 In 2002, Kinney was promoted to the Single-A Advanced Potomac Cannons in the Carolina League, where he had a 2.29 earned run average (ERA) in 44 appearances.For the start of 2003 season, Kinney remained at Single-A Advanced level but St. Louis disaffiliated with the Cannons, creating instead the Palm Beach Cardinals in Florida State League.He was promoted to Tennessee Smokies, the Double-A affiliate in the Southern League.