Betting on Betemit
April 26, 2007 | 4:13
pm
I predict Wilson Betemit's first 2007 homer will come before his first error.
Betemit is getting a shot at the No. 7 slot tonight, according to Inside the Dodgers, perhaps just to see if that can change his luck - maybe get better pitches to hit.
* * *
Tonight's battle to stay alone in first place:
1. I may be the only on the planet that believes this but as long as Nomar and Kent stay healthy, this team will score runs.
Now that is a big if but those two are not showing signs of big declines and they rate among the best in the game over the past 5-6 years of driving in runs.
Posted by: bhsportsguy | April 26, 2007 at 04:33 PM
2. Here is another reason why I am skeptical about Betemit. There is no organization that knows their prospects better than the Braves. They have been ridiculously good at trading away the right prospects. Betemit was considered their best prospect for a time, yet they never ever tried to find a spot for him. They never moved him anywhere, they never tried to trade players in front of him and they ended up trading him for Willy Aybar.
I am pleased that Betemit has seemed to be getting better at his plate discipline, but I am very surprised that it has not translated to getting more hits.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 04:34 PM
3. 2 Part of his problem from games I have seen is that he hits balls directly at people. Whether thats his fault for not making proper adjustments or pulling it or what have you is beyond my knowledge.
Posted by: still bevens | April 26, 2007 at 04:36 PM
4. 2 - Logan White is developing the same reputation though. This trade was viewed by some as a swapping of over-hyped prospects when it happened.
But at least LA ditched Baez in the process.
Posted by: blue22 | April 26, 2007 at 04:36 PM
5. 2 - I don't know, he seems to have just gotten off to a slow start. A little change of luck should make a difference.
ItD reports Betemit is hitting in the 7 spot tonight with 3.5 in the 8.
Posted by: StolenMonkey86 | April 26, 2007 at 04:42 PM
6. Well they did have Furcal at SS and Chipper at 3B in front of him. Also Marcus Giles at 2b was pretty good.
Posted by: jasonungar07 | April 26, 2007 at 04:42 PM
7. I'm skeptical on Betemit based on his mediocre minor league numbers.
He's had quite a number of seasons to prove himself, and he's really never been "good" in any league he's played at.
Seems to have some Ruben Mateo like qualities. Scouts love him, but no production to back up the "tools".
Posted by: JoeyP | April 26, 2007 at 04:43 PM
8. 6
Wasn't Chipper in RF for awhile though? They never tried to have Betemit learn how to play first or the outfield.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 04:44 PM
9. 7 - I feel like you're violating guideline #8. I've just heard you make this same point so many times.
Posted by: Jon Weisman | April 26, 2007 at 04:47 PM
10. I like the idea of moving him up to 7. I want to give him every opportunity to succeed. If he doesn't, I'm comfortable knowing I have exhausted my options and can move on to Plan B (whatever that is). Without using stats and relying on my feable memory, my impression is that he has been hitting the ball hard--just right at people. That shouldn't last forever. . .
should it?
Posted by: LAT | April 26, 2007 at 04:51 PM
11. Former Dodger great Maury Wills, who works with the team on baserunning, likes what he sees from C Russell Martin. ``I like the way he goes in to break up the double play; he's very physical that way,'' Wills said. ``Baserunning is about getting the most out of what you have, knowing what to do, knowing how many outs there are, where the outfielders are playing before the ball is hit, how to tag the bag and not depending on the coach to tell you everything to do.''
Nice quote from Maury Wills on Russell Martin from Jon's link.
Posted by: Bluebleeder87 | April 26, 2007 at 04:52 PM
12. Is this Betemit´s last chance? I really hope that your prediction is right, Jon.
Posted by: Ricardo | April 26, 2007 at 04:53 PM
13. Phil Hughes update: some trouble in the 1st, but has since calmed down. Now has 4K through 2 2/3; score is 2-0 Jays.
Hopelessly uninformed analysis: seems to me that the Yanks might not have the deepest farm system, but they have been aces at picking which prospects to keep/promote to the bigs.
Posted by: Humma Kavula | April 26, 2007 at 04:54 PM
14. Jon, about the whole Christine/Christina thing, I would expect transsexuals in the U.S. to have a predisposition to that name because of Christine Jorgensen, the first American male-to-female transsexual. I guess you could say Jorgensen was the Jackie Robinson of American transsexuals, and Jorgensen bacame a media sensation only a few years after Robinson broke through a barrier. And incidentally, Jorgensen chose the name Christine to honor the doctor in Europe who performed her sex change, Dr. Christian Hamburger.
Posted by: CanuckDodger | April 26, 2007 at 04:56 PM
15. 13--Very True.
Wang and Cano are probably better than any actual prospects they've traded away.
