http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/players/yuniesky_betancourt/50 Recent articles about Yuniesky Betancourt en-us Let's start this off properly: Yuniesky Betancourt is the worst shortstop in Brewers history. That might not necessarily be true, but it feels true. In 2011, his last full season as the Brewers shortstop, he was the worst everyday shortstop in the league. Or at the very least in the bottom five. Even when he did good things, he always followed them up with boneheaded plays, errors and stupid pop-ups. He was the worst. People called him names, people called into radio shows screaming for his replacement and nobody was a fan of him. Nobody. @atmeiler calls him Voldemort and it makes sense because when he was playing shortstop he removed all the light from the world and each one of his swings spread a flurry of Death Eaters throughout Miller Park. He wasn't good at baseball and we were all glad to see him go. When the Brewers brought back Yuni B, it was like seeing your ex-girlfriend walk back through your door. Only instead of the moderately attractive girl you remember she wa... Wed, 08 May 2013 10:47:55 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/dr_strangelove_or_how_i_learned_to_stop_worrying_and_love_yuni_b/13574849 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/dr_strangelove_or_how_i_learned_to_stop_worrying_and_love_yuni_b/13574849 Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Yuni B http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/dr_strangelove_or_how_i_learned_to_stop_worrying_and_love_yuni_b/13574849 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/1/91080e3f3d0239aaa106ed33436b420f9a1b95f2/mini/Royals_vs_Twins_725c.jpg I know it’s not like me to use such a provocative, declarative headline. Truth be told, I’d be more comfortable with “Yuniesky Betancourt Hasn’t Changed a Bit, Probably”, just so I can cover all my bases. But here we are, and I think it needs to be said, on the heels of Betancourt slamming his eighth dinger of the still very young regular season. This is a time for sanity, in the midst of something very much insane. The Blue Jays are 13-21, and John Buck has ten home runs. The Dodgers are 13-19, and Dexter Fowler has eight home runs. The Angels are 11-21, and Yuniesky Betancourt also has eight home runs. When something early in the season takes you by complete surprise, it’s worth re-evaluating your expectations, rather than sticking to your guns. But just because you re-evaluate doesn’t mean you have to change your position, and if Betancourt’s changed at 31 years old, it’s showing up in only one place. The first dinger came on April 16. The most recent came Tuesday, off Justin Gr... Wed, 08 May 2013 10:15:45 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/yuniesky_betancourt_hasnt_changed_a_bit/13574423 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/yuniesky_betancourt_hasnt_changed_a_bit/13574423 Yuniesky Betancourt Hasn’t Changed a Bit http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/yuniesky_betancourt_hasnt_changed_a_bit/13574423 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/6/36ec49e51b0b022d8c5542e7055c1553fa22ece8/mini/Royals_vs_Tigers_7bfb.jpg Yuniesky Betancourt's eighth homer of the season capped a five-run first inning Tuesday night and the Milwaukee Brewers snapped a season-high five-game losing streak with a 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers. Aramis Ramirez also homered for the first time this year and NL batting leader Carlos Gomez added a two-run double for Milwaukee, which rebounded from a four-game sweep by visiting St. Louis last weekend. Wily Peralta (3-2) gave up three runs - two earned - and five hits in six innings. The right-hander, who turns 24 on Wednesday, struck out two and did not walk a batter. Three relievers followed with an inning each for the Brewers, including Jim Henderson in the ninth for his seventh save. Mitch Moreland homered for the Rangers, who lost consecutive games for the third time this year. They also lost their season-high fourth straight on the road. Justin Grimm (2-2) gave up five earned runs on eight hits in five innings after entering the game with a total of six earned runs allowed this year. Th Wed, 08 May 2013 00:09:19 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/brewers_6_rangers_3/13571870 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/brewers_6_rangers_3/13571870 Brewers 6, Rangers 3 http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/brewers_6_rangers_3/13571870 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/6/36ec49e51b0b022d8c5542e7055c1553fa22ece8/mini/Royals_vs_Tigers_7bfb.jpg MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Yuniesky Betancourt's eighth homer of the season capped a five-run first inning Tuesday night and the Milwaukee Brewers snapped a season-high five-game losing streak with a 6-3 victory over the Texas Rangers. Aramis Ramirez also homered for the first time this year and NL batting leader Carlos Gomez added a two-run double for Milwaukee, which rebounded from a four-game sweep by visiting St. Louis last weekend. Wily Peralta (3-2) gave up three runs -- two earned -- and five hits in six innings. The right-hander, who turns 24 on Wednesday, struck out two and did not walk a batter. Three relievers followed with an inning each for the Brewers, including Jim Henderson in the ninth for his seventh save. Tue, 07 May 2013 23:25:21 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rangers_get_in_early_hole_in_loss_to_brewers/13571633 