2052.6: Bittersweet News Bears - Winning Season Ends

[BaseClogger]

A season that exceeded most analysts' expectations still ends in disappointment for the 2052 San Fernando Bears. The team achieved a winning record at 82-80, an improvement of 16 wins over the year prior. Nevertheless, the Bears held the final Frick League wild card spot as late in the season as September 9th, ultimately finishing behind both Portland and Des Moines thanks to their 7-12 record over the final 19 games.

"We went into this season feeling like we underwhelmed last year and retained a solid core," GM Kurt Imber told the press over a delicious taco lunch, "but to lose the wild card in the last few weeks really stings for our fans. I hope they enjoyed the ride."

As the team heads into the 2052-2053 offseason, their priority will be adding starting pitching. "We'll make a run at it again with our offensive core, but we need another high quality starting pitcher to feel better about our playoff chances" Imber told us.

The Bears will have to replace the production of departing free agent pitchers Jorge Moreno and Jim Wilkinson, a pair of veteran starting pitchers who stabilized their rotation and wildly exceeded expectations. They'll also have to absorb the losses of outfielder Bronx Cortez and catcher Quinton Lara, who like Wilkinson was brought in last offseason on a one-year contract before contributing significantly to the 2052 San Fernando ballclub.

"We'll get creative and hope some of our young guys progress too," Imber said as he plucked cilantro from between his teeth.