Colletti Talks Betemit Trade

After last night's swap was announced to the media (Danys Baez, Willy Aybar and about 1.5 mil's worth of cash considerations to Atlanta for third baseman Wilson Betemit), Ned Colletti addressed the throng for a few minutes. Subjects ranged from the team's newest acquisition, how the Dodgers are in a "buying mode" and the potential for more moves before Monday. Colletti said his conversations with other G.M.'s (labeled "more frequent and serious" of late) have come more as a result of outgoing calls than incoming, a sign that he's taken on the pursuer role. And that the Dodgers will finish this month with a honkin' big phone bill, if not a blockbuster trade. It wasn't a long gathering, but here's some of what he had to say.

"He's already got some experience under his belt. He's played in a good organization, obviously, in Atlanta. His extra base production for the number of at bats that he's had, it's pretty strong. He's farther along than a prospect. More accomplished than a prospect... I think he's gonna be a real good bog league player. We'll take as many of those as we can get. Betemit is a versatile player who can play second, play short, play third..." - on Betemit

"We've seen him up here. He's got a great future. He's got a lot of potential, but we think Betemit's a little bit farther along right now in his development. So that's why there's a trade. " - on Willy Aybar

"Tomko is coming back to fit in Baez's place. With the addition of Giovanni (Carrara) a couple weeks ago and with Elmer the other day, we felt that we could take a chance." - On losing Danys Baez's contributions

"We've got a lot of things going on... I'd say from the middle of last night forward, there's been a whole lot more activity. Been a whole lot more conversations. Big Pieces. Smaller pieces... What will get done I can't predict because I'm only half the equation." - On the possibility of more trades on the horizon

"Sure, but again, a big bat is like an ace starting pitcher. There's not many of them available and you have to take it as it comes. If there's a player of that ilk available and I can make it work, we'll do it... I think this is an upgrade to our offense with Betemit." - On whether he's still seeking out a big bat.


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