Saying Goodbye To Yuniesky Betancourt

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

It’s time to say goodbye to Yuniesky Betancourt for the last time. Hopefully. I thought we had seen the last of him in 2011 but after a season with the Kansas City Royals, Doug Melvin pulled him back in. Not only was that hilariously not smart, but keeping him on the roster for the entire season was a step above that.

Melvin believed Betancourt would be a more viable option than utility infielder Donnie Murphy, who was released. In his first stint with the Brewers, Betancourt was a respectable hitter who hit .252 but last year his average slid down as he only hit .228. What made Melvin want to bring him back? That’s a question that may never be answered. Meanwhile, Murphy, now with the Chicago Cubs, has a .259 average with 11 dingers.

In comparison, Betancourt is batting .211 with 13 home runs (but 12 of those came before August). His on-base percentage (.238) is respectable if by respectable you mean sucks. Along with his battles at the plate, Betancourt was forced to learn first base  – along with every other Brewers player, it seems. The surprising thing is, he was actually somewhat impressive at that position.

Despite that, I’ve seen enough of him for one lifetime. From what I’ve heard, he’s a very friendly guy but being nice doesn’t make you hit the ball. The Brewers are almost guaranteed to let him walk and it will be interesting to see if Betancourt hooks up with another team next season. He doesn’t have any above-average skills and he might demand more than the league minimum salary.

This is my farewell to you, Yuni B. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.