Headlines

  • Yankees Trade Adam Ottavino To Red Sox
  • Yankees Acquire Jameson Taillon
  • Nationals To Sign Brad Hand
  • Astros Sign Jason Castro
  • Red Sox To Sign Garrett Richards
  • Blue Jays Sign George Springer
  • Previous
  • Next
Register
Login
  • Hoops Rumors
  • Pro Football Rumors
  • Pro Hockey Rumors

MLB Trade Rumors

  • Home
  • Teams
    • AL East
      • Baltimore Orioles
      • Boston Red Sox
      • New York Yankees
      • Tampa Bay Rays
      • Toronto Blue Jays
    • AL Central
      • Chicago White Sox
      • Cleveland Indians
      • Detroit Tigers
      • Kansas City Royals
      • Minnesota Twins
    • AL West
      • Houston Astros
      • Los Angeles Angels
      • Oakland Athletics
      • Seattle Mariners
      • Texas Rangers
    • NL East
      • Atlanta Braves
      • Miami Marlins
      • New York Mets
      • Philadelphia Phillies
      • Washington Nationals
    • NL Central
      • Chicago Cubs
      • Cincinnati Reds
      • Milwaukee Brewers
      • Pittsburgh Pirates
      • St. Louis Cardinals
    • NL West
      • Arizona Diamondbacks
      • Colorado Rockies
      • Los Angeles Dodgers
      • San Diego Padres
      • San Francisco Giants
  • About
    • MLB Trade Rumors
    • Tim Dierkes
    • Writing team
    • Advertise
    • Archives
  • Contact
  • Tools
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • Last 100 Comments
  • NBA/NFL/NHL
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors
  • App
  • Chats
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors

Orioles Sign Wilson Betemit

By Mark Polishuk | January 24, 2012 at 1:01pm CDT

1:01pm: Betemit obtains a $3MM guarantee and the deal could be worth up to $6MM, tweets Eduardo A. Encina of the Baltimore Sun.

9:44am: The Orioles announced that they have signed Wilson Betemit to a two-year, Major League contract that includes a vesting option for 2014.  Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com adds that Betemit will be Baltimore's primary DH and that the option is based on plate appearances (Twitter links).  Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun first reported the move (via Twitter).  Betemit is represented by the Wasserman Media Group.

The 30-year-old utilityman hit .285/.343/.452 for the Royals and Tigers last season, starting at third in K.C. until Mike Moustakas was called up and then was dealt to Detroit as a hot corner alternative to Brandon Inge.  Betemit has experience playing all over the diamond but has mostly played third base for the last two seasons.  He could well play third again in Baltimore if the O's again become frustrated with Mark Reynolds' defense, but the switch-hitting Betemit provides depth in several spots for the club, including designated hitter.

Share 4 Retweet 53 Send via email0

Baltimore Orioles Wilson Betemit

Johnny Damon Would Consider Tigers
Main
Prince Fielder Talks May Conclude Today
88 comments
newest oldest

Comments

  1. Kyle Haker

    9 years ago

    What why

    Like
    Reply
    • Jon Melton

      9 years ago

      Just hope the cholesterol levels arent part of the physical.

      Like
      Reply
    • NickinIthaca

      9 years ago

      Every time I read those two words together, I think of (and read it in the voice of) the guy in Super Troopers… as he’s getting a snow cone in the head at the concession stand of a kids baseball game. 

      What a beautiful game!

      Like
      Reply
  2. Jeff

    9 years ago

    Interesting…

    Like
    Reply
  3. Rabbitov

    9 years ago

    Duke keeps doing exactly what he says he’ll do.  He said he wanted a guy who could get on base and start at 2nd.  

    Like
    Reply
    • InLeylandWeTrust

      9 years ago

      Defensively, you realllllllly don’t want him starting at 2nd.

      Like
      Reply
    • johnsilver

      9 years ago

      Very nice pickup by The Duke here and as the story implied.. emergency player for Reynolds, who *could* be used as a DH this year perhaps to keep his evil glove away from 3B perhaps??

