When Betancourt is at short, silence is golden.(BASEBALL)

Orioles fans started cheering when Ramon Hernandez hit a grounder up the middle, certain that it was going through for an RBI single. But Mariners shortstop Yuniesky Betancourt quickly snuffed out their excitement--and the potential hit--and threw to first base for an inning-ending out.

Betancourt might be unknown to many, but the silence his defense produces is becoming a familiar sound (or lack thereof) throughout the American League.

One veteran scout says Betancourt has the best range of any shortstop in the game. And he cleanly handles virtually everything he gets to. Betancourt was one of only two everyday shortstops--the other was the Astros' Adam Everett--who made it through April without committing an error.

Betancourt, 24, signed a four-year deal with the Mariners early last year after auditioning for a handful of teams. He did not play competitively for a year while waiting for paperwork after his defection from Cuba, but Betancourt impressed the Mariners with his footwork and quick hands.

He chose the Mariners in part because of the opportunity to move through their system quickly. And that he did. He started last season in Class AA, was promoted to Class AAA in early June and was called up to the majors in late July.

The Mariners' recent carousel at ...