Pitching
This section will be dominated by Alaric Wullenweber who was acquired by the Bears in 2048 for a hefty price. He will be of utmost importance to the team’s succe…..wait….this just in: the Bears have traded Wullenweber to the Sacramento Sad Popes in a stunning turn of events. Well, I guess I’ll talk about the other members of the porn capital of the world’s rotation, which is headlined by Jorge Moreno and Gusby Pinkerton. The former is coming off a career best season and fans can expect the consistent Moreno throw 200 IP with 200 K’s again. Pinkerton shared similar success, but relies on keeping the ball in play rather than blowing away hitters like Moreno and you can expect him to have another season allowing fewer than 1 HR/9. Fan favorite, Ramon Gonzalez, who notoriously signed a six year BBA deal as an 18 year old in 2044, hasn’t started a game since 2045. This could be the year the Bears let his young arm loose in the rotation to prove he’s more than a shaky reliever. Then you’ve got a few question marks fighting for the final two rotation spots in Kurt Hanson, Peter Roop, and Kinzo Iwamuto, who was acquired in the Wullenweber deal. Any of these three could be impactful, but time will tell. The rotation will have to carry the brunt of the work because the bullpen looks shaky, at best. I mean, they had to bring in Frits Brinson as a free agent closer, but he has spent the past two seasons in UMEBA. Though he was here shortly, Wullenweber will be missed.
Infield
Although he spent most time at DH last season, this will be the first season of life after Tai hoi Wie for the Bears. The HOF candidate spent the entirety of his career in San Fernando and he will be sorely missed. Tyler Ober will do his best impersonation job, as they have similar makeup, but you’ll have to squint really hard to see it. Marcello Custello, another piece of booty from the Wullenweber loot, should be the primary 2B, but he might begin the season in AAA. He is a nice left-handed bat who should be a Zimmer candidate as Quinn Richardson’s double play partner. Carlos Flores may get time at 2B vs LHP. Richardson failed to win the Puckett award for Frick league shortstops in 2048 for the first time in four years, but he should put up his usual all-star level numbers. Roberto Rivera is a well-rounded 3B, but has shown inconsistencies in his four years in the BBA. The Bears will be hoping for a productive season from Rivera, but hopes of an OPS over .800 should be forgotten. There are no glaring holes in the lineup, but there isn’t much star power outside of Richardson. Hopefully Ober and Custello can grow into stars and get this team back into contention.
Outfield
The Bears’ outfield is probably their biggest strength, headlined by Angel Gonzalez, who has put up 7+ WAR in three consecutive seasons. Gilberto Falchonelli should get the majority of playing time in LF, but can split time with Flores if he’s not at 2B. The most prized get from Sacramento was Wasim Ala’, who should man CF. The switch hitter can do it all, almost. He’s got pop, speed, and great defense, but will need to increase his contact at the BBA level to become an all-star. Andrew MacColl will be a solid backup that will likely spell each starting outfielder throughout the season.
Designated Hitter
The scariest hitter in the lineup has been and will continue to be Reggie Vargas. The left-handed hitting slugger is coming off his first sub-.900 OPS season since his rookie campaign….but was still .898. I expect Vargas to continue his terror on Frick League right-handed pitchers and newly signed Bobby Horne might DH against LHP. Guaranteed production out of this spot.
San Fernando is an interesting blend of veterans and young talent. They don’t have a ton of young prospects, but if they are able to sell some of their BBA veterans to restock their talent pool, this could be a very dangerous team. Just not in 2048. They don’t have the stuff to beat out the stronger Heartland teams for a wildcard spot, but could still finish top 3 in the Pacific. I expect them to hover around 82 wins with this squad, but I expect to see some changes throughout the season that could sway that one way or the other. They could add a couple of pieces if they start hot, but if they don’t get out of the gates running, look for their trade block in May.
