To say that the Bears mediocre season this year is a disappointment, would be an understatement. 2nd year GM Lenny Banovez has struggled, like many of his predecessors, to find ways to generate enough offense to offset the team’s number 1 ranked defense and elite pitching staff. The additions of Gabe Moran, with his inflated 27 million dollar contract, and veteran first baseman John Lawson have left much to be desired. Last years “big” signing of the aging Bob Pinksen has brought consistency, but Pinksen has had issues staying on the field.

“All the pieces are there for this team to succeed.” Said assistant GM Takenao Suzuki.  “The pitching and defense have been lights out. But you have to get guys across the plate if you are going to win. There are more asses on the bench then bases these days.” Banovez even in year 2 in Bakersfield refuses to speak to the press.

Suzuki hits the nail on the head here. How bad is it? Bad. To focus on how bad bad is…let us look at the good first. Pitching and Defense. Bakersfield ranks in the top 3 in 7 of the 13 major categories (1st in 5 of the 7), and in the top 10 in 12 of 13. That is a stat line that would have most teams eyeing their playoff spot already. Mendoza, Carter, Cisneros, and Rookie Sensation Adam Pemberton all boast sub 3.30 ERA’s, with Mendoza having a better season than last year’s dominate All-Star campaign.  However, remember the bad? You may want to sit down.

On offense the team ranks 10th or lower in 7 of the 13 major categories (let’s not discuss the non-major categories). The team does not posses a single .300 batting average. The team does not posses a single .290 batting average. The team does not posses a single .280 batting average. Last years MVP, Pat Barry, is a shadow of himself, and all star catcher Steve McDonald flirts with the .200 line  like a drunk high schooler on prom night. If we dig hard enough for a bright spot…well there really isn’t one. But, Raul Ortega’s hot start (that has fizzled out completely) was enough to snag a spot on the All-Star team…here he promptly went 0-2, which included an embarrassing 3 pitch strike out on the national stage.

Now, some may feel this is a bit harsh, and with a slew of young talent coming soon the future is bright. However, that’s for another article and this is PEBA. And even though this team may be built to win…it isn’t. So someone needs to figure that out and quick.