Thursday, September 1, 2011

Who's on third Pt 2

Last post I discussed possible replacements at third should Mark Reynolds move to 1st base.

My four options:

Josh Bell, Robert Andino, Chris Davis, and free agent Wilson Betemit.

My solution: Sign Wilson Betemit as an offensive-minded 4-corners (and occasionally 2nd bae and SS sub). Begin the year with a Left-Right, Offense-Defense platoon at third between Chris Davis and Robert Andino. Should Davis falter after an extended tryout, replace him with Betemit.

Betemit is probably the better of the two, but lacks Davis's dramatic upside.

check out the following two players

700 PA H 171 D 41 HR 25 BB 54 K 202 .261/.321/.444
700 PA H 177 D 44 HR 17 BB 65 K 166 .278/.345/.435

The first is a left right platoon of Andino and Davis, the second a platoon of Andino and Betemit.

the BetDimo combo would be the superior hitter (and probably defender), but would lack the upside of the AnDavis pair.

Starting off with AnDavis to see what Chris Davis can give the Birds is a reasonable gamble for a team that will not be playing for the post-season, and if Davis falls flat, Betemit can easily step in and take his place. If Davis DOES succeed, you have Betemit in a bench role, acting as one of the best pinch-hitters and spot-starters in the league. He can occasionally spell Reynolds against tough righties, and step in at 2nd, 3rd, and the outfield corners when needed.

Furthermore, all three players together would be cost effective. Andino makes 415,000 this year, and even with a big raise next season shouldn't make more than 850,000. Davis makes 420,000, and Betemit's current contract is paying him 1,000,000.

All told, The Orioles could give themselves a league average (with upside) third baseman and a bench bat for a total of 2.5 million dollars.

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