Brighton Bearcats 2012 Preview

The Bearcats are coming off of a magical season that saw them go through a powerful Reno franchise, a pesky Edgewater team that knocked out league favorite Washington, and finally defeating A.L. champion Colorado Springs to become 2011 TBA champs.  The champagne flowed like water, the endless shower of confetti fell for days, and Brighton danced in the streets.  Well.....the champagne is now flat, the confetti has been swept up, and the band has stopped playing.  Brighton GM Mark Moilanen realized he made the best of his opportunity, but the outlook for the future was not as bright.  Management wasted no time in bidding adieu to 2010 heroes Alex Rodriguez, Colby Rasmus, Hong Chih Kuo, Fausto Carmona, Ian Kinsler, Carl Crawford, and Stephen Drew.  While not willing to enter into full fledged rebuild mode, management deemed a retooling necessary.

The 2012 lineup features some new faces, but the same commitment to defense holds true.  Your 2012 Bearcats:

C-Ryan Hanigan/Yorvit Torrealba.  Keeping the seat warm while Buster Posey recovers from inury, these 2 will provide a solid, but unspectacular platoon.  Hangigan will play against lefties and select righties.  He provides a solid glove/arm while getting on base at a nice clip.  Torrealba accepts his role as the catcher vs righties whom he performs reasonably against.  Neither has delusions of uprooting Posey as the catcher of the future.  Consider this an audition to be Posey's backup.

1B-Miguel Cabrera.  What else can you say?  The man is a beast who hits for power and average while becoming adequate in the field.  He is the unquestioned anchor of this lineup.

2B-Ben Zobrist.  Management was always fond of Ian Kinsler.  However, when management had an opportunity to add a 2B-1 with good pop AND add a 2013 3rd rd pick, it was a move that had to be made.  It is no secret that Brighton management covets defense up the middle and Zobrist fits the bill.  He also is a switch hitter and that is a trait that endears him to the manager. 

SS-Elvis Andrus.  Many questioned the extremes that Brighton went to acquire Andrus.  The normally shrewd Brighton team indeed paid a steep price, but proves his commitment to defense up the middle is more than just idle chatter.  The youthful Andrus should provide a defensive anchor for years. 

3B-Emilio Bonifacio.  Ideally, Brighton was hoping that Emilio would be his super sub playing a full time role at multiple positions.  With the trading of Alex Rodriguez, Bonifacio inherits the full time 3B role.  He is more than capable of being a good 3B.  He had a career season and has speed to burn.  On top of that, he is an excellent defender at the hot corner.  The fact that he s a switch hitter capable of playing multiple positions is a bonus. 

LF-Chris Young/David Murphy.  Another platoon.  Chris Young has power, speed, and great defense.  He hits lefties very well.  Many teams would be thrilled to have him as a regular.  However, Brighton wants more productivity against righties and that is where David Murphy comes in.  While not as defensively sound as management would want, the still can hit righties well.

CF-Dexter Fowler.  He plays good defense and is a switch hitter and that automatically endears him to GM Moilanen.  While they would like to see him become more of a base stealing threat, they will gladly take the tools he has with a smile.

RF-Shin Soo Choo.  Arguably Brightons MVP in their 2011 title run, Choo ran into a wall of injury and will be expected to rebound to form.  While not totally useless, usage will be limited and the power is not what it was.  Supposedly, Choo is ready to play and become the feared LH bat Brighton desperately needs.  He does not have the range that the franchise covets, but has a cannon in RF and dares opposing base runners to try for the extra bag.

BENCH:
C/1B-Buster Posey.  Injuries will limit the talented young catcher to pinch hitting and occasionally providing Cabrera with a day off.  He provided solid offensive numbers and will contribute.

2B/SS/3B-Ramon Santiago.  The switch hitting veteran will spell Andrus, Zobrist, and Bonifacio at times.  He does a little bit of everything and is a holdover from the championship team.

1B/3B-Wilson Betemit.  He is the anti-Bearcat being a defensive liability wherever he plays.  HOWEVER, he is a solid SH bat who will get his share of at bats playing 3B, backing up 1B, and pinch hitting.

