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.

[keithf1]

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

[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]

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.

[Rich]

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

[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.

[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]

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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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

[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.

[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.

[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?

[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.

[ICEBERG18]

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




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.

Interesting if true. George King.

[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...

[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.

[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

[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.

[ShaneTravis]

Really? This is quite the surprise. Proctor for Bobby A. ? In a heartbeat.

Proctor for Betemit? That would great.

Wilson makes (roughly) $350,000 a year. He is 25 years old and can play all the infield positions except 1st. And I would be willing to bet he can play 1st or a corner outfield position. Have you seen him? Big kid who moves well.

Proctor for younger more productive player while Scott's value is high would be a smart little baseball move.

[yanksphan]

7th inning stench

you got me...

[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.

[BRNXBMRS]

Bad trade the Yanks cant afford to trade away a valuable middle relief pitcher for a utility infielder.

[nydeano]

What if.....Yanks want RP, and SD wants a 3B. Betemit has shown he can play. Yanks intervene and have a sweeter deal that could land them Betemit(even thought-depending on Cano-they don't need him) So....Yanks say, ok , we will send player(s) to Atl, Betemit goes to SD, Linebrink goes to NYY, and hey, everyone is happy.

[Mark19]

I think the title of this thread should be:

"George King saw Wilson Betemit's name in the newspaper and decided the Yanks were interested"

[Spiker101]

Someone want to explain to me why the Yanks would go through all these machinations, just to "upgrade" Proctor with Linebrink. They're the same age, their numbers this season are similiar, though Linebrink's numbers were compiled in a great big ballpark, in the National League. It doesn't make any sense to me that the team would take a gamble on another NL player when they know what Proctor can give them.

[Ghost of Dan Pasqua]

Someone want to explain to me why the Yanks would go through all these machinations, just to "upgrade" Proctor with Linebrink. They're the same age, their numbers this season are similiar, though Linebrink's numbers were compiled in a great big ballpark, in the National League. It doesn't make any sense to me that the team would take a gamble on another NL player when they know what Proctor can give them.

I don't, that's why I suggested the possibility of Carlos Lee if Betemit is spun off to Milwaukee. They have a need for a young 3rd baseman. And to use Proctor as a chip would make sense of the Roberto Hernandez rumors because Hernandez, in essence would replace Proctor as the 7th/8th inning pitcher.

[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.

[The Dynasty]

Jayson Stark was on 1050 ESPN Radio this morning and verified that the Yanks and Braves were in discussions, and the Braves (who've been scouting Proctor for a while now) may have pulled the trigger if they were able to get Graffanino as a replacement (as you know, he's now been traded)...so is the deal out of consideration now? We'll see. But I, unlike a lot of you, feel that this rumor has some truth to it. If that causes us to do something "drastic" (emphasis on those quotes) like calling up JB Cox, Colome, or Smith, well then it may be something to consider. Especially when we've heard rumors of the Roberto Hernandez-to-the-Yanks conversations may have heated up again. Cashman will make a move soon, and it will help the Yanks.

[jpao89]

Someone want to explain to me why the Yanks would go through all these machinations, just to "upgrade" Proctor with Linebrink. They're the same age, their numbers this season are similiar, though Linebrink's numbers were compiled in a great big ballpark, in the National League. It doesn't make any sense to me that the team would take a gamble on another NL player when they know what Proctor can give them.

I agree, it makes no sense. I mean, better the devil you know than the devil you don't. Proctor is, at least, serviceable. Cashman is looking to add depth and quality to the bullpen, not play a game of substitute.

[Ghost of Dan Pasqua]

Jayson Stark was on 1050 ESPN Radio this morning and verified that the Yanks and Braves were in discussions, and the Braves (who've been scouting Proctor for a while now) may have pulled the trigger if they were able to get Graffanino as a replacement (as you know, he's now been traded)...so is the deal out of consideration now? We'll see. But I, unlike a lot of you, consider feel that this rumor has some truth to it. If that causes us to do something drastic like calling up JB Cox, Colome, or Smith, well then it may be something to consider. Especially when we've heard rumors of the Roberto Hernandez-to-the-Yanks conversations may have heated up again. Cashman will make a move soon, and it will help the Yanks.

Gee...Graffanino went to...hmmmm...Milwaukee!

[Enoch]

Is Betemit really 25 or is he younger than that? I know the Braves got penalized for signing him at 14, and I am not sure that ESPN every updated it.

