Yanks Looking At Wilson Betemit

[NYDCYankee]

http://www.nypost.com/sports/yankees...eorge_king.htm

The Post has learned the Yankees and Braves have held discussions about the Yankees acquiring switch-hitting infielder Wilson Betemit and may be willing to give up reliever Scott Proctor.
Betemit has filled in well for Chipper Jones at third base, but the Braves believe their best way to cop the NL wild card is to improve their bullpen. And like a lot of NL clubs, the Phillies included, they like Proctor's live arm.
"They have a lot of teams asking for Betemit," an NL source said of the Braves. "And some of them have more experienced players to offer than the Yankees." Betemit was hitting .290 with nine homers and 29 RBIs in 85 games going into last night.

This is interesting. I wonder if this means that Cano could be out longer than expected. I personally am nervous about trading away Proctor who seems to be hot right now. Moving him now though might be selling high.

Seems like the Yankees wouldn't need Betemit if they have Cano, but if that means they could flip Cano for a starting pitcher it might be a wise move. Betemit and Cano are similar players.

[flymick24]

it's george king, so i'm not going to even bother mentioning the credibility of this news. but let's just say for argument's sake that this news is legit, it'd be a terrible move on the yankees part. i'm not against trading proctor, but not for a guy like betemit, who would be a utility guy at best on our team. and while our bench clearly needs an upgrade, proctor could certainly garner us a better player in return.

right now, they need a RF bat, and if they can, a starting pitcher. i don't understand why they'd want to be on the market for relief pitching and for utility guys when both can be upgraded quite well by calling up our minor leaguers.

[NYDCYankee]

it's george king, so i'm not going to even bother mentioning the credibility of this news. but let's just say for argument's sake that this news is legit, it'd be a terrible move on the yankees part. i'm not against trading proctor, but not for a guy like betemit, who would be a utility guy at best on our team. right now, they need a RF bat, and if they can, a starting pitcher. i don't understand why they'd want to be on the market for relief pitching and for utility guys when both can be upgraded quite well by calling up our minor leaguers.

I think it might be legit that it has at least been discussed because it is kind of out of leftfield. It would be tough for even George King to make up. I am not sure King would even know who Betemit is.

[keithf1]

If we give up Proctor for an infielder that includes A-Rod, Jeter, and Cano, I'm going to be really #@%$#@%$ pissed.

[nydeano]

If we give up Proctor for an infielder that includes A-Rod, Jeter, and Cano, I'm going to be really #@%$#@%$ pissed.

keithf1, dude, your sig is screwing with the formatting-tooooo long

[AJW]

If we give up Proctor for an infielder that includes A-Rod, Jeter, and Cano, I'm going to be really #@%$#@%$ pissed.

Same here but I really don't think that Cashman will give up Proctor. We don't need to get rid of pitching. If anything we need more pitching.

[Bern baby Bern!]

Same here but I really don't think that Cashman will give up Proctor. We don't need to get rid of pitching. If anything we need more pitching.

Thats exactly my point.. If it was the year we had stanton and nelson and our bullpen was great i would give away proctor in a second for Betemit, but not now when he is your best option for a set-up man in the yankees organization.

[yanksphan]

Thats exactly my point.. If it was the year we had stanton and nelson and our bullpen was great i would give away proctor in a second for Betemit, but not now when he is your best option for a set-up man in the yankees organization.

Farnsworth will finish the season as our set-up man and you will forget ever saying this.

[BxBomber44]

If we give up Proctor for an infielder that includes A-Rod, Jeter, and Cano, I'm going to be really #@%$#@%$ pissed.

posted a year ago when wilson was on the braves... found it funny.

[keithf1]

Saw this in the Abreu thread:

The buzz in the Yankees' clubhouse yesterday was that the team turned down Proctor for Abreu straight-up with the Yankees absorbing the $23.5 million left on Abreu's contract through next season. There is a $16 million option for 2008 that Abreu likely would want picked up to drop the no-trade provision.

If the Yanks declined that, I really doubt this rumor is true.

[NYDCYankee]

Saw this in the Abreu thread:



If the Yanks declined that, I really doubt this rumor is true.

Ha. That's a good point.

[27IsNext]

I would do a Proctor for Betemit trade every day of the week and twice on Sundays. He could play second until Cano gets back, then switch over to first.

[Quangormo]

I would do a Proctor for Betemit trade every day of the week and twice on Sundays. He could play second until Cano gets back, then switch over to first.