Super Sub-Ryan Raburn.  Raburn will play a little bit of everywhere.  Primarily taking some reps in RF in place of Choo.  He is nothing special, but has some pop and provides flexibility.

OTHERS:
Eric Hinske and JD Drew-Veteran depth
Elliot Johnson, Logan Forsythe, James Darnell, Yamaico Navarro-Long shot specs.


Starter#1-Cole Hamels.  Nice workhorse who can strike you out or draw the DP. 

Starter #2-Justin Masterson.  Acquired just prior to the draft, Masterson provides a right handed workhorse the fit in between 2 solid lefties.  Masterson allows very few long balls and should do well in Miller Park.

Starter #3-Jon Lester.  His love for fried chicken and beer cost him some time on the mound.  While having a productive season, he is under pressure from management to prove his commitment to himself and the team.  He has the honor of being the first ever acquired team by the trade happy Bearcats. 

Starter #4-Max Scherzer.  Mad Max is fortunate to be on the team of his most enthusiastic supporter.  With that said, Scherzer will be expected to improve the walks and tone down the long balls.  Brighton has been more patient with Max than many would have been, but the patience is not limitless.  Progress will be expected. 

Starter#5-Livan Hernandez.  Nothing special here, but one could do worse for a #5.  Doesn't give up too many long balls, keeps base runners honest, can draw a DP, and fields his position well.  He should be able to keep Brighton in most games. 

OTHERS:
-Tyler Chatwood.  Mark Moilanen admits he is not a fan.  However, he has seen enough support for him to at least tuck him away and see what develops.   On a very short leash.
-Juan Nicasio.  On the flip side, Mr. Moilanen is a big supporter of Nicasio.  How can you help but root for this guy coming off a broken neck.  Pitching in Coors is a challenge, but he has the tools to be a solid mid-rotation starter in the future.
-Jake Arrieta.  Similar to Nicasio, his environment isn't ideal, but he has shown flashes of brilliance and the Bearcats will stash him away hoping for the best.
-Jon Garland-Veteran coming off of injury and looking to make a comeback.
-Wade Miley-Long shot prospect
-Everett Teaford-Another long shot prospect who can also relieve.

BULLPEN:
-Joakim Soria.  Outside of Mariano Rivera, who has been a more consistent closer than Soria?  Well....at least until last year.  Soria suffered a career low and is a borderline closer this season.  However, management has high hopes for a rebound.
-Joaquin Benoit.  Last seasons stud set up man had a poor start, but pitched outstanding ball from June forward.  He forecasts into being the chief set up man again this year.
-Vinnie Pestano-This kid came out of nowhere to post excellent numbers.  he has an outstanding K rate and will serve as a key bridge to the end.
-Hisanori Takahashi.  7-0 last year.  He will serve as the reverse lefty/long relief out of the pen
-Daniel Schlereth-Young kid with good potential but not so good control.
-Matt Belisle.  He will serve as the workhorse in the pen.  He is expected to work often. 

OTHERS:
-Josh Lindblom, Brandon Gomes, Daniel Moskos all serve as long shot prospects. 


TEAM STRENGTHS:
-Defense.  Young, Andrus, Zobrist, Fowler, Bonifacio, and Hanigan will anchor the team D.
-Speed.  Bonifacio, Andrus, Young, Zobrist, and Fowler will test the defense arms.
-Versatility.  Zobrist, Bonifacio, Santiago, and Raburn give Brighton a lot of flexibility.

TEAM WEAKNESSES:
-Could use more power.  Outside of Cabrera, no one strikes fear into opposing managers.
-#4 and #5 starters.  While not horrendous, these are not the pitchers contenders are made of.
-Lack of a lights out closer.  It was key last year.  MIA this year.

OVERALL:
The reasons for a retooling after winning it all may seem crazy, but management decided to make a playoff run while building for next year.  Many picks/players have been jettisoned for next year.  the result is 3 1st rounders, 3 2nd rounders, and other picks that can be used to strengthen the current team in trade or to build through draft.  Management vows to return to the playoffs but not at the expense of the future.  There is no delusion of unseating Washington as top dog in the division.  With that said, any team that looks past the Bearcats this year may find themselves on the wrong end of the scorecard. 

PREDICTION:
86-76