Betemit Dealt To Dodgers
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by user Ufgators
The Atlanta Braves are on the move again.
The Los Angeles Dodgers acquired infielder Wilson Betemit from the Atlanta Braves for infielder Willy Aybar, reliever Danys Baez and cash.
This move is not too shocking, as rumors of a Betemit trade have been swirling for quite some time. Most rumors had him going to the Yankees, a team in desperate need of some help due to injuries to some of their key players.
Atlanta seems to be the winner of this deal, as they give up a spare part for a dominate closer who is not too far removed from a career year with the D-Rays. The question now is whether the Braves will hand the ball in the ninth inning to recently-acquired closer Bob Wickman or new arrival Danys Baez ?
I say the Braves should start with a closer by committee and see who pitches better in save situations. While Danys Baez has a knack for blowing a few more saves than he should, he is still good for 30-40 saves a year. Baez is the long-term solution to the closer problem that has plagued the Braves for years. He is only 28 years old and in three career postseason games, he has compiled a 2.45 ERA with 6 strikeouts in 3.2 innings pitched.
While a 15th consecutive division title looks unlikely, the Braves may prove me right and make the postseason after all.
Date
Fri 07/28/06, 7:38 pm EST