And he plays SS and 3B too, not that the Yankees need much there, but he's a good backup, just in case.

[diehardyankeefan]

I would do a Proctor for Betemit trade every day of the week and twice on Sundays. He could play second until Cano gets back, then switch over to first.

What's wrong with Cairo?

[Mr. Mxylsplk]

What's wrong with Cairo?

He stinks?

[JDPNYY]

What's wrong with Cairo?

Cairo?


Oh my.

[AMYanks]

What's wrong with Cairo?

What isn't wrong with Cairo?

[dabomb2045]

What's wrong with Cairo?

The same thing thats wrong with Crosby. They stink.

[Yankees1962]

Saw this in the Abreu thread:



If the Yanks declined that, I really doubt this rumor is true.

As soon as I read that piece about the Yankees turning down Abreu straight up for Proctor, I knew it was BS.

[sweet_lou_14]

As soon as I read that piece about the Yankees turning down Abreu straight up for Proctor, I knew it was BS.

Exactly. How could the Yankees be willing to lose Proctor for a utility infielder but not for Abreu? Absolute stupidity.

[Quangormo]

As soon as I read that piece about the Yankees turning down Abreu straight up for Proctor, I knew it was BS.

I don't think Brian turned down Abreu for a middle reliever. That's just silly.

[Rich]

I think this article is an example of George King's bizarro world.

[boo_427]

I think this article is an example of George King's bizarro world.

Really? You think this rumor was simply fabricated? What a joke.

Then why is being reported in Atlanta on the radio as a "talks are intensifying" deal?

According to 790am in Atlanta talks began when the Braves were in town for the interleague series.

Betemit can play three positions very effectively. Hits for power and average, is great with the glove, and has good speed.

With the health of Chipper and Giles, I can't see the Braves dealing a budding star for reliever like Proctor. Who knows?

[ICEBERG18]

Really? You think this rumor was simply fabricated? What a joke.

Then why is being reported in Atlanta on the radio as a "talks are intensifying" deal?

According to 790am in Atlanta talks began when the Braves were in town for the interleague series.

Their just repeating what is had in the NY Post article. "Talks between the clubs began when the Braves were in The Bronx late last month and have intensified in recent days."-NY POST

[DandyAndy46]

I think this article is an example of George King's bizarro world.

Makes you kind of wonder if he just pops some acid and writes down whatever nonsense comes to mind...

[Bub]

I don't know much about Betemit. I do know that as of right now, we have a very serviceable pen of Proctor, Villone, Farnsworth and Rivera to get us from the 6th to the 9th. Pulling any one of those for another middle infielder makes little sense. So "no" to the 7th inning stench in 2006.

[yanksphan]

7th inning stench

you got me...

[sjb23]

Let's broaden the deal:

Proctor, Eric Duncan, Shawn Chacon, and Andy Phillips to the Braves for Betemit and John Smoltz....Smoltz, TJ Beam, and Steven White to the Tigers for Nate Robertson and Franklin Rodney.....Betemit and Bubba to San Diego for Mike Cameron....

Cameron goes to RF...Robertson becomes #4 starter, Wright = #5....Franklin Rodney takes Proctor's spot....Carlos Pena gets called up to replace Phillips and can platoon with Bernie at DH....Giambi at 1B, Pena backs him up....when Matsui returns Melky becomes the #4 outfielder, Guiel =#5 outfielder....Dotel replaces Chacon on the roster, Villone becomes a long reliever...

The Braves strengthen their bullpen with the additions of Proctor, Chacon replaces Smoltz in the rotation, and get a future replacement for Chipper in Duncan, and Phillips strengthens the bench and replaces Brian Jordan next season. The Tigers get the starter/leader that they need down the stretch in Smoltz, along with a replacement for Rodney and a possible #4/#5 starter next year. The Padres get a future star in Betemit and a temporary replacement for Cameron in Crosby.....

Whaddya think?

[mbn007]

Let's broaden the deal:

Proctor, Eric Duncan, Shawn Chacon, and Andy Phillips to the Braves for Betemit and John Smoltz....Smoltz, TJ Beam, and Steven White to the Tigers for Nate Robertson and Franklin Rodney.....Betemit and Bubba to San Diego for Mike Cameron....

Cameron goes to RF...Robertson becomes #4 starter, Wright = #5....Franklin Rodney takes Proctor's spot....Carlos Pena gets called up to replace Phillips and can platoon with Bernie at DH....Giambi at 1B, Pena backs him up....when Matsui returns Melky becomes the #4 outfielder, Guiel =#5 outfielder....Dotel replaces Chacon on the roster, Villone becomes a long reliever...

