The Cool Of The Grass 2051.8: Kernels Sign Two, Release Timmy Karnes

[aaronweiner]

The Des Moines Kernels have had a hole at shortstop all year long. This week, they tried to fill the gap by signing veteran shortstop Luis Cruz, who has been a free agent this year after being released from the Charm City Jimmies, who is expected to move directly into the starting lineup.

"We are excited to have Cruz come into Des Moines and try to help us out," said Des Moines GM Aaron Weiner. "Fergal Tyrie has done his best, but we need to improve at that position. We've had serious issues at the six since the beginning of last year and we hope that Cruz will help out there."

Tyrie hasn't done the job this year for the Kernels. He has a .531 OPS for a team that's in fourth place in the FL offensively, and he's been somewhat below-average defensively. Cruz is not renowned for his bat, but he has a lot more power than Tyrie (0 HR and 10 extra base hits in 76 games), and had eight homers and 22 steals for Vancouver last year.

"I hope I can help keep this team in the wild card race," said Cruz. "I appreciate the faith in me and I look forward to doing the best job I can."

Des Moines released relief pitcher Timmy Karnes in response to the move. Karnes was the #3 overall pick in the 2039 amateur draft, a draft that included Daniel Pepper, Tony Frost, Ernest McBride, Sawyer Slizz, Carlos Flores, Robert Menzies, and Rex Foster, and had become a long-standing totem of organizational failure. The righty had been converted to a reliever this year and was producing very well, but he suffered a serious elbow injury that will keep him out until the next All-Star Break at the earliest and had just a player option left on his contract.

"Timmy was doing fine as a reliever, but he blew out his arm," said Weiner. "He indicated to us that he intended to trigger his $5 million option for his rehab, and we bought it out."

Des Moines also signed backup outfielder Jose Hurtado. Hurtado was used strictly as a backup for Louisville before being released in 2050. He fits nicely in with the current team model of power and patience, and he'll be the platoon partner for Enrique Rodriguez. According to team officials, Rodriguez' job is safe, so Hurtado is very likely just a backup.

"Enrique has a OBP 10% above league average, so he's safe for now," said an unnamed team official. "But Jose does give us an alternative if he drops off."

Des Moines is currently 56-48, a game and a half back of the fourth wild card.