On Tuesday, the trading season kind of kicked off when Jeff Keppinger was dealt from the Astros to the Giants. On Wednesday, the next domino has fallen. Jon Morosi:
Wilson Betemit Traded From Royals To Tigers For Two Prospects
#Tigers have acquired Betemit from #Royals for two prospects.
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#Royals receiving Antonio Cruz and Julio Rodriguez from #Tigers.
Betemit has been a popular target for some time, now. The 29-year-old switch-hitter bounced back in a big way with the Royals in 2010, and so far in 2011 has been productive as a regular third baseman. He owns a .281/.341/.409 batting line that's good for a 110 OPS+, and given his defensive versatility, he makes for an excellent fit for a Tigers team that's watched Brandon Inge play baseball like a man without arms. In the short term, Betemit can handle the job at third. And if Inge shows signs of life, then Betemit can move around as needed.
In return for Betemit, the Royals get two younger players. Cruz is a 19-year-old lefty who’s been working in the Midwest League, and right now he features a low-90s fastball, a curve, and a changeup. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is a 21-year-old catcher with a .679 OPS in advanced-A. His strength is his youth, which affords him the opportunity to develop other strengths. For now.
Betemit will be a free agent after the season. And the Tigers will presumably keep poking around for help in the starting rotation.
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