Hold My Log - 57.35 - Three Participate in Futures Game

[7teen]

While times remain tough in Portland and getting tougher by the passing week, at least Lumberjacks fans can find solace in knowing that there are some young players on the horizon. We won't mention Mynorli Gaajlimitz, whomight be the brightest star on the horizon, because he was not invited to participate in the Futures Game during All-Star week but there were three future Lumberjacks present and in the starting lineup.

Edward Roundfield (Prospect #2 in System and #18 in the BBA) was the starting 2B for the Frick League Futures Squad. Roundfield played in 4 innings and got one plate appearance in the game, drawing a walk. Roundfield started the season at Double A and hit .254/.336/.503 with 13 homeruns and 37 RBI in Alpine Valley before being called up to Triple-A Quincy. There, Edward has hit .221/.288/.436 with 7 homeruns and 20 RBI in 37 games played. Portland projects Roundfield to be a September call-up later this season with hopes he'll be able to handle the everyday playing in 2058 in Portland.

Allan Uecker (Propsect #3 in System and #34 in the BBA) was the starting catcher for the Frick Squad. Uecker was put on full display as he played the entire game behind the dish going 1-3 at the plate with a single. Like Roundfield, Uecker started at Double A and has been called up to Triple-A during the season. Uecker hit .306/.367/.400 with Alpine Valley and has since hit .262/.304/.381 in Quincy. He has 3 homers total over both levels. Defensively, Uecker is ready for the big leagues but the club would love to see him improve his bat. He too is likely to see action in September with hopes of being the everyday man in 2058.

The final piece of the trio in the Future's Game was Greg Squires (Prospect #5 and #99 in the BBA). Squires drew the starting assignment in Leftfield, managing to go hitless in 2 at-bats before being pulled from the game in the 6th inning. The 18 year old Squires has performed well at Double-A and has many wondering if he'll see some Triple-A time this season. The club has been protective of Squires due to his young age, but the barely legal adult has hit .291/.376/.438 this season with 10 homeruns and 33 RBI. He's also managed to develop his skills more in the corner outfield throughout the season. Drafted as a CF, Squires has spent a lot of time in both LF and RF in an effort to be a more rounded player and bigger option for the big league squad in the future. The club sees Squires, the former 12th overall pick, as a viable option to see ample time all across the outfield as either a full-time starter or a heavily used 4th outfielder type. The front office thinks fans could see Squires in 2059, if not as soon as next season in 2058.