If not Furcal, why not Betemit?

[The Voice of Reason]

Assuming Furcal stays with the Braves, with Giles, Furcal and Chipper at 2B, SS and 3B, I would think Betemit might be available. In 246 ABs last year, he hit .305/.359/.435/.794 and apparently is tearing it up in winter ball.

 

A Cedeno/Betemit 2B/SS combo would allow you to trade Walker and commit (the Furcal) money to the outfield and/or pitching. Betemit is 25 and made $316K in 2005 (or about 12% of what the Cubs are paying Neifi).

 

A Walker/Betemit 2B/SS combo would allow you to trade Cedeno or give him another year in the minors to develop

 

Thoughts?

 

http://www.ajc.com/braves/content/sports/braves/1105/19notes.html

[radarluv1]

it might take alot to get a good young hitter who can play everywhere and who is cheap for several more years. probably more than just our rule 5 arms

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

maybe giles goes and betemit stays.

[rawaction]

maybe giles goes and betemit stays.

 

That's what I'm thinking.

[Win for Santo]

maybe giles goes and betemit stays.

 

Or, the Braves decide not to be overly aggressive in retaining Furcal.

[Backtobanks]

I think I heard somewhere that Braves think Betemit is bulking up and they think he may need to be moved to a less-athletic position than SS.

[abuck1220]

i'd rather just stick w/ walker/cedeno...that way you don't have to give up any players. throw furcal's $ at giles (brian). there's really no need to trade walker to get an impact rf when you can just sign giles.

[goonys evil twin]

i'd rather just stick w/ walker/cedeno...that way you don't have to give up any players. throw furcal's $ at giles (brian). there's really no need to trade walker to get an impact rf when you can just sign giles.

 

That would be my preference as well. But when you go down the list of options, I wouldn't complain at all of Marcus came and played 2nd and they got an impact RF via another route.