Beamer Weems

[AztecBill]

Drew Cumberland Padres 22 year old SS at San Antonio started the year on the DL. Taking his place is a 23 year old SS who, unlike Cumberland, plays great defense and walks a ton. Cumberland is known for hitting and Beamer Weems is known for defense.

Beamer Weems was a switch hitter but has given that up this year to concentrate on hitting from his natural side. The results so far are encouraging, although it is still early.

Beamer Weems .357 .431 .554 .984

The two things I really like about Weems is his 20% walk rate and his outstanding defense at SS. Coming into this year his minor league stats show a combined 541 at bats and 114 walks. WOW. That is Rickey Henderson like. He has also been described as one of the best defensive SS in the minors.

[aztecryan]

Cumberland could easily hold down the position in the majors, but I think he'd be shifted to second base, where he'd be a plus defender. Drew's biggest problems are his erratic throws and he just can't seem to stay on the field.

[AztecBill]

Apr 27, 2011 9:33:18 GMT -8 aztecryan said:

Cumberland could easily hold down the position in the majors, but I think he'd be shifted to second base, where he'd be a plus defender. Drew's biggest problems are his erratic throws and he just can't seem to stay on the field.

Paul Depodesto's blog about signing Beamer

[aztecryan]

I'm not sold that Beamer can hit this well consistently, but hopefully he proves me wrong.

[aztecryan]

From a Baseball America chat with Jim Callis..

Jeff (San Diego): Beemer Weems is off to a great start in AA, is viewed as strong defensively, and has had decent OBPs in his career. Can he become a viable everyday shortstop for the Padres?


Jim Callis: Capable defender, but I don't think he can hit enough to be a big league regular. Won't sustain those OBPs in the majors because pitchers there will just overpower him.


Couldn't agree more with him.