Hold My Log - 55.15 - Prieto Joins Lumberjacks

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The Lumberjacks used some of their extra cap space this past week to add some depth to the catching position by signing free agent catcher Pepe Prieto to a one year deal that will expire at the end of this season. It's an odd move for a team to sign a 34 year old catcher when recent moves illustrate the team is in full rebuild mode.

"We still want to win games" said GM Chris Wilson. "Just because we traded Thompson and Warren doesn't mean we're just going to take a dump on our fans trot out a dreadful team night in and night out. We've shown we can still be a competitive team and this division isn't exactly ripe with outstanding teams at the moment based on the standings. If we can acquire some prospects and still remain relevant and competitive in the division, we're going to keep doing so. Prieto was available, we had the space, felt catcher was a spot we could upgrade, so we signed him."

Prieto is coming off a season in which he posted a 1.9 WAR in 110 games with Las Vegas. He tied a career record with 23 homeruns and set a personal best 67 RBI a season ago as well.

The addition of Prieto will likely push off-season Rule 5 acquisition Johan Jorgensson to the role of back-up catcher. To make room for Prieto on the 27-man roster, So Huynh was sent down to Triple-A Quincy. Huynh gave the team false hope he was the team's catcher of the future with his play in the 2051 Frick League Pennant season when he posted a 1.9 WAR. In 6 seasons of big league ball, he's totaled 1.8 WAR, so you do the math.