2052.1: Good News Bears - First Half Performers

[BaseClogger]

Below is a summary of the five most impressive first half performances for the 2052 San Fernando Bears.

Tyler Ober - 1B
Tyler Ober was the leader of the San Fernando Bears' offense in 2051 and that has not changed in 2052. Now batting first in the Bears' lineup, the team is benefitting greatly from his .387 OBP. Ober has seemingly adjusted his approach to match his newfound role, having only hit 14 home runs so far on the season. The Bears will continue to rollout their 26 year-old superstar until he becomes free agency eligible after the 2053 season. His $3.7M per year contract continues to be a steal for San Fernando.

Reggie Vargas - DH
The Reggie Vargas Revenge Tour marches on in 2052. Vargas currently slashes .280/.387/.608 as he reminds Brewster pitching why he was once one of the most feared hitters in the league. He's already hit 18 home runs with 46 RBIs as he knocks in his teammates Ober and Rivera in the middle of the Bears batting order.

Roberto Rivera - 3B
The only thing that's held Roberto Rivera back from being the most valuable position player on the Bears' roster the last two seasons is his health. In 2051, Rivera had a .806 OPS while playing strong defense at third base but missed nearly two months due to injury. Now in 2052, Rivera has once again missed time due to injury but has increased his performance to a .923 OPS. It's been his power production that has made the difference, with Rivera already matching his 2051 total of 19 home runs but in half the PAs. Rivera was recently rewarded for his early production with a $15M contract extension for 2053. The Bears need his right-handed bat to stay on the field to help offset their left-handed tilted offense.

Jorge Moreno - SP
Jorge Moreno was on the verge of being waived in 2051 but the Bears let him play out the season. Expectations were at an all-time low heading into 2052, but San Fernado stuck with Jorge, giving him the final spot in their starting rotation coming out of the spring. Moreno now finds himself once again the ace of the staff, having pitched 75 innings of 4.32 ERA ball in the notoriously tough environment of Chico's Bail Bond Stadium. Moreno's strikeout rate continues to slide, but his return to form has been thanks to the return of his elite control and improved ability to keep the ball in the ballpark. Moreno will have to sustain this production for the Bears to have enough pitching to stay in the mix in the competitive Pacific division.

Jim Wilkinson - SP
The Bears were desperately in need of additional starting pitching and found a match during spring training in Jim Wilkinson. Wilkinson didn't even require a major league contract! He'll earn $2.75M this season as stipulated in his minor league deal. Wilkinson has found success, despite the offensive environment found in San Fernando, because he throws strikes and attacks opposing hitters dead-on. Wilkinson seemed to be in decline from his peak in Charm City and Chicago, but his ability to throw four pitches for strikes should allow him to continue to find success in his 30s.

[Jwalk100]

Nice bounce back season for 'Bullets'. His next stop would have been GBC.

[usnspecialist]

I like hitting a guy like Ober in the top 2. Most drop guys like that down because of the power but the OBP is more important up top IMO.