MWL News and notes

Steve Batterson's MWL Notebook was up the other day at QCTimes.net, but I'm just getting around to it. It was worth the wait.

First a little on the LumberKings:

When Clinton unveiled its renovated Alliant Energy Field one year ago, one thing was missing — a competitive team.

The LumberKings endured a 45-94 record in 2006, something that made success in 2007 that much sweeter for the club’s local staff.

“It’s been a 180-degree turnaround, but the guys I’m the happiest for are the guys who were here last year and lived through the struggles,’’ Clinton general manager Ted Tornow said. “Especially guys like K.C. Herren, John Whittleman, some pitchers. They went through the type of season that you wouldn’t wish on anybody. For all of the guys who are back, I’m happy.’’
...
The multimillion dollar facelift at the Clinton ballpark helped attract 108,301 fans last season.

The numbers have been better in 2007.

Clinton has attracted 65,017 fans through 37 home games this year, an average of 1,757 fans per game.Last season, the LumberKings averaged 1,570 fans per game in the smallest full-season market in the nation to have a professional baseball team.

“A year ago, the draw was the renovation. This year, we’re seeing the people who had fun last year come back three, four five times, and the combination of that experience with a good product on the field is good for everybody,’’ Tornow said.

Next, news on the Kernels tough opening week and why Hank Conger joined two teammated on the DL:

The Kernels placed three players — catcher Jon Hodach, infielder Ryan Mount and pitcher Aaron Cook — on the disabled list Tuesday.

Hodach, who had been receiving additional time as first-round pick Hank Conger deals with a back injury, was knocked unconscious on a play at the plate during Cedar Rapids’ win over Beloit on Monday.

I heard about this collision third hand. It was something else.

Also, the Midwest League Notebook (Can someone come up with a better title, please?) is up at MidwestLeague.com. Since the Swing are the next opponents of the Rattlers, let's see what is going on with them. It feels like forever since the Rattlers played them:

WHO'S HOT: C Christian Reyes led the league last week with five RBIs to raise his season total to 28. In 36 games this season, he is batting .289 (37-for-128) with six doubles and six home runs.

WHO'S NOT: 3B William Sandoval is batting .174 (26-for-149) in 49 games with 28 strikeouts.

ALL-STAR NEWS: RHP Kenny Maiques struck out the only batter he faced in [Tuesday's] All-Star Game. The 21-year-old closer also earned a pair of saves on the week to give him 16 on the season.

DID YOU KNOW: Three Swing pitchers combined on a shutout Friday in holding Wisconsin to just five hits in a 3-0 win. The shutout was the eighth of the year for the Swing staff, as only the Burlington Bees have recorded more (9) in the league this year.