BRAVES GET MORE RELIEF FOR BETEMIT
The Atlanta Braves acquired pitcher Danys Baez and infielder Willy Aybar from the Los Angeles Dodgers for infielder Wilson Betemit.
What does it give the Atlanta Braves
The Braves continue to build up their bullpen with this deal, having acquired closer Bob Wickman a week earlier. Baez comes as another player with closer experience who will serve in a setup capacity in Atlanta. A solid closer for the past three seasons with the Devil Rays and Indians, he was a little inconsistent with the Dodgers as a setup man this year. Young Aybar comes to essentially fill the role Betemit was playing before the deal, serving as a utility infielder who can start when needed at second or third base. Just 23, he has potential as an everyday player thanks to good all-around tools and plate discipline.
What does it give the Los Angeles Dodgers
Once one of the game's top prospects, Betemit slowed down for a few years but became a very valuable utility infielder for the Braves over the last couple of seasons, displaying good defense, a little pop and an ability to hit for average. Still just 25, he's a natural shortstop who has played some third base, but both of those positions are filled in L.A. for the long term with Rafael Furcal and prospects Joel Guzman and Andy LaRoche. But considering what the Dodgers gave up for him, they have to be thinking of him as an everyday player and second base could be what they have in mind.
Fantasy impact
