Orioles have agreed to terms, pending physical, with INF Wilson Betemit

[33rdst]

I think what the Orioles haven't done says as much about how they tried to improve the team as what they have done.

The first and most important decision, in terms of the teams direction for the off season, was the decision to try to produce a winning record this year. Whether you agree with this or not, that's the decision they made and it has guided their moves throughout the off season.

Consistent with their goal of a .500 record this year, their second decision was to maintain the core of the team, Jones, Wieters, Hardy, Matusz, Britton, Arrieta, Johnson and acquire pieces to build around them.

The third decision was to keep their emerging assets, Reimold, Andino, Hunter, and their top minor league prospects.

Their fourth decision was to focus on improving pitching depth as the priority and sign complimentary offensive players later.

The pitching the O's got coincides with their interest in pursuing international talent and acquiring domestic talent in a manner that doesn't jeopardize their core and protects their emerging players.

With regard to the offensive improvements they have been committed to finding players that can get on base and provide roster flexibility.

Now, have they improved the team? Maybe. It all depends on the continued development of the core and the young pitchers. It also depends on the gamble they've made on international talent. IMO they settled on a goal and a direction for the club this off season and have made moves consistent with those goals, while operating under the constraints of a limited payroll and less then desirable stature among ML free agents.

[Sports Guy]

Duquette confirmed Betemit will be primarily used as team's DH. "His best position is batting

From Britt

[dan-O]

From Britt

Haha.. well, at least he realizes he's not good defensively? Sure sounds like we're out of the Fielder race for good. They want to roll with Davis at 1B.

[Frobby]

Betemit may turn out to be a better DH than Vlad was, but he's definitely not as exciting an acquisition. Two years with a vesting option? He'd better be so cheap that we could jettison him without thinking twice.

[dan-O]

Betemit may turn out to be a better DH than Vlad was, but he's definitely not as exciting an acquisition. Two years with a vesting option? He'd better be so cheap that we could jettison him without thinking twice.

I think he absolutely will be. More doubles, takes more pitches, switch-hitter. Still would rather have Davis at DH and Fielder at 1B, tho.

[weams]

Betemit may turn out to be a better DH than Vlad was, but he's definitely not as exciting an acquisition. Two years with a vesting option? He'd better be so cheap that we could jettison him without thinking twice.

How cheap would that be? Something less than 2.5 million a year?

[dan-O]

How cheap would that be? Something less than 2.5 million a year?

I'm thinking it's going to be like $2/$3/$4 for each of those years.

[Frobby]

How cheap would that be? Something less than 2.5 million a year?

That ballpark or less. Betemit made $1 mm last year.

[dan-O]

I think Duq wanted to add a Dominican presence to the lineup as well. Just a thought - he's said how much he likes DR players.

Currently Simon is the only other DR player on the 40-man, if I'm not mistaken.

[canonfaz]

I'm thinking it's going to be like $2/$3/$4 for each of those years.

I am so tired of giving out multi year deals to average free agents. I realize that we have to because we are not a "contending team", but it still sucks.

[Mr Snuffleupagus]

Haha.. well, at least he realizes he's not good defensively? Sure sounds like we're out of the Fielder race for good. They want to roll with Davis at 1B.

That is like buying a pinto and then declaring you are no longer interested in a Cadillac. I don't think this prohibits us from signing Fielder.

[dan-O]

One other thought - while Betemit is obviously no speedster, having him replace Vlad and having Reimold start most days instead of being relegated to the bench, the O's will be at least a little more mobile on the base paths. It was brutal having Vlad and Wieters in the lineup back-to-back.

[dan-O]

That is like buying a pinto and then declaring you are no longer interested in a Cadillac. I don't think this prohibits us from signing Fielder.

I hope you're right, it's just a gut feeling. Buck seems to be a Davis believer.

[weams]

That ballpark or less. Betemit made $1 mm last year.

So, if it is 1.5 or 2 you feel that is a great deal? And that he is then easily disposable if need be?

[spneca]

I think Duq wanted to add a Dominican presence to the lineup as well. Just a thought - he's said how much he likes DR players.

Currently Simon is the only other DR player on the 40-man, if I'm not mistaken.

What about Strop?