The utility player has changed in major league baseball since the 1980\u2019s and even the 1970\u2019s, but nothing has been as dramatic as what we have seen over the past five to seven years. With the way the game has transformed recently, baseball\u2019s latest emphasis is to have more pitchers on the roster. Teams find they can no longer can rely on the \u201cutility\u201d player but now seek the \u201cmulti-position\u201d or \u201csuper utility\u201d player.<\/p>\n
Originally, utility players of the 1970\u2019s, 80\u2019s, and 90\u2019s were veteran players who could play all the infield positions except first base. These players were never considered top-level hitters, but were late-inning defensive replacements used in extra innings or as pinch runners. The utility player might get a spot start on occasion if there was a day game that followed a night game, or when a double-header occurred.<\/p>\n
The utility player role has changed since then. Some popular utility players from the 70\u2019s through the 90\u2019s include Rick Auerbach<\/strong><\/a>, Alan Bannister<\/strong><\/a>, Hubie Brooks<\/strong><\/a>, Vic Harris<\/strong><\/a>, Rance Mulliniks<\/strong>,<\/a> Jose Offerman<\/strong><\/a>, Jose Oquendo<\/a><\/strong> and Cesar Tovar<\/strong><\/a>. While not considered power threats, the utility players were popular with their teammates. Although their names normally did not get the top billing, they did get acknowledgement for their contributions to a team\u2019s success from their teammates.<\/p>\n Baseball in the 2000\u2019s became more about power hitting and scoring runs. Teams had to add more pitching, and the utility player role had to evolve. Some teams have 12 or even 13 pitchers. That smaller bench means more significance is now placed on position flexibility and even durability.<\/p>\n Teams now need players who can play multiple positions\u2014both infield and outfield\u2014and play each of them well. They are now more than \u201cutility\u201d players; they now provide the flexibility teams need by being able to take most any position at any time. They need to be able to start at one position one day and then start at another the next. Utility players even need to be able to move from position to position when they start a game.<\/p>\n The utility player role has changed into a multi-use or super utility player situation as well. They are as popular as some of the teams\u2019 big-name stars. Guys like Brendan Donovan<\/strong><\/a>, Brandon Drury<\/strong><\/a>, Wilmer Flores<\/strong><\/a>, Whit Merrifield<\/a><\/strong>, and Chris Taylor<\/a><\/strong> are utilized in this position. Even fans are beginning to realize what the super-utility player means to a team. With the ability to play multiple positions, these valuable players can fill any number of voids a team may have.<\/p>\n Some can even play catcher as part of their collection of positions. All 30 clubs now have at least one \u201csuper-utility\u201d player who can provide good-to-great defense at a handful of positions.<\/p>\n Having the super-utility player around keeps everyone fresh over the 162-game season. It allows the manager more flexibility when deciding on his daily game plan. This is what has made these players so important in the new reshaping of baseball. A team striving for a playoff spot needs their star players to take the field every day. A team also needs guys who can play like the stars on an as-needed basis in any position at a moment\u2019s notice.<\/p>\n The utility player role is as crucial as ever, and those players are an important part of any team because they provide valuable depth and versatility. Guys who can play any position have always been valuable, but perhaps no more valuable than they are in today\u2019s game.<\/p>\n They provide a team great options. Since these players frequently can play a variety of positions, and play them well, managers can put them in different scenarios. When teams are given this type of unique player, they are able to win games in a variety of ways.<\/p>\n While multi-use and super-utility player\u2019s contributions can be essential to a team\u2019s success, these tend to be selfless guys. They may not be super stars, but their contributions can be invaluable. Having a couple of these players on a team can could make the difference come playoff time. They deserve all the accolades that the manager, coaches, and even fans give them.<\/p>\nPosition Evolves<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Now Popular<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Moving Guys Around<\/strong><\/h4>\n
Important Part<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>