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/rangers_get_in_early_hole_in_loss_to_brewers/13571633 Rangers get in early hole in loss to Brewers http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/rangers_get_in_early_hole_in_loss_to_brewers/13571633 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/6/36ec49e51b0b022d8c5542e7055c1553fa22ece8/mini/Royals_vs_Tigers_7bfb.jpg (Eds: With AP Photos.) By ANDREW WAGNER Associated Press At least in recent memory, few Milwaukee Brewers have drawn the ire of fans more than Yuniesky Betancourt. Acquired in December 2010 as part of the Zack Greinke trade, Betancourt was almost universally reviled and his free-swinging ways did little to change any first impressions. While it was no surprise when the Brewers parted ways with Betancourt after the season, it was a shocker when the team signed the 31-year old with just a few days remaining in spring camp. And what he's done since has left many downright speechless. Instead of providing a few pinch-hit appearances and offering a day off to infielders, Betancourt has become a key in the Brewers' offense and proved more than able on defense, filling the voids left by injuries at first and third base. Through the first 30 games, Betancourt had appeared in 29 and started 26. He was hitting .277 and entered a weekend series with St. Louis tied with Ryan Braun for the team lead with seven Tue, 07 May 2013 04:38:25 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/betancourt_has_been_pleasant_surprise_for_brewers/13565165 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/betancourt_has_been_pleasant_surprise_for_brewers/13565165 Betancourt has been pleasant surprise for Brewers http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/betancourt_has_been_pleasant_surprise_for_brewers/13565165 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/1/91080e3f3d0239aaa106ed33436b420f9a1b95f2/mini/Royals_vs_Twins_725c.jpg Earlier today, Jim Breen / @JP_Breen - head writer at the wonderful Disciples of Uecker site and a contributor at fangraphs.com - asked fans, via twitter, if they thought Yuniesky Betancourt had "fundamentally changed as a player." This question was asked in light of Betancourt's unexpected offensive contributions as an everyday player so far this season. For those who believe it has anything to do with a more disciplined approach at the plate: "His 57.5% swing rate is the highest of his career. RT @Holmgren34 @JP_Breen He is much more patient. I'm a believer right now." which is, in fact, almost identical to his swing rate of 57.4% in 2011. Breen then goes on to add that Yuni is swinging at a career-high 43.7% of pitches outside the strike zone. Looking back again at his 2011 season with the Brewers, Betancourt swung at 40.3% of pitches outside of the strike zone. Basically, we're watching the same guy.     Thu, 25 Apr 2013 19:47:51 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/noyuni_b_is_still_as_yuni_b_as_ever/13485565 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/noyuni_b_is_still_as_yuni_b_as_ever/13485565 No...Yuni B is Still as Yuni B as Ever. http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/noyuni_b_is_still_as_yuni_b_as_ever/13485565 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/f/3fb4329e12dd4991c763b3a0b4851570dd1f144a/mini/MarinersRoyals_a63f.jpg Yuniesky Betancourt crushed a three-run homer to left field to give the Brewers an early lead in the top of the first, but it was the play in the stands which got the most attention. Check out the young Padres fan who laid out backwards to haul in the dinger with no regard for his safety. Very impressive work. Your browser does not support iframes. Article found on: Next Impulse Sports Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:55:21 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/fan_makes_spectacular_catch_on_yuni_betancourts_home_run/13462528 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/fan_makes_spectacular_catch_on_yuni_betancourts_home_run/13462528 Fan Makes Spectacular Catch On Yuni Betancourt’s Home Run http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/fan_makes_spectacular_catch_on_yuni_betancourts_home_run/13462528 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/2/322dda8e8e91f0a5770b2212d92e81cd325ce481/mini/mlb-royals-tigers-apr.jpg Infielder Yuniesky Betancourt has signed a one-year deal with the Milwaukee Brewers, rejoining the team he helped win the 2011 NL Central title. The Brewers announced the contract Wednesday. The 31-year-old Betancourt was in spring training earlier this year with Philadelphia and batted .447 in 18 games while mostly playing shortstop. The Phillies already have All-Stars all around their infield and released Betancourt on Sunday. Betancourt played 152 games for the Brewers in 2011 and then hit .310 in the postseason. Betancourt hit .228 with seven homers and 36 RBIs with Kansas City last year. Wed, 27 Mar 2013 17:25:53 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/brewers_sign_inf_betancourt_to_1_year_deal/13249786 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/brewers_sign_inf_betancourt_to_1_year_deal/13249786 Brewers sign INF Betancourt to 1-year deal http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/brewers_sign_inf_betancourt_to_1_year_deal/13249786 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/f/3fb4329e12dd4991c763b3a0b4851570dd1f144a/mini/MarinersRoyals_a63f.jpg The Phillies lost to the Boston Red Sox in Clearwater, 7-6. After the game, they cut veteran infielder Yuniesky Betancourt, allowing him to pursue other opportunities. Betancourt played well with the Phillies, hitting .447 over 17 games. However, with Kevin Frandsen and Freddy Galvis ahead of him, and the need for a fifth outfielder, Betancourt was expendable. On top of that, his regular season numbers haven’t been very good. Over the last 5 seasons, Betancourt ranked 316 out of 349 qualified players with a .666 OPS. During the game, Ryan Howard and Chase Utley hit back to back home runs, their seventh and fourth of the spring, respectively. Utley finished 3-for-4 with 4 RBI. Cliff Lee wasn’t great, going 5 1/3 innings, giving up six runs and nine hits. Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:13:27 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/phils_lose_to_boston_cut_betancourt/13223119 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/phils_lose_to_boston_cut_betancourt/13223119 Phils Lose to Boston, Cut Betancourt http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/phils_lose_to_boston_cut_betancourt/13223119 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/1/91080e3f3d0239aaa106ed33436b420f9a1b95f2/mini/Royals_vs_Twins_725c.jpg Yuniesky Betancourt had an option in his contract with the Philadelphia Phillies that if he was not going to make the 25 man roster, he would be notified by March 25 and could ask for his release. Betancourt was released after today’s Grapefruit League game against the Boston Red Sox at Bright House Field. The move is a mistake for the Phillies who will likely count on Freddy Galvis and Kevin Frandsen to be the team’s utility infielders barring a trade or or signing. Betancourt had an outstanding spring for the Phillies. He hit .447 with a homerun and 14 RBI’s in 51 plate appearances in 17 games. He made several spectacular plays in the field and in a small sample showed that he can still contribute at the major league level. Allowing Betancourt to leave makes no sense for the Phillies. If they kept him on the roster, they could option Freddy Galvis who could get regular at bats at Triple A and continue to improve his hitting as opposed to the limited playing time he will get in Phi... Sun, 24 Mar 2013 16:49:44 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/phillies_make_mistake_releasing_betancourt/13223056 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/phillies_make_mistake_releasing_betancourt/13223056 Phillies Make Mistake Releasing Betancourt http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/phillies_make_mistake_releasing_betancourt/13223056 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/6/36ec49e51b0b022d8c5542e7055c1553fa22ece8/mini/Royals_vs_Tigers_7bfb.jpg Nick Cafardo slipped this tidbit in his morning post over at the Boston Globe this morning: (Betancourt) has improved his visibility, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see a team deal for him before the season. The best thing that happened for Betancourt is Jimmy Rollins playing in the WBC. Betancourt is also in good shape, which has been a challenge for him in the past. With a March 24 opt-out in his minor league deal, he’s on the Cardinals’ list as they attempt to replace Rafael Furcal. Keep a very close eye on this development – Cafardo speaks in the definite and not the hypothetical in this instance. If the Phillies manage to turn Yuniesky Betancourt into anything of value, it will be one of Ruben Amaro‘s greatest accomplishments. The 31 year-old infielder is hitting .412/.421/.471 with 2 doubles in 34 Spring ABs. Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:41:08 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cardinals_interested_in_betancourt/13163827 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/cardinals_interested_in_betancourt/13163827 Cardinals Interested in Betancourt http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/cardinals_interested_in_betancourt/13163827 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/6/36ec49e51b0b022d8c5542e7055c1553fa22ece8/mini/Royals_vs_Tigers_7bfb.jpg In our non-roster infield invitee preview, I wrote the following of Yuniesky Betancourt: Yikes. Chances of Making Phils out of Spring Training: If there is a higher power and they have mercy, please let this be none. Chances of Seeing Time with Phils in 2013: See above. I didn’t write that because I had about 20 players to write about and I was tired as sometimes is the case with concise notes. Instead, I wrote what I felt was all that was warranted at the time. Betancourt was never particularly skilled in any areas (hits for OK average and power, struggles defensively and to get on base), but always managed to find his way on to a Major League roster. In fact, if we’re comfortable no longer pulling punches, Betancourt has been worse than “never particularly skilled”; he’s been particularly “stealth” bad throughout his career, especially recently. Betancourt’s career triple-slash is .266/.290/.392, which is actually pretty OK for a shortstop. That line is better than Pete Orr‘s .259... Tue, 12 Mar 2013 11:00:29 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/what_to_do_with_betancourt/13119223 http://network.yardbarker.com/mlb/article_external/what_to_do_with_betancourt/13119223 What To Do With Betancourt http://www.yardbarker.com/mlb/articles/what_to_do_with_betancourt/13119223 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/1/91080e3f3d0239aaa106ed33436b420f9a1b95f2/mini/Royals_vs_Twins_725c.jpg