2053 San Fernando Bears Preview

[chicoruiz]

The Bears improved by a whopping 16 games last year, sticking their nose over the .500 mark for the first time since 2046. Do they have the horses to build on their success in 2053? Let’s take a look…

STARTING PITCHING: This was a bit of a weakness last year, and it’s been addressed in a big way by the acquisition of Dan Small, a 20-game winner last year in Atlantic City. Young Zach Davies slots in nicely as a #2 starter. After that, it gets a bit iffy. The Bears signed veteran Stan Cyr as a free agent, hoping that his numbers improve in a better pitching environment than El Paso. Gusby Pinkerton’s career seems to be headed in the wrong direction, but he’s only 30 and could turn it around. Benno Steeneveld, a refugee from the GBC, could be a sleeper.

BULLPEN: Kinzo Iwamoto seemed to find his groove as a closer last year, saving 26. He’ll be backed up by righty Ramon Gonzalez, lefty Kurt Hanson, and whoever emerges from the spring training scrum.

CATCHER: Reggie Leeper comes over from Phoenix. He’s an above-average receiver who hit .301 last year. What’s not to like? Well, he doesn’t walk or hit for power, so it was a pretty empty .301, but .301 is .301. There are three pretty much identical guys vying for the backup job; one or two might be trade bait. Any team needing depth at catcher might give San Fernando a call.

INFIELD: 1B Tyler Ober is currently listed as the leadoff hitter, but he could really bat anywhere in the lineup; he’s that good. Marcello Custello plays 2B; his value is in his glove and his cool rhyming name. His DP partner, shortstop Aniruddha Meenakshisundaram most definitely does not have a cool rhyming name, but he is similar to Custello in being a glove-first guy. He did have a few half-decent hitting years in the minors, so there’s hope. Roberto Rivera is a star; 39 homers and 100 RBIs last year, and fields 3B at a high level.

OUTFIELD: Ken Donahue, a former Rule 5 pick, will get a chance to play every day for the first time, and looks to have a bright future. Speedy Wasim Ala’ will play center against righties and right against lefties. He has speed and power, but needs to put the bat on the ball more often. Curt Lehman improved his OPS by over 220 points last year; if that’s sustainable, the Bears outfield will be an asset.

DH: Reggie Vargas is everything you’d want as a DH; a consistent masher in the middle of the order who can pick up a glove and fill in in the outfield in a pinch.

OUTLOOK: Love their infield defense and their top 6 or 7 players. For me, the pivot points of the season are Steeneveld and Lehman. If they live up to expectations, I think this is a 90+ win team again.

[BaseClogger]

This is a much rosier outlook than I expected! I’m just hoping to be in contention after several pitchers over performed last year.

One glaring omission is my most recent FA acquisition, SP Shea Valance.

[BaseClogger]

Also: what chicoruiz said about hitting me up for a catcher.

[Dington]

Nice job!

[7teen]

Cyr, Lepper, Pinkerton.....

Thought I was reading a Portland preview circa 2045 or something there for a second.

Everyone predicting 85-90 wins for everyone in the Pacific this year. The Heartland must SUUUUUUCCCCKKKKKKKK. (checks preseason predictions and see Portland predicted to win under 30 games. doh!)

[usnspecialist]

Cyr, Lepper, Pinkerton.....

Thought I was reading a Portland preview circa 2045 or something there for a second.

Everyone predicting 85-90 wins for everyone in the Pacific this year. The Heartland must SUUUUUUCCCCKKKKKKKK. (checks preseason predictions and see Portland predicted to win under 30 games. doh!)

gusby was ole reliable for me during most of my time there. Never hit the heights of that brilliant season he had for you, but was pretty consistent.

[mragland]

The team down the road hasn't been a source of much concern since I've been in the BBA, but now they're winning. The Pacific seems to be tightening up.

[7teen]

Cyr, Lepper, Pinkerton.....

Thought I was reading a Portland preview circa 2045 or something there for a second.

Everyone predicting 85-90 wins for everyone in the Pacific this year. The Heartland must SUUUUUUCCCCKKKKKKKK. (checks preseason predictions and see Portland predicted to win under 30 games. doh!)

gusby was ole reliable for me during most of my time there. Never hit the heights of that brilliant season he had for you, but was pretty consistent.

He’s had a solid career. Nothing like his rookie campaign though. I’m confused because he still looks like a pretty good pitcher despite OOTP giving him a 45 rating.

[CTBrewCrew]

#Heartland just tossing the Pa-suckfic a bone so the division won't fold...