Wilson Betemit

[And That]

He was once as high as the 8th best prospect in baseball in 2002.

So was Brandon Wood in 2007. And Greg Miller in 2004. Being a great prospect 9 years ago has little bearing on his prospects now.

He's adequate at 3B.

I can't quite stretch my interpretation of the word "adequate" that far. He's probably a little worse than McGehee, who is not good.

Frankly the Brewers can't risk putting a raw rookie like Green in an everyday role in the middle of a race.

Why? Is this one of those unwritten rules?

[yoshii8]

What's the worst thing that happens if we throw Green into an everyday role in a pennant race? I don't see why we couldn't give him a chance for the next couple of weeks, and then go after a guy like Betemit if he doesn't work out. He is supposedly a better defensive 3b than McGehee, and he is hitting very well in AAA. I could see not bringing him up because he is too young, but he is already 24 years old, and has been in the minor leagues for 6 seasons.

 

There must be a good reason why he's not being given a chance. Has Haurdicourt or McCalvy brought up his name and stats to Melvin or Roenicke? I'm surprised its not more of a story.

[PrinceEatMeat]

As far as Green goes, I don't think the correct word is that they CAN'T risk calling up, but that they WON'T. I just don't see Melvin doing it, or he probably would've already honestly.

[Warning Track Power]

This move doesn't excite me at all.

 

From all the information I can gather, Betemit is a below-average to average 3B. Judging by the way this team has played defense the past few weeks or so, I think if we are going to realistically improve this team in 2011 it needs to happen on both sides of the game.

 

Looking at the everday lineup, 1B, 2B, C, RF, CF, LF are all set for 2011. Realistically, we aren't going to make a trade that will give us a new starter at any of those positions. Being that's the case, I would like to ensure a defensive upgrade to average or above-average at SS and 3B. Betemit doesn't appear to fit that mold. Yes he can be more productive as a hitter than McGehee is, but I feel there are better options (Headley) out there that may be worth exploring before committing to another subpar defender like Betemit.

[Oldcity]

The only way I'd have any interest is if he came very cheap and just filled Wilson's role. Green absolutely needs a shot before Betemit. Why are they wasting their time on 3B? The only out-of-the-organization move they should be focused on is SS.

[greeg35]

No thanks on Betemit. I'm in favor of spending to upgrade short only.

Holes are what prospects are for. Unfortunately Green seems to be citizen zero. I'm totally fine with a rookie playing during a playoff chase....at least much more OK than I am playing two guys who stink.

[Bombers]

I pass on betemit too ... As others have said our focus should be a good defensive SS ... And only that. We have an internal option for 3rd.

[Bnowell4evr]

Wilson Betemit is now ranked as a type B FA. There's no way I'd offer that good of a prospect for someone who might not even be an upgrade over Casey.

[TheCrew]

Frankly the Brewers can't risk putting a raw rookie like Green in an everyday role in the middle of a race.

Buster Posey and Neftali Feliz (2010 rookies and key members of each world series team) say hi.

 

Rookies have had plenty of success in playoff runs and even the playoffs themselves - heck, you only need to look at Posey from last year to see how a rookie can not only perform during the middle of the race but have a huge impact on the race itself. There are plenty of other examples outside of Posey as well.

[RockCoCougars]

I'd rather give Green a shot than give anything meaningful for Betemit. Heck, since we are talking about Braves flops, I'd rather look into Andy Marte, but he is in Pittsburgh's system now.

[davemakovec]

There is a long list of rookies who played during pennant races and helped put their team over the top. Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols come to mind.

[The Truth]

Buster Posey, Albert Pujols, Neftali Feliz, Miguel Cabrera.... and Taylor Green? That's a stretch, don't you think?

[TooLiveBrew]

Funny you mention Posey, whose OPS at Fresno was .995 when he was called up. Green's is .931. So we have to believe that .995 = surefire success & .931 = whoa, nelly?

[TheCrew07]

They wouldn't be asking him to bat in the middle order or be the closer, they would be asking him to put up >.600 OPS and play decent defense. Let's a keep a little perspective here, he'd be nothing more than a role player. No one expected Lucroy to come in and play like Posey either.

[Rob]

I know Betemit has been mentioned but I have thought for a while that Aviles would be a really good/cheap pick up. I have no idea what kind of defender he is but I seem to remember him at least being average. Stuggled this year offensively but has hit in the past. He's in the minors and I don't think the Royals have him in their future plans so I think he could come cheaply and be a decent upgrade. Thoughts?

[ilikewisco]

Look at what Rizzo did in AAA this year and how he's performed since being called up. He is younger, but was a more highly thought of prospect than Green. I'm not saying Green should stay in AAA, but it could get worse than what McGehee has done so far. Still, the defense would be better, and that alone probably warrants a call up for Green. I just don't think we can assume even a .600 OPS from a guy who has never really been regarded as a top tier prospect. Pennant chase or not, he should probably be brought up for his defense, which can't be worse than McGehee. And Betemit, or some of the other sub par options, should not be considered.

 

Edit: I wonder what it would take to get Infante from Florida and if he is a solid 3B? His on-base skills would be nice in the lineup. He's seems to be struggling this year but maybe a stronger lineup would help him out.

[endaround]

Looks like the Tigers are getting Betemit

[pretendastronaut]

Trenni on Twitter just now;

 

According to my guy @jonmorosi the Tigers have acquired Wilson Betemit from the Royals. Betemit was rumored to be a possibility for #brewers

[fondybrewfan]

So who in the Brewers mnors would have been comparable to what the Tigers gave up for Betemit?

[Hate those Rodents]

Is Garfield and Heckathorn a decent comparison?

[Warning Track Power]

I think this is great news for the Brewers. Betemit's offensive ouput at 3B wouldn't have offset his subpar defense. Any upgrade at 3B should start with defense and any offense needs only to be better than Casey's IMO.

[Bnowell4evr]

Is Garfield and Heckathorn a decent comparison?

Not at all. The two guys the Royals got in return weren't even top 20 prospects in the Tigers system according toSickels.