Betemit is a very good player better than Cano, a better hitter and defender (Cano has a great contact rate, but Betemit has more power (maybe because he is older and more mature) and takes walks).

I still love Robinson, though, and I hope his hammy heals by Mid-August.

[Bern baby Bern!]

We went through this two days ago - Yankees will never trade away a middle relief pitcher. It is something we lacked for the last 4 years and have always been trying to rebuild. And finally we have a pretty reliable guy in Proctor, and other guys like Villone, Myers, and Farns to get the ball to Mo. Yankees will never trade any of those guys for a hitter, I can guarantee that. Cairo is doing a great job for us so far and I would not mind it if he stayed at 2B till Cano comes back.

[The Dynasty]

Gee...Graffanino went to...hmmmm...Milwaukee!

Gee...hmmm...re-read my post.

[brosiusbuddy]

Right now, with the way our pen has been, it is one of our biggest advantages and trading Proctor really jeopordizes that. We have been winning games, gaining ground in the WC and our offense has been producing at the bottom of the order. Giambi is in a slump and once he is out of it he has the ability to carry the team offensively. I really think patience will be key for NY as it has been all along. Giambi's bat will return, Matsui will come back and even if he does not produce greatly, his presence should ease the mental burden Arod has had and our offense will be in good shape. The only concern that could be problematic is the 4th/5th starter and that is something that really cant be helped much.

I just find it senseless to trade away a guy who has been pretty much flawless since the ASG.

[Ghost of Dan Pasqua]

Gee...hmmm...re-read my post.

My point was poorly made. I'm angling for a Carlos Lee deal that may well be a 3 way trade with Atlanta. So in this case, Graffanino was not randomly traded for by the Brewers, but it's part of a deal that could look like the following:

Yankees get Carlos Lee

Brewers get Wilson Betemit, prospects from Yankees/Braves

Braves get Scott Proctor and Graffanino.

[Enoch]

We went through this two days ago - Yankees will never trade away a middle relief pitcher. It is something we lacked for the last 4 years and have always been trying to rebuild. And finally we have a pretty reliable guy in Proctor, and other guys like Villone, Myers, and Farns to get the ball to Mo. Yankees will never trade any of those guys for a hitter, I can guarantee that. Cairo is doing a great job for us so far and I would not mind it if he stayed at 2B till Cano comes back.

I disagree. I think Cashman would be silly if he didn't at least consider trading Proctor. I'm not advocating moving Proctor by any means, but the price for a middle reliever right now is astronomical. It will likely never be as high as the level it as at right now due to the Reds trade. How does Yankee management view Proctor? As a guy that leaves too many fastballs over the plate and struggles to locate his breaking ball? Or as a guy who, does a good job of mixing in his breaking ball, so that he can blow his fastball by guys? I wouldn't be surprised if they lean towards the first, which could see them considering trading him.

Personally, I think the setback of Dotel will end all Proctor discussions unless we have separate plans to obtain a 7th inning reliever with decent ability.

[brosiusbuddy]

My point was poorly made. I'm angling for a Carlos Lee deal that may well be a 3 way trade with Atlanta. So in this case, Graffanino was not randomly traded for by the Brewers, but it's part of a deal that could look like the following:

Yankees get Carlos Lee

Brewers get Wilson Betemit, prospects from Yankees/Braves

Braves get Scott Proctor and Graffanino.

So we add another bat that can help build leads that will be very difficult to protect? We dont need Lee. We need as much pitching as we can get.

[brosiusbuddy]

How does Yankee management view Proctor? As a guy that leaves too many fastballs over the plate and struggles to locate his breaking ball? Or as a guy who, does a good job of mixing in his breaking ball, so that he can blow his fastball by guys? I wouldn't be surprised if they lean towards the first, which could see them considering trading him.

.

No way. Cashman will ask Torre and you know that Torre will want to keep Proctor here for 2 reasons. One is that Proctor is his favorite reliever outside of Mo and two is that the only guy Betemit could really take over for is Cairo, but Torre loves Cairo as well.

[Ghost of Dan Pasqua]

So we add another bat that can help build leads that will be very difficult to protect? We dont need Lee. We need as much pitching as we can get.

If Proctor is replaced by Roberto Hernandez, how much will you miss Proctor? Especially if it means getting another big bat in that lineup.