replace long-time GM Mike Lynch, who stepped down early during the 2001 season.

Mike's legend is well known. He guided the Kernels to a 2269-2169 record over a remarkable 28 seasons as head of the organization. In 12 of 27 seasons from 1974 to 2000, Lynch made the playoffs by 7 division titles and 5 Wild Cards. From those 12 appearances, the Kernels won 5 Frick League championships and 2 MBBA championships.

But today marks the beginning of a new era for the franchise. GM Blake Camden has stepped in to continue the proud tradition which marks the Kernels as one of the MBBA's premier franchises. With the team sitting at 32-32 and minor league teams El Paso, Providence, and Portsmouth a combined 71-100, Camden has some work to do to get the franchise righted.

While the major league team appears strong overall, they have not played up to their potential thus far this season. The team won 87 games last season and has the highest payroll in the league at 94 million. Along with the .500 start, attendance is down 7% from last year. Player morale is low. But despite the difficult times, the team is still only 2 games back in the division with plenty of time left to gain momentum.

Such is not the case at the minor league levels. The AAA and AA teams are both in last place, 20.5 and 21.5 games back respectively. Camden expressed most concern over the status of the minors. Bringing in talent to get the minor league teams competitive again will be his first priority. Morality is down at all levels. Momentum appears to be shifting downward and player performance is deteriorating as a result of losing.

Camden believed the minor league system was not in total ruin, but that it swayed toward the mid to bottom of the pack. Fixing this while remaining competitive at the top level will be the primary focus. The team drafted college closer Shawn Curtis with its 1st round pick this season, and it has top prospects Charlie Schaffer and Pierre Bourque performing well at AAA. So while the minors system is thin overall, it is not in total ruin. There is something to build on.

So thus begins the Camden era. He is fortunate to have inherited a system in fairly healthy shape, with major stars at the top level and a late middle of the pack minor league system to build on. Fans are hoping he can continue the successes of the Lynch regime and maintain the Des Moines Kernels as one of the MBAA's elite franchises.

Notes: Des Moines has established a twitter account:

[scottsdale_joe]

That's a great start for your first article.
Keep up the fine writing.
Cheers!

[KCCardinalFan]

I wish I still had Schaffer, he is developing nicely!

[blake]

I wish I still had Schaffer, he is developing nicely!

Yeah having Dever would really help my pen right now, but it's nice to have Schaffer in the system doing well.

[salas]

Notes: Des Moines has established a twitter account:

Anachronism!!! Anachronism!!! Twitter will not exist for 5 more years!! Space-time paradox!! Space-time paradox!! Now we'll all cease to exist....thanks

[Greeney03]

Great write up Blake!

[blake]

Great write up Blake!

Thanks.

[cheekimonk]

I concur. Excellent writeup! Nice welcome to the league.