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Free Agent Friday | Print |  E-mail
Written by Ken Boehlke   
Sunday, 15 November 2009 15:37

This week's edition of Free Agent Friday Sunday features Rafael Betancourt.

Betancourt is a right handed relief pitcher, who most recently played for the Rockies, but is more well known for his 6+ year stint with the Cleveland Indians.  Betancourt is from Cumaná, Sucre State, Venezuela and is 34 years of age.  He has a career ERA of 3.16 over 435.1 innings.  His best season was in 2007 when he posted a 1.48 ERA in 79.1 IP while striking out 80 and walking just 9.  Last season he was fantastic in Colorado for the second half of the season where he allowed just 5 runs in 25 innings.Betancourt

The Rockies just declined Betancourt's $5 million dollar team option, effectively making him a free agent.  The Rockies would appear to be the leaders in the clubhouse to sign Betancourt, but he will certainly be a hot commodity on the market.

The Sox are usually in the mix when it comes to the middle relief market and I would be willing to bet that this wouldn't be too much different.  Late relievers are always a critical part to a team's success and the Sox have never shied away from stock piling them.  Betancourt would be a perfect fit for the Sox if they decide to go after him.  He could fit right in with Linebrink and Dotel as the right handed guys, and give Thornton even more of a specialty role.

The problem would be the price.  Obviously the Rockies don't think he's worth $5 million, and I would be willing to bet the Sox don't either.  But I think if you can get it down to $3-$3.5 million, he's definitely worth it.  With Dotel and Linebrink both over $5 mil (6 and 4.5 respectively), the Sox prove they aren't afraid to pay for middle relief.  I think this becomes a much more likely scenario if the Sox do decide to pass on Jenks.  If that does become the case Betancourt would fill the role that the "new" closer left.  Dotel or Thornton would definitely be the new closer, and with Dotel's experience I would guess it's his job.  So using the money you didn't spend on Jenks, to spend on Betancourt would seem to make perfect sense.  That being said, I wouldn't gamble to heavily on this one.

Chance Rafael Betancourt is on the White Sox in 2010 - 17%

Photo courtesy of cdn3.sbnation.com



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