Braves can't wait for top prespect to make the majors

KISSIMMEE, FLORIDA - The Atlanta Braves paid a heavy price for Wilson Betemit. <br> <br> Now, that $100,000 fine and six-month ban on scouting in the Dominican Republic seem well worth it. <br> <br> Betemit, who wasn&#39;t yet 16 when he signed with the Braves, has developed into one of the game&#39;s best prospects: a lanky shortstop who could eventually make his mark as a power-hitting third baseman. <br> <br> It won&#39;t happen this year. The Braves&#39; lineup is already filled, and they don&#39;t want Betemit frittering away his time on the bench. <br> <br> Pencil him in for 2003 or &#39;04. <br> <br> Hitting coach Terry Pendleton said, ``He&#39;s got some serious tools. He makes everything seem effortless. He just needs to get a few more at-bats under his belt.&#39;&#39; <br> <br> Betemit got off to a slow start (3-of-23) this spring, eliminating the temptation to keep him on the roster for opening day. <br> <br> Since then, he&#39;s gone 5-of-10 to raise his average to .242, though nine strikeouts in 33 at-bats show he&#39;s still got a few things to learn. <br> <br> Pendleton says he probably needs another year in the minors and needs to get bigger and stronger. <br> <br> Betemit, a native of the Dominican Republic, signed with the Braves in 1996 before his 16th birthday. That ran afoul of baseball rules, leading to the hefty fine and scouting ban.