Recently, it's been said that the Baltimore Orioles were having some internal discussions concerning Prince Fielder. Prince Fielder would be a big splash certain to capture the fan base's attention. Wilson Betemit is less certain to capture the fan base's attention. But nuts to them because the Orioles are signing Betemit anyway. Dan Connolly:
Wilson Betemit Signs Contract With Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly signing veteran infielder Wilson Betemit to a two-year, major league contract.
#Orioles have agreed to terms, pending physical, with INF Wilson Betemit, on a 1-year, big-lg deal, acdng to an indstry srce
For whatever it’s worth, Betemit wouldn’t block Fielder in the extraordinarily unlikely event that Baltimore makes a legitimate push. The 30-year-old Betemit is a switch-hitter with experience all over the infield, but a quality glove at exactly none of those positions. So he’s depth, but he’s also a part-time DH. While Betemit can’t really field, he can hit a little bit. The last two years, over nearly 700 trips to the plate, he’s batted .290/.359/.479. He’s better from the left side.
Betemit isn't exciting. He also isn't bad. He fits as an Oriole. The team's expected to start Mark Reynolds and Chris Davis at the corners, barring some kind of Fielder miracle or disaster, depending on your perspective.
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UPDATE
Dan Connolly now says it’s actually a two-year contract, not a one-year contract.
Correction on the #Orioles & Wilson Betemit deal. Larger than I first reported. It’s a 2yr deal w an option for a third yr. Don’t know $ yet
Remember that this is an offseason in which guys like Willie Bloomquist, John McDonald and Greg Dobbs have signed two-year contracts. Strange times, these.
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UPDATE
It’s a $3 million contract, with a chance to become a $6 million contract. Eduardo Encina:
Wilson Betemit’s deal is worth $3 million over 2 years, could grow to $6 million w/ 2014 vesting option based on perf. incentives.
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