Posted by: JoeyP | April 26, 2007 at 04:57 PM
16. 13 - They quit trading them away, which helps (the last young guy traded I can think of was Dioner Navarro?).
They've also drafted, signed, and acquired some great talent in the last 2-3 years.
The Yankees could be downright scary if they combined a good scouting program (domestic and international) with that massive payroll. It looks like they're on the right track.
Posted by: blue22 | April 26, 2007 at 04:59 PM
17. I thought Chris Kahrl became Christina Kahrl out of convenience.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 04:59 PM
18. Looks like I got my sort-of wish from the end of the last thread, re: Betemit. Hope this helps him out a little.
If not, we go to Plan B: The Shift. (Nomar-->3rd, Loney-->1st). Plan C: La Roche. Plan D: Trade everyone for A-Rod. (Also known as Def-Con 5 - which is also a bad movie.)
Posted by: underdog | April 26, 2007 at 05:07 PM
19. 16 How did the Yankees manage to land Hughes? Did he drop on the draft boards due to wanting a big signing bonus and the Yankees paid above slot money?
Posted by: still bevens | April 26, 2007 at 05:08 PM
20. i have a question. When ESPN or big FOX do Dodger broadcasts does Vin Scully do the radio side or is it Steiner & Monday all the way? I think the answer is yes Vin Scully does the Radio fallowed by Steiner & Monday but i'm not quite sure.
Posted by: Bluebleeder87 | April 26, 2007 at 05:15 PM
21. 19
Teams just went after college players that year, so Hughes dropped to the 23rd pick.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 05:16 PM
22. 20
Normally if Vin isn't doing the game on TV, he takes the day off.
And doesn't watch or listen to the game either.
The only exception would be postseason games or last year's playoff clincher in San Francisco.
KFWB will stop its ten-second delay on Dodger broadcasts soon. Just wait for Steiner's first f-bomb now!
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 05:17 PM
23. i'm new here...why is Ethier called 3.5?
Posted by: danB | April 26, 2007 at 05:21 PM
24. 23 Several people, including myself, called Ethier a fourth outfielder when we acquired him. After he hit .330 for three months, he got an upgrade.
Posted by: regfairfield | April 26, 2007 at 05:25 PM
25. Per the link in Jon's post: How do we manage to have a such a high fielding percentage after Sunday's game?
Posted by: still bevens | April 26, 2007 at 05:26 PM
26. ARod thisclose to his 15th, but Vernon Wells -- and the wind -- said no.
Posted by: Humma Kavula | April 26, 2007 at 05:27 PM
27. KFWB will stop its ten-second delay on Dodger broadcasts soon
I really think that's a good idea i'd rather here the game via radio at the stadium then people saying "Barry Sucks, Barry Sucks"
Posted by: Bluebleeder87 | April 26, 2007 at 05:31 PM
28. 25 - That's just for third basemen.
Posted by: Jon Weisman | April 26, 2007 at 05:34 PM
29. 19 -- Before the 2004 draft, Phil Hughes was considered first-round material, but he was not considered one of the elite guys who would go in the first half of the first round. Baseball America had Hughes ranked behind three other high school pitchers, including Scott Elbert. One knock on Hughes was that his fastball lacked movement. The bottom line is that when you are scouting high schoolers, there's no exact science to predict who is going to develop faster, or better, in the years immediately after high school.
Posted by: CanuckDodger | April 26, 2007 at 05:35 PM
30. 29
I was wondering about that, because Sickels did a comparison between Pelphrey and Hughes and he said at the time Hughes was considered the best pitcher coming out of high school. But I watched that draft and I distinctly remember them talking about Elbert as the best high school pitcher.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 05:40 PM
31. 30 -- Elbert was the consensus best LEFT-handed HS pitcher going into the draft, but the best HS pitcher period was believed to be Homer Bailey.
Posted by: CanuckDodger | April 26, 2007 at 05:48 PM
32. 23, 24. Truly an impressive response time.
Let me try for a response anytime before game time:
With an average (I think) computer screen, I can't seem to find a Gameday/whatever that gives me the needed info without busting over the boundaries of my screen. Has anyone found a realtime, or almost, game tracker that is visible on an average screen? Or is there some screen manipulation trick I don't know about?
Posted by: jasbo | April 26, 2007 at 06:12 PM
33. what is the thinking on Delwyn Young? Does he have a major league future?
(Its hard to get good analysis of minor league talent in Australia!)
Posted by: diogenes | April 26, 2007 at 06:14 PM
34. 33
4th/5th outfielder most likely.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 06:18 PM
35. He used to play 2nd, so I guess he could be a backup there too.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 06:19 PM
36. 33 You can see his minor-league numbers here: (also linked on the sidebar)
http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/Y/delwyn-young.shtml
Apparently he's not a good enough 2B for the show and not enough of a bat to be a starting corner OF.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 06:23 PM
37. 31
Were Elbert and Dewitt signed by the same scout? They are both from Missouri right?
