Wilson Betemit

2013

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2012

Betemit split time with the Royals and Tigers in 2011, hitting .285 with eight home runs and 46 RBI in a career-high 323 at-bats between his two stops. His OBP (.343) and SLG (.452) both dropped a bit from his 2010 campaign, but fell in the same range as his career numbers in those categories. The 30-year-old continued to excel against right-handed pitching, finishing with a slash line of .303/.365/.500. At this stage of his career, Betemit has established himself as a decent platoon player, but he was inconsistent in an everyday role. After signing a two-year deal with the Orioles in January, Betemit should see regular playing time as part of the corner-infield and DH mix in Baltimore.

2011

Betemit saw a career-high in at-bats (276) in 2010 and responded with arguably his best season as a pro. His .378 OBP was a career high as were the 13 homers and 20 doubles. He doesn't provide any boost in stolen bases - he hasn't recorded a theft since 2006 - or in runs scored. He's penciled in as the starter at third for KC, but there is competition at the position, and he could see his fair share of days watching from the bench while the Royals continue to build with an eye on the future.

2010

Betemit came to the White Sox as part of a deal that sent Nick Swisher to the Yankees, but his tenure in Chicago lasted all of 45 at-bats. He never really seemed to click with the club, and he was deemed extraneous when they called up Gordon Beckham in early June. He played both of the corner-infield spots for Triple-A Charlotte, where he hit .241/.294/.441 and had 73 strikeouts in 72 games. The Royals brought him in on a minor league deal in November, and he should compete for a utility spot in spring training.

2009

Betemit was shipped to the White Sox in the deal that sent Nick Swisher to the Yankees. His opportunity for playing time should increase in Chicago given the uncertainty of the everyday roles at second and third base heading into spring training. The move to U.S. Cellular Field can't hurt his power numbers, but Betemit's versatility with the glove -- he can play all four infield spots -- and inconsistent production at the plate will likely push him back into a utility role. He should be able to collect more than the 189 at-bats he received from the Yankees in 2008, but his value will be limited by his playing time.

2008

Betemit had limited opportunities to impress after being acquired from the Dodgers for Scott Proctor at the trade deadline in July, but his ability to play all four infield positions while providing some pop off the bench should cement him in the team's plans for 2008. The Yankees will enter spring training with Jason Giambi, Shelley Duncan and Doug Mientikiewicz all as potential candidates for the everyday job at first base, and while Betemit could throw his hat into the ring with in impressive showing during spring training, he's much more likely to serve as the team's fifth infielder.

2007

Betemit enters 2007 as the starter at third base after a breakout season of sorts for the former Atlanta top prospect who came to Los Angeles in the deal involving Danys Baez and Willy Aybar. Entering 2006, Betemit had hit just four homers in 296 career at-bats (74 AB/HR), but given regular playing time, he hit 18 in 2006 in just 373 at-bats (21 AB/HR). Betemit turns the often-magical age of 27 in July and combined with a full season of at-bats, it's easy to predict career numbers. One caveat: he has top prospect Andy LaRoche breathing down his neck, so he'd better get off to a quick start.

2006

Betemit was once the star of Atlanta's minor league system but then faded as he advanced to Triple-A. Almost forgotten, he made the roster in a reserve role last season and made the best of his playing time when several starters were hurt. He hit with decent power and got on base at a good clip. He'll likely serve as a reserve player again, but he could help a fantasy team if he gets regular duty. With oft-injured Chipper Jones at third base, he could get plenty of at bats.

2005

Betemit was once the top prospect in the Braves organization but now isn't seen as much more than a utility player. Still, he showed more power last season in the minors and improved in the field, especially in the second half. At 25, there's a chance he could be a late bloomer. In the short term, securing a bench role in the majors would be the first step to brightening his fading star.

2004

Betemit has gone from the jewel of the Atlanta minor league system in 2001, to a prospect who is trying to stay at the top of the organizational radar screen in 2004. Betemit struggled for a second year in a row in 2003 by hitting .262 at Triple-A with eight HR and a .315 OBA. While those numbers are not terrible, and Braves management emphasizes his youth (23), he's gone from a potential superstar to a player who may just contribute at some point in the majors. He's not the upside play he once was, and a torn ligament in his thumb in November adds a further layer of doubt.

2003

Braves manager Bobby Cox said he'd consider giving Betemit a chance to win the starting shortstop job last spring, but he struggled in spring training and then had a poor AAA season. Still, he's highly regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball with all five tools. Don't worry that he struggled against much older players at AAA while he was just 20. The Braves think he's the real deal, and a hot start could put him in the majors. Remember the Braves have not been shy about throwing highly-regarded talent into the majors at an early age. He remains a good keeper or reserve pick as a result.