The Braves strengthen their bullpen with the additions of Proctor, Chacon replaces Smoltz in the rotation, and get a future replacement for Chipper in Duncan, and Phillips strengthens the bench and replaces Brian Jordan next season. The Tigers get the starter/leader that they need down the stretch in Smoltz, along with a replacement for Rodney and a possible #4/#5 starter next year. The Padres get a future star in Betemit and a temporary replacement for Cameron in Crosby.....

Whaddya think?

The first trade you listed is horrible. Not a poor trade, but a horrible one. If Cashman does that, he shjould be fired immediately.

[Ghost of Dan Pasqua]

Let's broaden the deal:

Proctor, Eric Duncan, Shawn Chacon, and Andy Phillips to the Braves for Betemit and John Smoltz....Smoltz, TJ Beam, and Steven White to the Tigers for Nate Robertson and Franklin Rodney.....Betemit and Bubba to San Diego for Mike Cameron....

Cameron goes to RF...Robertson becomes #4 starter, Wright = #5....Franklin Rodney takes Proctor's spot....Carlos Pena gets called up to replace Phillips and can platoon with Bernie at DH....Giambi at 1B, Pena backs him up....when Matsui returns Melky becomes the #4 outfielder, Guiel =#5 outfielder....Dotel replaces Chacon on the roster, Villone becomes a long reliever...

The Braves strengthen their bullpen with the additions of Proctor, Chacon replaces Smoltz in the rotation, and get a future replacement for Chipper in Duncan, and Phillips strengthens the bench and replaces Brian Jordan next season. The Tigers get the starter/leader that they need down the stretch in Smoltz, along with a replacement for Rodney and a possible #4/#5 starter next year. The Padres get a future star in Betemit and a temporary replacement for Cameron in Crosby.....

Whaddya think?

Other than Smoltz isn't going to go anywhere because he'll veto a trade, I'd say it has a zero percent chance of happening.

[Ghost of Dan Pasqua]

As always, the George King rule applies. However, what if Betemit is turned around in another deal, say perhaps to Milwaukee as part of a package for Carlos Lee? The Brewers just traded for Tony Graffanino. They've got 2 retreads in Jeff Cirillo and Bill Hall on the left side of their infield. When Hardy comes back, you add in Betemit and that is a nice infield that they'd have. Young, talented, and inexpensive. Take Betemit, along with a minor leaguer package, this might be enough to get Lee because Milwaukee is going to lose him anyway. If you can get them a young 3rd baseman with major league experience, there might be more to it.

[scrizzy]

As always, the George King rule applies. However, what if Betemit is turned around in another deal, say perhaps to Milwaukee as part of a package for Carlos Lee? The Brewers just traded for Tony Graffanino. They've got 2 retreads in Jeff Cirillo and Bill Hall on the left side of their infield. When Hardy comes back, you add in Betemit and that is a nice infield that they'd have. Young, talented, and inexpensive. Take Betemit, along with a minor leaguer package, this might be enough to get Lee because Milwaukee is going to lose him anyway. If you can get them a young 3rd baseman with major league experience, there might be more to it.

Bill Hall is certainly not a retread. He's a 26 year old with an 871 OPS playing in the middle of the diamond. You certainly wouldn't get a guy like that for Proctor. That said, I'd take Betemit.

[Rich]

I would rather trade Proctor for Abreu.

[NYDCYankee]

I would rather trade Proctor for Abreu.

Do you think that is even possible? I don't.

[Yankees1962]

I would rather trade Proctor for Abreu.

Me too!

[The Dynasty]

Just an educated guess on this rumor--feel free to chime in: if I'm the Yankees, I do the Proctor for Betemit trade with very little reservation. He is 25 years old with pop, can field any position in the IF and has an absolutely awesome glove and cannon at 3B. He's cheap and we can control him for a few more years. Which means...

...trade him to San Diego. This is exactly what they need. An offensive 3B. Sweeten the pie with another relief minor leaguer and get back Scott Linebrink (which is the rumored chip they would be willing to give up).

Essentially:

Yanks get:
Scott Linebrink

Yanks give up:
Scott Proctor
Minor League "ML"-ready relief pitcher

At the least, you have an excellent trading chip in Betemit.