As a bonus: I predict Betemit's first 2007 homer will come tonight.
Posted by: Westernmost in Flavor | April 26, 2007 at 06:39 PM
38. 37
The only bit of help I can give you is that I am sure Logan White personally saw both of them and gave the final say to pick them.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 06:47 PM
39. 37 -- Yes, both Elbert and DeWitt were from Dodger scout Mitch Webster's "territory." Amateur players are formally "signed by" the area scout who covers where the player plays.
Posted by: CanuckDodger | April 26, 2007 at 06:47 PM
40. 39
I remember Mitch when he was playing for the Dodgers. I assume that since Elbert and Dewitt were both first rounders that Mitch didn't necessarily have to "discover" them. Is it really just a formality that credit is given to the area scout and it is more of a team effort?
Posted by: Westernmost in Flavor | April 26, 2007 at 06:54 PM
41. Earl: Mediocre
The Office: Solid, but not spectacular
30 Rock: Very good
Scrubs: Best of the night, at least relative to expectations.
All in all, the night got better as it went along.
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:02 PM
42. 41 Hope that trend continues over to the game tonight.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 07:11 PM
43. I also hope Betemit begins to come through. We obviously need offensive production from our third baseman, whoever that might be.
However, he seems to drop his back shoulder and take such an exaggerated uppercut that I'm not optimistic.
Please make me look bad, Wilson.
Posted by: dkminnick | April 26, 2007 at 07:14 PM
44. Three ground-outs on thirteen pitches for Penny. I like that.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 07:18 PM
45. FP Santangelo is calling the game for the Giants today and he is terrible. He says pay no attention to Ortiz's ERA, because he gave up a three run homer that inflated it.
What?
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 07:19 PM
46. HR Kemp
Posted by: heato | April 26, 2007 at 07:21 PM
47. 45
Ahh, FP Santangelo, an obscure and thankfully unmemorable Dodger.
Except to TJ Simers.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 07:21 PM
48. My cable system and the Fox HD broadcast don't seem to agree with each other at times. The picture hiccups from time to time.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 07:23 PM
49. I am already tired of the weak grounder to second from Pierre.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 07:24 PM
50. 49
But it's hard to turn a DP on those grounders!
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 07:24 PM
51. 47 Not to be confused with his relative, FP Sanminneola.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 07:25 PM
52. 43
i agree with most DT'ers in that he's gotten unlucky at times, meaning that he's hit the ball hard right at people. IMO this upcoming month is "make or break" for him. veremos.
Posted by: Bluebleeder87 | April 26, 2007 at 07:26 PM
53. 50 - And how exciting it is now that we've got that plodder Furcal off the bases.
Posted by: Terry A | April 26, 2007 at 07:27 PM
54. 53 Yeah, hate to see the bases clogged.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 07:28 PM
55. 53 Yeah, hate to see the bases clogged.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 07:28 PM
56. I don't even believe in "clutch" but Nomar has been very good with runners on.
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:28 PM
57. I forget who asked last night, but the Braves-Marlins game last night did not end on a wild pitch, but rather on a passed ball. That is actually much rarer and happens only once every 2-3 seasons while a game-ending wild pitch happens 2-3 times per season.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 07:29 PM
58. Especially when Russ Ortiz gives him a fastball down the middle.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 07:29 PM
59. FP bragging about his ability to get hit by pitches and how he never wore body armor.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 07:31 PM
60. 53 is a violation of #7.
Self-discipline commences.
Posted by: Terry A | April 26, 2007 at 07:31 PM
61. 60 I suggest a hairshirt.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 07:33 PM
62. Its not about "clutch" it's about RISP. There is a difference between batting lead-off, or batting with none on, two out, and with a runner on second or third. Getting the job done with RISP is what makes a good situational hitter. Not someone who has the same at bat every time they go up but someone who changes their approach. Nomar does it.
Posted by: diogenes | April 26, 2007 at 07:33 PM
63. I think Nomar should hit like that every at bat if he's going to hit .500.
Posted by: regfairfield | April 26, 2007 at 07:34 PM
64. Oh my. I thought we had Ortiz on the ropes.
Posted by: Gen3Blue | April 26, 2007 at 07:34 PM
65. going back to the last thread topic in regards to christina kahrl, does anyone have any links to photos when she use to be Chris Kahrl?
Posted by: natepurcell | April 26, 2007 at 07:35 PM
66. 60 - #7 is a tough rule. Sarcasm is permitted, but not sarcasm that can be misinterpreted negatively, do you have to put a wink face or just avoid sarcasm about most subject?
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:35 PM
67. the X-MO cam was used really well yesterday.