      Like
      Reply
  4. Eric

    9 years ago

    This is a good signing.

    Betemit is a decent hitter

    Like
    Reply
    • DerekC

      9 years ago

      Up to $6M though? It appears that they were the only bidders in on him. 

      Like
      Reply
    • Ruppie Ray

      9 years ago

      Decent?  Just found Betemit….listed under replacement level player

      Like
      Reply
      • kingoriole

        9 years ago

        Wrong.
        He’s worth 2.1-2.6 WAR over the last two years depending who’s counting. And that’s only with 675 PAs.

        He could make this a plus value deal by the end of next year if he nabs a starting job (especially if he sniffs that .360 wOBA he has over the last couple years).

        Like
        Reply
  5. WonderboyRooney10

    9 years ago

    I cant take the O’s seriously anymore. But i guess no 1 year deal is a bad deal….except for Ben Sheets. Good depth guy

    Like
    Reply
    • Lastings

      9 years ago

      Don’t forget about Justin Duchscherer. Sheets will at least give you a start,
      Duchscherer gets injured warming up for his starts.

      Like
      Reply
  6. mstrchef13

    9 years ago

    A good signing. He provides insurance in case Roberts isn’t able to play 2B. He can play third and short, switch hitter. Not much speed to speak of, but gets on base enough to keep from having to bat Hardy or Andino leadoff.

    Like
    Reply
    • Corey Italiano

      9 years ago

      Sure, he can “play” 2nd, 3rd and short. He’s not any good, though.

      Like
      Reply
      • ldwhite2

        9 years ago

        .285/.343/.452  is not any good? 

        Like
        Reply
        • dudemanbro

          9 years ago

          i think he means defensively

          Like
          Reply
    • InLeylandWeTrust

      9 years ago

      There is no possible way he could play short. He’s an absolute butcher at 3rd.

      Like
      Reply
  7. Patrick OKennedy

    9 years ago

    The Tigers should have offered arbitration to Betemit, and if they don’t get another thrid baseman, bring him back.  His defense is atrocious, but he’s overall way better than Don Kelly or Inge against righty pitching.  He’s also a better DH than the likes of  Damon, Ibanez, or the scrubs we’re reading about.

    Like
    Reply
    • Heliosphan

      9 years ago

      I agree that he’s a better against RHP than B. Inge or the mighty Don Kelly (and his career .648 OPS). However, he’s not better than every DH out there. Vlad Guerrero is still out there. And I could see Matsui having a bounceback year if he were in the AL Central. 

      Like
      Reply
      • OhthePossibilities

        9 years ago

        Oh.  My spleen!  Vladdy!  Good one!

        Like
        Reply
      • Thomas Wilson

        9 years ago

        Betemit has a .290/.359/.479 line with 21HR and 42 2B over his last 674 PA that is a pretty good DH

        Like
        Reply
        • Ruppie Ray

          9 years ago

          That’s like 1 1/2 to 2 seasons worth of numbers since on a good team, he’s a part-timer.  10-14 HR and 20-30 2b. Knock yourselves out, O’s nation.

          Like
          Reply
  8. Jason Tavares

    9 years ago

    nice pickup. would have been nice to see him dh for the yanks

    Like
    Reply
  9. R.D.

    9 years ago

    Why he wasn’t signed yet is beyond me, if the O’s are wise they’ll let him slot in at the hot corner or first base and let Mark Reynolds move to DH if you ask me.

    Like
    Reply
    • Jeff

      9 years ago

      Or start him at 2B

      Like
      Reply
      • R.D.

        9 years ago

        Even with Roberts out the Orioles have Adams and Hoes(heh.) waiting in the wings at 2B, why wouldn’t you put Betemit in a more open position? Clearly the O’s don’t trust Davis with a starting job and Betemit has potential to be a .850 OPS guy if he was actually given a concrete position in a lineup, his HR numbers should shoot up in that tiny Orioles ballpark as well.

