It was really only a matter of time. There was no way the Lumberjacks, after a losing 2062 campaign, were as good as they were showing through the first few months of the 2063 season. All it took was an injury to an important player for it to happen.
And I guess watch what you wish for, right?
Just days after a tongue in cheek plea for Allan Uecker to cool off so that perhaps the team could afford a long-term contract extension, the all-star catcher gets injured and will miss 5 weeks of action. While losing is only one by product of Uecker's injury, there are several other concerns within the organiztion.
"I've never seen nor heard of this injury" said team General Manager Chris Wilson. "Allan is suffering from what doctors have called 'bone marrow edema' in his left wrist. That's his catching hand. Honestly, when they told me what it was, I had to google what it even meant. Frankly, even though doctors and trainers have told me this will be better in another month, I'm skeptical and worried."
A quick google search reports that Bone marrow edema (BME) is a condition where fluid accumulates within the bone marrow, causing swelling and pain. It can be caused by injuries, underlying conditions like osteoarthritis or infections, or sometimes for unknown reasons, known as bone marrow edema syndrome (BMES). Treatment often involves rest, pain medication, and physical therapy, with surgery reserved for severe cases. At this juncture, Uecker's appears to be on the lighter side where rest of medication are all that are needed. But that didn't stop Wilson's concerns.
"We know nothing of this illness. I've been a GM for over 50 years and have never had a player with this. I'm worried but hopeful this isn't anything that lingers too long" concluded Wilson.
The absence of Uecker was felt this past week as the Lumberjacks suffered their first losing sim of the season, going 2-5 over their last 7-games. The team had chances in nearly ever game, but bullpen melt downs bit the team in several contests. "Losing Uecker has a trickle down effect" said manager Mons Raider. "I know he doesn't pitch, but he calls pitches and handles our staff. (somewhere out there Kate Fiscus giggles) Nothing against the guys we are playing now, but our pitchers trust Uecker. He's the best in the league. You can't replace that."
Portland carries a 5 game losing streak into tonight's sim, with the last 3 all being 1-run losses including the last two seeing Portland carry leads of at least 4 runs into the 8th inning.