The turmoil in Bakersfield has officially hit the level of a true Shakespearean tragedy, and now…it’s added a third act. The Bears announced today the hiring of New York City based Lenny Banovez as their new GM. The club’s third in as many months. The move comes as more than a slight surprise to many, as Banovez is best known for his producing of hit Broadway shows (most notably the Tony Award Winning Revival of DAMN YANKEES, starring PEBA great Bob Raines in the lead role). When asked about his apparent lack of experience Banovez told reporters, “I’ve been a baseball fan all my life and have always followed the game closely. I know that’s not enough on paper, but let me say this, producing a Broadway hit isn’t much different than running a baseball franchise. Everyone has an ego and everyone is always screaming about money. I got this.” Well we will certainly find out if he does as this real life farce continues to unfold.

It has never been a secret that the General Manager position for the Bears was a tough job, even under the best of circumstances. Owner David C. Novak (who at 77 could very well be PEBA’s real life King Lear) is known for his difficult personality and unrealistic demands. Even winning at times seems not enough for him, as was the rumored case for the sudden departure of former GM, Dan Vail, one of the most successful in the clubs history. The hasty departure of Vail was followed by the whiplash inducing signing on, and signing off of Neil Thomas. A source close to the club commented, “David was barely at a 5 on the “Novak Scale” in terms of volume and four letter words.” said the source. “Thomas walked out on what we consider a good day around here. He clearly wasn’t the right fit.” Fair enough. However, is Banovez? He has the ego to match Novak, but does he have the experience to compete at baseball’s highest level? Do jazz hands translate to trophies? Tensions and expectations will be high right from the start as Banovez inherits one of the best teams in the league. There will be no excuse for a box office flop this time around.

In Bakersfield, where winning isn’t enough, losing isn’t tolerated, and nothing short of a Title will do…can Banovez survive? We know he thinks so, but we are’t so sure.