Wilson Betemit – The Goggles Do Nothing
Posted by: Richie Rich in Hot Stove, White Sox, Yankees
This is the last post on the White Sox-Yankees trade … maybe.
At least I won’t be talking about Nick Swisher in it … D’OH!
All right … let’s talk about one of the players the White Sox got in return - Backup First Baseman Wilson Betemit
I came across this statement attributed to White Sox GM Kenny Williams after the trade went down on Thursday …
Betemit hasn’t lived up to his billing since becoming a prospect in Atlanta’s organization at 16, but Williams believes he could blossom thanks to his adjustment to prescription goggles.
You have got to be kidding me.
Betemit mistook a bouncing ball for a pop-up in a game against the Rangers back in August, while wearing those goggles. The play didn’t hurt the Yankees due to a Texas fielding goof that took away a chance at a double play …
Jose Molina hit a bouncing ball to Rangers second baseman Ian Kinsler. Inexplicably, Betemit retreated to the bag instead of running.
Instead of flipping to second to start a double play, Kinsler threw to first baseman Chris Davis, whose foot was on the base … But when Davis forced Molina out, the force play was off on Betemit.
How the Hell do you mistake a groounder for a pop-up if you’re wearing prescription glasses? Then again … maybe it was a “grinder” play. Sox GM Kenny Williams likes stuff like that.
Also, Betemit’s move to the White Sox means he’ll have to wear something besides #14, if current White Sox 1B Paul Konerko stays with the team. Konerko wears #14.
I mention that because Betemit wouldn’t give up his number 14 in spring of 2008, when Morgan Ensberg offered him $5,000 for it.
By the way, if you don’t get the headline …
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