This late in spring training, the Des Moines Kernels still have eight guys in the development center. Starting with the good news (potentially great) is that Félix 'Matchbox' Parreno is said to be "excelling" at improving his fielding at third. Not sure if this has anything to do with resting Matchbox for nine days of "spring training 2." And, ironically, on his first day back in the lineup he started at short stop, as planned. Parreno went 3 for 3 against Bikini. The big guy has started 150 games at short in his 14-year career.
"We're not looking to start him there," Mel Jenkins said. "Just giving him and the fans a treat on Saint Patrick's Day." The real treat was a win over the Atoll, which has been a thorn in the flesh of DM with a 6-2 W-L record in each of JR's two seasons as the Kernels GM. "Wish they'd cut that out," JR said, "or rather that we'd buckle down at defeat those guys."
1b-man Ricardo Norman and 24-y.o. Carlos Rodríguez are reportedly both "on track" to improve"their baserunning skills. C Cecil Clarke is not having the same success, says the latest report. Bane McCoy is said to be struggling at improving his d at first. "Guy's a goat, nut a GOAT." Three minor leaguers are in the D-Lab working on defense. You'll hear it first right here in the Kernel of Truth if they make progress.
Kernels and Piping Hot microwave popcorn you can eat at the game and at the gym fans throng the D-Lab to catch a sight of the Des Moines players.