Hold My Log - 57.03 - "Uecker Won't Make Roster"

[7teen]

If fans had high hopes of seeing one of Portland's top prospects on the big league squad come opening day, General Manager Chris Wilson all but squashed those hopes during today's press update at spring training. Wilson bluntly told reporters that "Allan Uecker would not be on the big league roster come opening day" and hinted strongly that it was unlikely fans in Portland would see Uecker at all in 2057.

The highly touted, and somewhat coveted, catching prospect caught the eyes of fans when he was acquired back in 2055 from Rocky Mountain. Seeing him at spring training, and playing a bulk of the spring training innings, gave fans some high hopes that perhaps the young defensive wizard behind the dish might actually make the Portland roster. It appears those hopes were dashed by Wilson's comments.

"We have very high hopes and expectations for Allan" Wilson stated during the update, "but he's really not ready. He's coming along fine and we really think he'll be in Portland soon, but 2057 probably isn't the year. He only got a half season in double-A last year and we are in no need to rush him along. Maybe if we were a contending team and needed a catcher we'd consider it. But we aren't there right now, so there is no need to rush. I can guarantee you he won't be on the opening day roster this season."

As to where Uecker might land once he is sent back to the minors remains to be seen. Considering his development, some think he could start the year as high as Triple-A with Quincy. Some others think, based on Wilson's previous remarks, that the 21 year old starts the season back in Double-A with the possibility of him getting the Triple-A call up some time around the all-star break.

The decision to send Uecker down likely means newly acquired catcher Adalgiso Bosendorfer will get a bulk of the catching assignments this season. The Lumberjacks front office hopes to see a better version of Bosendorfer than the one that posted a -3.1 WAR in Charlotte in 2055. But it appears with Uecker on the track to Portland at some point, the Lumberjacks aren't very interested in committing to a long-term option behind the plate. Last season, Portland used a trio of catchers that combined for a -0.7 overall WAR.

[Jwalk100]

He's almost done cooking'. A season in AAA and he should be ready next season. No one is running on Portland next season.

[RonCo]

Bosendorfer is a bit of an ass, it appears.

[7teen]

Bosendorfer is a bit of an ass, it appears.

He is German, so.....