MLB Free Agents: Baltimore Orioles Sign Wilson Betemit
By Editorial Staff
It is being reported that the Baltimore Orioles and free agent Wilson Betemit agreed to terms Monday. While the money involved is unknown at this time, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun is reporting that the O’s signed Betemit to a two-year deal including an option for 2014.
Betemit began the 2011 season with the Kansas City Royals but was traded to the Detroit Tigers in July for prospects. Combined between his two stops, Betemit hit at a clip of .285/.343/.452 with eight home runs, 22 doubles and 46 RBI’s over his 359 plate appearances.
Betemit has spent the majority of his major league career as a reserve player, only compiling north of 400 plate appearances once. Still, the 30-year-old has posted a career OPS of .784.
Baltimore will be able to use Betemit in a variety of ways next season. ‘Defensive flexibility’ probably isn’t the correct term, as Betemit isn’t too hot with the glove no matter where you put him.
Over the past few years, the position Betemit has manned the most is third base. Baltimore does have a shaky defender at third in Mark Reynolds, but again Betemit’s not exactly an upgrade with the glove.
Since 2008 Betemit’s played all over the infield as well left field and DH. Betemit could end up being used similar to how the Orioles utilized Ty Wigginton in 2009 before he became a starter for the club in 2010.
For more on the Orioles, be sure to check out Birds Watcher.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.