        Like
        Reply
        • Jeff

          9 years ago

          Schoop is more likely the 2B of the future in Baltimore.  But other than that I agree.

          Like
          Reply
  10. Sean Proper

    9 years ago

    Prelude to a Mark Reynolds deal? Reynolds to SEA for Vargas +?

    Like
    Reply
    • Matthew

      9 years ago

       Why would Seattle even want Reynolds? And wouldn’t they want some actual young prospects for Vargas?

      Like
      Reply
    • Jeff

      9 years ago

      Doubtful.  I imagine Betemit is here to play 2B

      Like
      Reply
    • Bleed_Orange

      9 years ago

      I’m not sure about Reynolds but I think something might be in the works.  The roster is getting mighty crowded.

      Like
      Reply
      • Rabbitov

        9 years ago

        I doubt it.  

        Like
        Reply
    • Jayson

      9 years ago

      I’m down with watching Reynolds play third for the Mariners. I wonder what it’d realistically take to get him

      Like
      Reply
  11. Bleed_Orange

    9 years ago

    I feel like DD just saw ‘Moneyball’ and said to himself “…I can do that.”

    Like
    Reply
    • Lefty

      9 years ago

      And improve upon it!

      Like
      Reply
    • Rabbitov

      9 years ago

      I think DD’s plan is to sign the best player out of every country in the world.  Personally I am kind of enjoying that aspect of the offseason.  (of course it has nothing to do with anything we are talking about)

      Like
      Reply
      • Bleed_Orange

        9 years ago

        He did just sing the O’s first New Zealander today.  He needs to find out if those Indian kids who won that reality show a couple of years ago have been practicing.

        Like
        Reply
        • china_dave

          9 years ago

          actually, one of those guys (rinku singh) has pitched pretty well in the pitt system the past couple years. it’s not crazy to think he might make a LOOGY cameo in a few years, particularly given the marketing potential/novelty factor

          Like
          Reply
    • Andrew Ochs

      9 years ago

      Yea and he bought into the movie so much that he didn’t notice Mulder, Zito, Hudson, and Tejeda.

      Like
      Reply
  12. Lefty

    9 years ago

    Oh this is brilliant! 323 ab’s and 105 so’s. Outstanding.
    I watched a fair amount of Tiger games in 2011 and I would swear the announcers were always complaining about this guy. I guess Duquette is out to prove those guys wrong with this signing. I love this line: He could well play third again in Baltimore if the O’s again become frustrated with Mark Reynolds’ defense. Reynolds and Betemit can also compare notes on how to look good even when you strike out.

    Earlier today, I estimated that the crowds at OPACY could be Old Marlin stadium like between 900 and 1500. I am cutting down that estimate to 450 to 750.

    This team is going to be bad, historically bad!

    Booo to you Duquette! The Cactus League is looking better and better, I really need to see how the other side lives!

    Like
    Reply
    • Rabbitov

      9 years ago

      I think its at least possible, that we could have a game this year where every at bat in the entire lineup is a strikeout.  

      I still like this signing.  

      Like
      Reply
    • Lookouts400

      9 years ago

      Oh, Lefty, stop being so overly dramatic!  You remind me of my ex-wife.

      Like
      Reply
      • Jeff

        9 years ago

        This is awesome.

        Like
        Reply
      • OrangeCards

        9 years ago

        She didn’t know anything about baseball?

        Ah, too harsh.

        Like
        Reply
        • Lookouts400

          9 years ago

          Well, like a certain southpaw who posts here, she thinks she does! 

          Don’t worry, Lefty, you know we love you!

          Like
          Reply
          • BirdmanRob

            9 years ago

            This team has to be better than last years….

            Like
            Reply
    • R.D.

