There more often than not is a faint glow in the executive offices at “The Oaks” recently. Since the recent hire of the Bears GM, Lenny Banovez, the organization seems to never sleep. “We are cramming for the biggest exam of our lives. This is the big leagues, and there is no time for a learning curve in leadership.”  assistant GM, Takenao Suzuki, told us as he got into his car.  “Banovez is still up there. I wouldn’t wait.”

All this may or may not come as a surprise to Bears fans. The path that led to the hiring of both Banovez and Suzuki (neither with any professional experience) was anything but smooth. Some fans look at these late night study sessions as dedication. While others see it as two rookies playing catch up. That is yet to be seen. However, we can say that since their arrival the team has made very few, but seemingly calculated moves. The biggest splash made was the signing 2030 breakout player Bob Pinksen to a multi-year deal that brings a solid bat and glove to Bakersfield from San Antonio.

Yet, many questions still remain. While Pinksen locks down second, there remains the issue at shortstop. No move was made to solidify the position with any sort of “win now” mentality. The organization seems content hoping for Anastasio Silva or Alfonso Reyna to overachieve until their prospects fully develop. Next, the moving Alex Bothwell form DH to First seems to have many (especially the Bears elite pitching staff) concerned from a defensive prospective. Finally, is Jorge Aguilar ready to hit, and hit big?

While the induction of Markus Hancock into the PEBA Hall of Fame pulled focus for a brief time… all eyes are back and these are just a few of the questions that seem to be keeping the lights on at night and into the morning in Bakersfield. We will find out if this is indeed a sign of determination or lack of experience soon enough…as Opening Day is just around the corner.