Pat from Bismark, N.D. asks:
I just discovered the Project Prospect site and it looks terrific; more down to earth than those other sites and not just gushing on the kids.
Anyways, I've got a real mess at third base. I have both Wilson Betemit and Jose Bautista cheap and I’m not too crazy about either one of them, what do you think? And get this: I have Ryan Braun as well, but he can’t field a lick.
I read somewhere that Grady Little might put Nomar at third and play James Loney everyday at first, any truth to that rumor? If Nomar were not so brittle I would think that would be the thing to do as I heard Loney can really rake.
My main point is: would you risk keeping Bautista over Betemit? And will Braun take over in Milwaukee (Koskie's done, isn't he?) or will they use Counsell at third?
Thanks in advance,
Pat
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Pat,
As far as messes go, I’d say you have a pretty nice one to clean up. A few paper towels here and there and you’ll be home free.
First off, I’m dispelling the Nomar position switch rumors. With the regular season set to start shortly, Garciaparra would have a lot of work to get done. Don’t worry about the Garciaparra-Loney situation having any affect on Wilson Betemit.
I’d say this helps answer your question pretty well of the bat. As hard as it may be at times – and I know, we’ve all been there – patience is your best virtue at this stage.
Jose Bautista doesn’t carry a ton a value; he’ll hit 20 homers at best and won’t do too much more. But if you take it back to Betemit, you have a solid bridge to Ryan Braun. If Betemit can hold off top prospect Andy LaRoche, he will easily amass the 20 HR and 80 RBI plateaus – I wouldn’t be surprised if he exceeded those numbers. But what if Betemit cannot outdo LaRoche for the full season?
Don’t even worry about it.
By the time LaRoche gets the call, so will Braun. As you said, Corey Koskie is no answer for the Brew Crew at third, nor is the mighty Craig Counsell.
Sure, he had his fair share of defensive struggles during spring training, but the mashing offensive numbers were still there for Ryan Braun. He may not be the immediate answer you’re looking for, but Milwaukee wants to give that third base job to Braun in the very near future.
Long story short, your mess has cleaned itself up. Betemit is more than solid enough of a bridge to Braun – do not break the bank to find instant help that you do not need. Braun has a .308/.367/.549 career minor league line, including an imposing .303/.367/.589 last season at Double-A. You already have the answer you’ve been looking for in future all-star Ryan Braun.
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