This afternoon’s lineup, more thoughts on Betancourt

Published 9:12 am Thursday, March 19, 2009

No regulars in the lineup for this afternoon’s split-squad game against the Cubs. Unless,of course, you consider Ronny Cedeno a regular at shortstop.

That may happen eventually, especially of Yuniesky Betancourt doesn’t get a clue with his approach at the plate (see my post from last night’s game). Cedeno doesn’t have the production potential that Betancourt has, but I remember a wise old baseball man told me once that having potential means you haven’t done squat yet. And he didn’t use the word “squat.”

Bottom line is that Cedeno is doing the little things that manager Don Wakamatsu wants to see and Betancourt isn’t. Also, Cedeno is a smooth player in the field who had great range, a nice glove and a good arm. We’ll see if Wakamatsu’s tough words last night about Betancourt were meant merely for motivation or if he backs them up with a benching if Betancourt’s wild-swinging ways continue.

OK, today’s lineup (more regulars will play tonight against the Padres, including Ken Griffey Jr. in left field):

Reegie Corona, second base

Ronny Cedeno, shortstop

Matt Tuiasosopo, third base

Wladimir Balentien, center field

Bryan LaHair, DH

Chris Shelton, first base

Mike Morse, left field

Jamie Burke, catcher

Tyson Gillies, rigth field

Gaby Hernandez, starting pitcher