We Got Wood - 43.40 - Another Rookie to Debut in Portland

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Much has been made already about the trio of rookies who have made their debut in Portland this season over the club's first 19 games. In fact it's just as much those three rookies that have hopes high in Portland as much as the big trades and free agent signings. But it appears a 4th rookie will be stopping by in the Lumberjacks next sim. One who has gotten far less attention and fan fare but could be just as vital to the Lumberjacks success in 2043.

With the injury of diamond glove winning centerfielder Miguel Cortez in the last sim, Portland needs to make a roster move. Cortez was injured in last Tuesday's game against Hawaii. Cortez was injured in the top of the 2nd inning when he made a diving catch on a line drive hit by Tropics batter Fernando Rodriguez. Cortez banged into the outfield grass hard. He made the catch but came out of the game immediately after. Holding his upper neck, team doctor Zachary Asquith diagnosed the early injury as just a sprained neck. Later it was revealed Cortez had a herniated disk in his upper back, lower neck and he'd miss close to a month.

Following the sim, team assistant General Manager Ted Dunn spoke to the press and stated that Cortez would be heading to the Injured List and the organization would be calling up Arthur Daniel from the team's Triple-A squad in Quincy. Daniel was added to the 40-man roster this off-season to avoid being Rule 5 eligible. Daniel, another elite defensive centerfielder, had an outstanding Triple-A season last year, posting a 4.2 WAR thanks to a +15.1 zone rating in centerfield. He was off to another solid start in 2043.

Daniel, who mirrors Cortez in a lot of ways, will be asked to play center everyday for the Lumberjacks over the next few weeks until Cortez can return. The Lumberjacks pitching can rest assured knowing that fly balls hit to the outfield are still likely going to die with another elite glove out there patrolling the area.