Bakersfield's (Near) Future, Volume 1

[Ghosts]

When most people think about the Bakersfield Bears, they think about firmly-established, highly-paid players winning games in a workmanlike fashion. And they’re right, the majority of the Bears’ starting nine demonstrates daily that they are nothing if not a well-compensated, highly-performing machine. However, for every Byron Verdon and Pat Lilly, there is a Chance Tidwell and Charles McGuire - guys who are either too young or too old or too slow or too small or too something, but who have contributed in a very important way to the Bears’ 2007 success. So, before the bunting adorns Jonas Field, before the Japanese and South American press descend upon Bakrersfield, before the post-season begins, let’s take a look at some of these lesser-known (or lesser-something) players who have been such a key part of the Bears’ 2007 season and whose contributions will only grow in the years to come.

Charles McGuire: At 31, McGuire is the oldest on the list. But don’t that fool you, he has also been the best. McGuire, a native of Chandler, Arizona, has excelled in all facets of the game this year. He can play all three outfield positions as well as nearly anyone on the team, and has committed just 1 error in 107 games (including short stints at both first and third base). His .301 average, while solid, doesn’t tell half the story of his importance to the Bears’ offensive attack. The man is a terror when it matters most: he’s hitting .351 with runners in scoring position and a blistering .500 in extra inning games. Perhaps the best stat of McGuire’s, however, is his salary. He inked a 2-year deal for $3 million per year prior to the 2007 season, and with numbers like these it’s no wonder we hear the front office is already engaging in detailed negotiations with his agent about a contract extension before he can even smell free agency.

Mathys Crete: Mathys Crete is going to be a star with the Bakersfield Bears. There can be no doubt about the fact that he will soon be an integral part of their pitching corps. The only question remaining, however, is where exactly he is going to fit in. The Bears have used Crete in every conceivable situation this year. He’s been a regular in the rotation, spot started, was both a long man and set-up man in the pen, and even closed for a spell. And he’s excelled wherever he’s been placed, a not unimportant demonstration of another one of his gifts: his great attitude. And the 25 year-old, who went 5-2, with 3 saves and a 3.93 ERA this year, shows precious few flaws when it comes to pitching, too. He is still a work in progress, as is denoted by his 1.4 WHIP and his proclivity for giving up the long ball. Still, there is every reason to believe he will be a dominant pitcher in the years to come. As free agency takes it toll on the Bears’ pitching staff, you should expect that the only question remaining – where Crete would be of most help – should be answered very, very soon. And if this season is any indication, Crete’s role will be prominent, wherever it is.

Joe Parks: Just 21 years old, this rangy native New Yorker has made the most of his September call-up. In his first stint in the majors, he’s hitting at a .429 clip, with 1 home run and 6 RBIs in just 14 plate appearances. Incredibly, in those 14 plate appearances, he has still yet to collect a walk or fall victim to a strikeout. It remains to be seen whether Parks will grow into a solid contributor, let alone starter, or whether September 2007 will just be a story he tells his incredulous buddies 15 years from now. However, the Bears like what they’ve seen and there’s a pretty good shot Parks will make a serious run at taking over the duties left field by the start of the 2009 season.

We'll be continuing on with this coverage in Volume 2...