Hank Conger was sent packing to the Bees at Salt Lake on July 19, not long after the All Star game.  The rationale included getting him more playing time to hone his defensive skills and to work on his swing. ("I've got to go down and get some work in" is what Conger told the L.A. Times). 

Since July 19, Conger has had 85 at-bats, which provides a substantial stat base on which to analyze his performance in AAA.  Using the MLB Equivalency Calculator, I was able to create a chart which contrasts Conger and Mathis in respect to their offensive production.  I used the All Star break when finding a point at which to begin Mathis' stats.

While this comparison is in no way scientific, it does provide some perspective in the "what have you done for me lately" category.

  

Suffice it to say, Conger would be a major offensive upgrade to Mathis (and to Wilson for that matter) if his performance at AAA Salt Lake and the Equivalency Calculator are to be believed.  Even if Mathis' AB's are doubled, his production is far inferior to Conger's. As Mathis' overall batting average approaches the .170's (.133 since the All Star break), and as his CERA blows up, it's time to give Hank a second shot.