      9 years ago

      2003 Detroit Tigers OF – Bobby Higginson, Craig Monroe, Alex Sanchez
      2012 Baltimore Orioles OF – Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Nolan Reimold

      It’s really not that bad. Quit your hissy fitting, Wada and Chen can’t be predicted and many teams would sell the farm for Wieters. You aren’t the 2003 Tigers and you aren’t the 2012 Houston Astros.

      Like
      Reply
  13. Jorge Yazpik

    9 years ago

    Now the O´s can trade Mark Reynolds to the M´s, maybe Figgins would be enough…

    Like
    Reply
    • Lefty

      9 years ago

      That is just ridiculous! Even if DD did consider it, he is surrounded by Luminaries in the FO such as the Stockstll boys and they clearly would talk him out of it.

      Like
      Reply
  14. Jeff

    9 years ago

    O’s fans can complain if they want but it’s kind of nonsensical.  Essentially Duquette is creating position battles at every spot except C, SS and RF.  Throw ’em in the fire and see what comes out.

    I don’t have a problem with this at all. (Though I’d prefer not signing Cordero. I’d rather trade for Koji).

    Like
    Reply
    • AlKelz

      9 years ago

      Not sure the Rangers would trade Koji now . They may keep him so Darvish won’t feel out of place . Koji has made the transistion to MLB. He may be able to help Darvish do the same ?

      Like
      Reply
      • Tyler Jedrzejak

        9 years ago

        didnt think about it like that..

        Like
        Reply
  15. daniel

    9 years ago

    Betemit should have been in Seattle — he’d have been a good complement to Saeger/Liddi/Cap’n Ivor… He should have been signed by Det, who really are biding time until Costello or Abbott are ready for prime time. Sorry but baltimore is just a huge mess. Too many hamfisted hot corner guys already. They’ve got some sock, tho.

    Like
    Reply
  16. OrangeCards

    9 years ago

    Wow, that deal got really silly in a hurry. Please, tell me it’s a mistake and this was our bid for Fielder :-/

    Like
    Reply
  17. azdsnd

    9 years ago

    I worry that the O’s won’t be able to platoon him sufficiently.  He really needs a caddy to face lefties for him.  He’ll knock the daylights out of righties, but I don’t see a lefty-masher on Baltimore’s roster last year that could be a legitimate DH or 3B platoon type.

    Like
    Reply
  18. Brent Allen

    9 years ago

    Betemit isn’t exactly a wizard at third base, either…

    Like
    Reply
  19. Guest

    9 years ago

    Two years, wow.

    Like
    Reply
  20. The_Porcupine

    9 years ago

    Good bench, role player.  The Orioles are doing exactly what they stated they wanted to do.  They wanted to go international, they wanted a better bench, they wanted more depth.  I think they’ve achieved that.  I’m still hopeful about Fielder, but I am not holding my breath.  

    Like
    Reply
    • Ruppie Ray

      9 years ago

      Yeah the Orioles look pretty solid in the AAAA role player position. Maybe they’ll go after long relief next.

      Like
      Reply
  21. Wieterschnitzel

    9 years ago

    Love it.  Better glove than Reynold’s (although not great) and his OPS over the last two years is .838.  That’s better than all the Orioles hitters.  Plenty of work left to do filling out this roster, but these are the types of signings the O’s need to be making.

    Still, I can’t get over that Adam Jones no-trade.  If those rumors of how much the Braves offered are true, then Duque has alot of making up to do…

    Like
    Reply
  22. danman1202

    9 years ago

    Two years and an option for a third?  Really?

    Like
    Reply
  23. Manny Being Manny

    9 years ago

    Full time DH huh? Not sure how I feel about that. I guess they’re okay with Chris Davis at 1B and Reynolds at 3b… but couldn’t Betemit play 3B better than Reynolds?

    Like
    Reply
  24. InLeylandWeTrust

    9 years ago

    Decent hitter, but a potential 3 year deal for him is weird.

    Like
    Reply
  25. DerekC

    9 years ago

    $6M (possibly) for Wilson Betemit…??? 

