I talked today in the open of UTK about roster expanders. I did a piece way back when about superutility players and I’d thought that I’d done a second piece. Evidently, that second piece exists only in my head or some back corner of my hard drive, so here’s the types of roster expanders with a brief definition:
* Superutility: Pretty straightforward. This player can play several positions at a league average pace. They tend to be fast as well, since athleticism almost defines the position. Tony Phillips is the patron saint of this class of expander, but Chone Figgins and Ryan Freel are the best recent examples.
* Kieschnick Pitchers (or, two-ways): A pitcher that hits enough to function as a pinch-hitter or even a position player in a pinch. Brooks Kieschnick is the obvious genesis of the name, but someone like Mike Hampton or even Carlos Zambrano could fit in this category if used that way. There’s also a reverse of this, which is a hitter that can also pitch. That kid from Creighton who can throw with both hands is another variation.
* Plus-Catchers: This is the player who has a primary position, but can also catch. Mike Piazza is now most likely a plus catcher, but you could extend this to someone like Josh Phelps or even Carlos Delgado, if they were used more. All teams carrying a third catcher with a slugging percentage below .500 should consider this.
* Lasorda Outfielders: This is one of the more complex ones to explain. Tommy Lasorda (and I’m sure others, but I remember Tommy doing this) would bring in a LOOGY. Then he’d bring in another reliever, but rather than burning his lefty by pulling him, he’d send him to the OF. When the next guy came up, the pitchers would swap places, saving bench slots. I guess that makes the LOOGY a TOOGY.
* Throw-day relievers: Precisely what it sounds like. It’s using your starter (presumably one of the best six pitchers on your staff) on his normal throw day as a reliever rather than wasting that work on the side.
If anyone has any other suggestions for roster expanders, I’d love to hear them.
Update: Reader D.A. sends in this smart idea: “Call them Corner Cutters….There are a number of players that can play both 3B and 1B, some play one spot better than the other. In a critical moment, lets say SFG v STL with Bonds up, 2 outs and the winning run on third. Swap Rolen and Pujols. I’m not saying Pujols is a bad first baseman, but the idea is to put your more versatile, athletic position player in the way of the pull field of the hitter, especially if the hitter has a more pronounced pull than others. This may save a screamer that a great third baseman can get to while an average 1st basemen might not.”
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