The first major obstacle has hit the Portland Lumberjacks this season and it comes just 17 games into the season. Alvin Conley, last year's 3rd place finisher in the Frick Gillstrom voting, suffered a strained posterior cruciate ligament and a sore thumb in Sunday's 8-1 victory over the Stars. The injury occurred in the top of the 1st inning when Conley slid into third on an RBI triple to right-center field. Matt Pruitt entered the game after that.
"It's a tough loss for us for sure" commented manager Mons Raider after the game. "He's one of our few power threats in the middle of our lineup. Anytime you lose your man in the middle of the lineup, it's going to hurt and cause problems. It's an early test for our offense but I think we'll respond."
The PCL injury is to the back of his left knee and an MRI showed it to just be a strain and not a tear. That's the good news. The bad news is he'll likely miss the month with the injury.
"Yeah it's tough but I think this team versatile" added Raider. "Obviously you never want to lose a starter. These guys are starters for a reason. They're the best at what they do. But I think this team is very versatile. Flexible. We have guys who can play a variety of spots and roles. This injury gives Pruitt and Leon and chance to step up. Yes, we lose some offense with Pruitt but we gain defense. With Pruitt, our outfield defense becomes solid all around the outfield. He's played in nearly every game for us this season as a late game defensive replacement. We think he'll be fine out there for a month. Leon's a guy we could give some ABs to and see if we can utilize his ability to get on base. Either way, we feel we're in good hands with either option for the time being until Alvin returns."
So improved pitching, more team speed, and better defense. It's almost as if there was an old plan for this. A Master Plan of sorts.
"Enjoy the ride" - Sandy Mounds