Brighton Season In Review

Can a season meet expectations yet be a disappointment. GM Mark Moilanen seems to think so. The defending champs came into the season understanding that they were not a powerhourse any longer. Management fully expected to make the playoffs, but figured 90 wins and a 1st rd exit would be the most plausible scenario. Injuries to 2011 stars Buster Posey and horrendous seasons by Crawford, Drew, Soria, among others tempered expectations.

However, Brighton came roaring out of the gates and threatened perennial superpower Washington for the division lead. Management was taking the "go for the playoffs while not sacrificing the future" approach. Once winning became the norm, Brighton decided to go out and add Alex Gordon, Curtis Granderson, John Axford, and Edwin Jackson to an already effective team. For reasons unknown, this disrupted team chemistry as Brighton managed to play only .500 ball over the final 2 blocks including losing 6 of 7 to Reno.

Barring an 12-0 finish by Oahu, Washington will be Brighton's 1st round opponent. Mr Potts and Mr Moilanen have a friendly rivalry that have spanned multiple leagues. Mr Potts is said to be very excited to play the Bearcats as Brighton has had the playoff edge and Joe Potts is looking forward to the chance to put those past series to rest and put any shut down any chance of a Brighton repeat.

Team MVP-Miguel Cabrera. Triple crown is looking like a very real possibility. .361 average/.453 OBP/43 HR/158 RBI/.681 slugging. With a move to 3B looming, it shall be interesting to see where SM rates his services at 3B.

Team Cy Young. Cole Hamels won 19 games and had an ERA of 2.15

Most disappointing. Curtis Granderson. He struggled with Evanston, and he played only marginally better with Brighton. The power was adequate, but 186 whiffs KO'd many a rally and his average was a disappointment at .210.

Why 2013 is looking good. The main reason the Bearcats are optomistice about 2013 is the return of Buster Posey. he is having an MVP caliber season for the Giants and will be a welcome replacement for the soon to be released Yorvit Torrealba. Cole Hamels and Max Scherzer will give the Cats a solid 1-2 in the rotation while Edwin Jackson will provide respectable numbers. Miguel Cabrera had another monster season and Granderson should have 40 HR. The Bearcats also have 2 mid 1st rd picks and numerous picks in the 2-5 rounds and should be able to patch some holes while also adding some quality youth.

Why 2013 could be a challenge. Off seasons by Justin Masterson and Jon Lester create massive question marks in the rotation. The rotating closer role figures to be an issue again. John Axford has been extremely inconsistent. Positional uncertainty will shuffle the defensive alignment. Cabrera shifts to 3B. Who plays 1st? Zobrist largely played the OF so how does he get rated at 2B. Bonifacio will shifts to a crowded OF. Brighton needs to await the defensive rankings before he will be able to patch together a lineup.

While Washington and Reno will undoubtedly continue to be contenders, other teams in the NL are starting to command respect. Oahu always manages to be competitive. London has put together a nice pitching staff and soon will have Mike Trout to help rebuild a weak offense. Bob Boyd will never go into rebuild, so he will be in the playoff discussions. Perennial doormats Mackinaw and Nassau have taken steps forward with their franchises and have either shown improvement and/or taken steps to assure their improvement. The once proud Edgewater and DVD teams are under the new capable management of Joe Mundy/jason Hinkledire and it should be a short time before they are ready to make noise.