Proctor Swapped For Betemit

[Ruzious]

The guy came through the minors as a shortstop. He should, theoretically, be able to handle second. When the Braves moved him to third there were people saying he might have been better going to second, but at the time the Braves hadn't soured on Giles yet.

He will not hit enough to be a starting third baseman, I will tell you that right now. I'm not saying they should make the move now in the middle of a pennant race, just that it gives them the option in the future in the event they re-sign Rodriguez. Personally I think Betemit's best role is utility infielder. I don't like his bat as much as most. Still a pretty good deal for the Yankees, though.

I don't agree with that point. In the limited chances he's gotten in the majors, he's hit well and shown some power - .442 lifetime slugging percentage at age 25. If given the opportunity, I could see him coming on in the same fashion that Brandon Phillips has with Cincy. I would have liked to see the O's get Betemit - just as I said I would have liked to get Phillips when he was struggling before Cincy rescued him.

[TGO]

What's the 411 on Betemit? Seems like the Yanks could use the solid bullpen arm reather than this guy...

He's versatile. Hasn't hit this year in LA but if you look at his MILB stats and some of his time in Atlanta you might project him to be a decent hitter. He'll be a good utility guy at the least and as blueberry said he's the fallback plan in case Rodriguez leaves and they don't get anyone else.

As a hitter he's actually sort of similar to Cano, but I don't think he's nearly as good. He's in the swing at everything mold that Cano is, and occasionally Betemit has hit for .300+ and shown flashes of power, though not quite the pop that Cano has. I don't think he will hit .300 in extended time, though, and that's what he needs to do to be a good hitter because he doesn't walk all that much.

As for Proctor, it's pretty clear the Yanks wanted to get rid of the guy. Betemit is probably the best offer they had. You're right, you'd think they would want more relievers and not fewer, but they wanted Proctor out of there. They want Farnsworth gone, too. Those two are buddies so it might be a clubhouse thing. It could also be that Joe has pitched their arms off and they're terrible now.

[TGO]

I don't agree with that point. In the limited chances he's gotten in the majors, he's hit well and shown some power - .442 lifetime slugging percentage at age 25. If given the opportunity, I could see him coming on in the same fashion that Brandon Phillips has with Cincy. I would have liked to see the O's get Betemit - just as I said I would have liked to get Phillips when he was struggling before Cincy rescued him.

I should amend that to say I don't think the Yankees will be pleased with his production at third if they play him there everyday. Not after ARod. (and especially if they don't have a slugger at first base) He would be an option for a team like us. With enough ABs he would likely outhit Mora. But I think that's probably the top end of his projection.

[RayFink1e]

Why would they trade their best pitcher other then Rivera in the bullpen?

[Baltimoron]

Why would they trade their best pitcher other then Rivera in the bullpen?

Wilson Betemit (.231/.359/.474) > a middle reliever with the same service time.

Joba's (the K machine) is on the way up. He would have been the best non-MO reliever anyway.

[Ruzious]

I should amend that to say I don't think the Yankees will be pleased with his production at third if they play him there everyday. Not after ARod. (and especially if they don't have a slugger at first base) He would be an option for a team like us. With enough ABs he would likely outhit Mora. But I think that's probably the top end of his projection.

Fair enough. It sounds like you know what you speak of. And actually, I was thinking the Mora comparison as well - that his career could run somewhat similarly.

[Ruzious]

Well, Betemit is off to a heckuva start for the Yankees. I think they flat out stole him. This trade was 1 of 3 examples of relievers being way overpriced at the trade deadline. Boston made a horrible trade, and Atlanta screwed up giving up a talented young starter for Dotel.