    Like
    Reply
  26. Tyler Jedrzejak

    9 years ago

    didnt know he could get a possible 6m….but i actually like the signing..he is going to be DH so the glove isnt something to worry about, and his offensive numbers really arent bad. He could really do well..

    Like
    Reply
  27. anthony88

    9 years ago

    They should’ve went for Fielder and build their team around him.. 

    Like
    Reply
  28. rkmetts

    9 years ago

    Wilson’s a decent player, memories from his day’s on the Braves. Good hitter, good defense

    Like
    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Please login to leave a reply.
Log in Register

ad: 300x250_1_MLB

    Top Stories

    Yankees Trade Adam Ottavino To Red Sox

    Yankees Acquire Jameson Taillon

    Nationals To Sign Brad Hand

    Astros Sign Jason Castro

    Red Sox To Sign Garrett Richards

    Blue Jays Sign George Springer

    Nationals Re-Sign Ryan Zimmerman

    Red Sox, Enrique Hernandez Agree To Deal

    Angels Sign Jose Quintana

    Marlins, Anthony Bass Agree To Two-Year Deal

    Recent

    Yankees Trade Adam Ottavino To Red Sox

    Yankees Have Resumed Discussions With Brett Gardner

    Yankees Acquire Jameson Taillon

    Latest On Yasiel Puig And The Outfield Market

    East Notes: Mets, Hand, Bradley, Yankees, Rays

    Nationals To Sign Brad Hand

    Pirates GM Ben Cherington Discusses Offseason

    Pirates Designate Troy Stokes For Assignment

    Giants Interested In Eddie Rosario, Jackie Bradley Jr.

    Braves Re-Sign Pablo Sandoval To Minors Deal

    Latest Rumors & News

    Latest Rumors & News

    • Trevor Bauer Rumors
    • Kris Bryant Rumors
    • J.T. Realmuto Rumors
    • Marcell Ozuna Rumors
    • Masahiro Tanaka Rumors
    Trade Rumors App for iOS and Android

    MLBTR Features

    MLBTR Features

    • Go Ad-Free
    • How To Set Up Notifications For Breaking News
    • 2020-21 Top 50 MLB Free Agents With Predictions
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent Tracker
    • 2020-21 MLB Free Agent List
    • Projected Arbitration Salaries For 2021
    • 2021 MLB Arbitration Tracker
    • Transaction Tracker
    • Extension Tracker
    • Agency Database
    • MLBTR On Twitter
    • MLBTR On Facebook
    • Team Facebook Pages
    • Hoops Rumors
    • Pro Football Rumors
    • Pro Hockey Rumors

    Rumors By Team

    • Angels Rumors
    • Astros Rumors
    • Athletics Rumors
    • Blue Jays Rumors
    • Braves Rumors
    • Brewers Rumors
    • Cardinals Rumors
    • Cubs Rumors
    • Diamondbacks Rumors
    • Dodgers Rumors
    • Giants Rumors
    • Indians Rumors
    • Mariners Rumors
    • Marlins Rumors
    • Mets Rumors
    • Nationals Rumors
    • Orioles Rumors
    • Padres Rumors
    • Phillies Rumors
    • Pirates Rumors
    • Rangers Rumors
    • Rays Rumors
    • Red Sox Rumors
    • Reds Rumors
    • Rockies Rumors
    • Royals Rumors
    • Tigers Rumors
    • Twins Rumors
    • White Sox Rumors
    • Yankees Rumors

    ad: 160x600_MLB

    Navigation

    • Sitemap
    • Archives
    • Feeds by Team

    MLBTR INFO

    • Advertise
    • About
    • Commenting Policy
    • Privacy Policy

    Connect

    • Contact Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • RSS Feed

    MLB Trade Rumors is not affiliated with Major League Baseball, MLB or MLB.com

    hide arrowsFOX Sports Engage Network scroll to top
    Close

    Desktop Version | Switch To Mobile Version