Baseball Musings
Baseball Musings
November 02, 2007
Not Betting on Betemit

Brian Cashman doesn't sound too high on Wilson Betemit:

"I want Robinson Cano at second base, that's what I want. ... I'd rather not have to make (a third baseman) out of a second baseman," Cashman said after yesterday's Joe Girardi press conference. "I said, 'Robbie, I love you at second,' was playful with him. I told him, 'I know you can play third base. I know it.'

"I said to him, 'I'd like to keep you at second, so I need you to make sure that Wilson Betemit shows up here in tip-top shape next year. If you want to stay at second base, make sure your countryman is up for the challenge.'"

Cashman added that "right now" the only internal possibility to replace Rodriguez is Betemit, whose lack of conditioning displeased the Yanks after they acquired him from Los Angeles at the trade deadline. Still, Cashman also said to "remember when I said Bubba Crosby was going to be our center fielder a couple of winters ago."

Betemit has a golden opportunity here. He'll be seasonal age 27 in 2008, and should be at his physical peak. He doesn't need to be A-Rod to do well in New York, he just needs to be Scott Brosius. Betemit should be on the phone to Cashman and Girardi, finding out exactly what he needs to do to be the Yankees opening day third baseman. One good year from him will result in a very good payday.


Posted by David Pinto at 10:45 AM | Players | TrackBack (0)
Comments

I guess Betemit's lack of conditioning (and most likely work ethic in general) explains why he keeps getting passed around.

Posted by: MH at November 2, 2007 05:45 PM

That and the 258 K''s in 909 career AB's and the .882 FA at 3B for NYY last year

Posted by: Bandit at November 5, 2007 03:00 PM
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