[justin32099]

Proctor for Betemit is a great deal that the Yanks shouldn't pass up if the opportunity comes, but I don't think it will. Betemit is an infielder with good power who is probably as good as Cano, who is an MVP candidate if you read around here long enough. Proctor is a reliever with a 4.00 ERA (with little hope of besting that, check out his minor league track record and the fact that he's 29) the likes of which can be found anywhere.

I'd be shocked if the Yanks had the opportunity to make this deal. And as for Proctor for Abreu...that's pure gold.

[yanksphan]

--snip--

At the least, you have an excellent trading chip in Betemit.

I think you're close, but not Linebrink. Lots of talk about Betemit here in San Diego, so perhaps a 3-way deal is in the works. Kevin Towers has said that Linebrink isn't going anywhere though (local sports radio) so maybe for someone else.

Maybe for minor league catcher (and #1 Pads prospect) George Kottaras?

[marietta_soxfan]

Betemit could be a star if he played everyday. He only gets to play when Chipper is hurt or when he needs a break. If the Yankees can get him for Proctor they will have got a great deal.

[LeapsNbounds]

Betemit could be a star if he played everyday. He only gets to play when Chipper is hurt or when he needs a break. If the Yankees can get him for Proctor they will have got a great deal.

If dotel was back and pitching effectively, I would understand, but who the hell pitches the 6th for us. Beam? Good Lord.

Leave the team alone, unless we are upgrading the pitching.

[Dr. Gonzo]

this trade makes no sense, we don't need infielders,

but i bet proctor will have his arm fall of again soon, and i think smith and beam could handle his workload.

[Quangormo]

this trade makes no sense, we don't need infielders,

Two words: Nick Green.

[siddiqi]

Excellent deal, I'd do it in minute.

[mbn007]

If it's just for Proctor, do it. It is a no lose deal. betemit is everything Cairo is, with a better bat, more power, and a better arm. He has excellet hands in the field. This is a no-brainer.

Beam and Smith can easily handle Proctor's job as the 7th inning guy.

[brosiusbuddy]

Giving up what has been outstanding relief pitching for a so-so IF???
First off, to trade Proctor would be stupid. Dotel is no sure thing and there is no one out there to be had for middle relief that comes close to being nearly as good as Proctor has been. If we were to trade Proctor to Atlanta, a team that is in such desperate need of pitching, we'd better get a lot more than Betemit.

Don't make this terrible move.

[yanksphan]

Giving up what has been outstanding relief pitching for a so-so IF???
First off, to trade Proctor would be stupid. Dotel is no sure thing and there is no one out there to be had for middle relief that comes close to being nearly as good as Proctor has been. If we were to trade Proctor to Atlanta, a team that is in such desperate need of pitching, we'd better get a lot more than Betemit.

Don't make this terrible move.

"so-so IF?"

Betemit could take ANY current Yankee IF's job, and we'd improve defensively dramatically.

But then again, I don't think we're interested in him for ourselves.

[brosiusbuddy]

"so-so IF?"

Betemit could take ANY current Yankee IF's job, and we'd improve defensively dramatically.

But then again, I don't think we're interested in him for ourselves.

So Arod and Jeter should be concerned if Betemit comes to NY? Because all he plays is the left side of the IF. He's played 2B 11 times in his career and has never put on a first basemans mitt. So do you really think our two All Stars on the left side should be worried? I think the only thing they should be worried about is their chances of getting into the playoffs with a considerably weaker pen.

[yanksphan]

So Arod and Jeter should be concerned if Betemit comes to NY? Because all he plays is the left side of the IF. He's played 2B 11 times in his career and has never put on a first basemans mitt. So do you really think our two All Stars on the left side should be worried? I think the only thing they should be worried about is their chances of getting into the playoffs with a considerably weaker pen.

Where did I say Betimit was going to replace them?!? I simply said he was a defensive upgrade no matter where we put him in our IF.

It was more an argument to your absurd evaluation of him as a player than a suggestion of where he plays.

[Quangormo]

"so-so IF?"

Betemit could take ANY current Yankee IF's job, and we'd improve defensively dramatically.

But then again, I don't think we're interested in him for ourselves.

Somebody suggested San Diego. Could we possibly be acquiring him for Washington or Philadelphia, to packlage for Sori and a pitcher (Armas/Ortiz) or Abreu and a pitcher (Lidle/Lieber)?

[justin32099]

Giving up what has been outstanding relief pitching for a so-so IF???

I think you accidentally flipped "outstanding" and "so-so" in that sentence.

The Braves would be the team to turn this deal down, not the Yankees. Proctor is very replaceable, even from a farm system as decrepit as ours.