Posted by: Bluebleeder87 | April 26, 2007 at 07:36 PM
68. Dunno, but LuGo swinging at (what GameDay showed to be) ball four and hitting into a double play... that'll test the strength of one's self-discipline.
Posted by: Terry A | April 26, 2007 at 07:37 PM
69. John Lackey has a blog.
http://www.yardbarker.com/users/John_Lackey
(via the Press-Enterprise baseball blog)
Posted by: Jon Weisman | April 26, 2007 at 07:38 PM
70. Barry and Molina is a dream DP combo. Furcal could catch the grounder, tag second and run to first.
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:39 PM
71. 65
I sat next to Chris Kahrl at a game at Fenway Park. He looked like a generic male. He had a very deep voice.
I've never spoken to Christina to compare. Kahrl was very upset over Game 1 of the 1988 World Series and still is bothered greatly that Dennis Eckersley walked Mike Davis.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 07:39 PM
72. Before that AB, LuGo had these career numbers against Ortiz:
.351 .467 .432 .899 and no GIDP.
(13-37 with 7 BB)
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 07:40 PM
73. Nice to see the "first baseball's butt" cam is getting used a lot this year. I am all for more angles, but that one doesn't add much.
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:41 PM
74. HrbekVision?
Posted by: Terry A | April 26, 2007 at 07:42 PM
75. 73 Glad they didn't have that when Steve Lyons was active.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 07:42 PM
76. 73
:o)
Posted by: Bluebleeder87 | April 26, 2007 at 07:44 PM
77. They should put a tiny camera in the cap of the first base umpire. They could literally show what the umpire is seeing. I am sure the technology to put it off is out there.
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:45 PM
78. Wow, just wow. FP says Martin reminds him of Lo Duca because he has no tools, but somehow beats you.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 07:47 PM
79. Martin!
skim past this post if you are joining us after the game
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:48 PM
80. 77
Well, that wouldn't be literally what the umpire is seeing though. It would just be really close as umpires don't look through the top of their caps.
If you're speaking literally...
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 07:48 PM
81. 78 - (speechless)
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:48 PM
82. 77 They could put that cam in the bridge of the ump's eyeglasses.
Posted by: El Lay Dave | April 26, 2007 at 07:49 PM
83. Throw in the towel Lakers.
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 07:49 PM
84. Betemit is every bit as productive as Kent so far tonight.
Posted by: Terry A | April 26, 2007 at 07:50 PM
85. 80 - I thought about that I soon as I pushed it. I want to start saying "figuratively" where I would incorrectly say "literally," but I think no one would get it as a joke.
Example: "She was figuratively the hottest girl I have ever seen."
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:51 PM
86. The Giants fan sitting behind home plate may be the only one that can be seen, but he made sure that he's hard to miss. He is not a small man.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 07:51 PM
87. 78
If there's anyone who knows no tools, it's FP.
But I'm still going to have to disagree with him.
Posted by: Westernmost in Flavor | April 26, 2007 at 07:52 PM
88. I guess Kevin Kennedy was right when he said as Furcal goes the Dodgers go.
Posted by: Bluebleeder87 | April 26, 2007 at 07:53 PM
89. 85
I would like that joke, but I don't think I'm your target demographic.
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 07:53 PM
90. 89 - I think you are exactly my target demographic, for that joke, anyway.
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:55 PM
91. Yeesh
Posted by: trainwreck | April 26, 2007 at 07:55 PM
92. juan pierre is ridiculous
Posted by: natepurcell | April 26, 2007 at 07:55 PM
93. Pierre is brilliant...
Posted by: Uncle Miltie | April 26, 2007 at 07:55 PM
94. Why the heck does Pierre spend so much time practicing bunts if he's going to do that?
That's what, four outs on the bases in the last two days?
Posted by: regfairfield | April 26, 2007 at 07:56 PM
95. It's like he forgot he was supposed to bunt until half way through.
Posted by: Andrew Shimmin | April 26, 2007 at 07:56 PM
96. Scareduck warned us about Pierre.
Posted by: Bluebleeder87 | April 26, 2007 at 07:56 PM
97. Ugh. I don't know if I should hate Pierre more or just blame Grady. These constant baserunning blunders are a real problem. We might have won last night if we didn't give up two outs that one inning.
Posted by: Benaiah | April 26, 2007 at 07:56 PM
98. I didn't think it was possible, but Pierre is actually responsible for two outs
Posted by: Uncle Miltie | April 26, 2007 at 07:56 PM
99. Cue the Jim Healy Show clip of Howard Cosell,
"Who goofed? I've got to know!"
Posted by: Bob Timmermann | April 26, 2007 at 07:56 PM
100. Details, people!
Wha' happened?
Posted by: Terry A | April 26, 2007 at 07:57 PM