Brandon Belt will play winter ball in the Dominican Republic.
The rookie first baseman wasn't thrilled with the idea at first, but was convinced after having a conversation with Giants manager Bruce Bochy. "After talking with him, I really think it's going to make me a better player," said Belt. "If it's the best thing for me, then it's important that I go. There's a lot I can work on, and it'd probably be for just half a season." Belt missed a month this season with a broken wrist and has struggled with sporadic playing time on the major league level. The Giants still owe Aubrey Huff $10 million next season, so the 23-year-old may have to play the outfield to get the chance to be a regular in 2012.
I love that he is playing winter ball and think it will really pay off. Any chance you get to broaden your horizons has to be taken advantage of. Belt has been mishandled thanks to Bochy but has also had a fractured wrist that set him back. He's going to learn a different brand of baseball down there and I wish him HEALTH in the process.