Who's the best Utility Player in each league?

[PianoMonkey]

I've been curious about this "position" ever since it became clear that the Royals would have three of them on the 25-man roster. I'm not particularly knowledgable about it, however, and want to know everyone's opinion.

[LeGrandOrange]

I've actually lost track of who the good utility players are these days...a few years ago I would've gushed about Denny Hocking because he could play anywhere regularly...battery's not included. But Hocking doesn't play for the Twins anymore so I'm no longer certain.

BTW...I don't see three utility players in Kansas City. :)

[clemente21]

I think Tony Graffinino is a pretty underated utility guy - plays ok against righties and hits lefties very well, but he hasn't played the outfield. A really great utility guy needs to be able to play in 20 games a year at an outfield corner as well as be able to play 2B/SS/3B without being a defensive embarassment.

[PianoMonkey]

BTW...I don't see three utility players in Kansas City. :)
Tony Graffinino is a pretty underated utility guy - plays ok against righties and hits lefties very well, but he hasn't played the outfield.

Desi Relaford, Tony Graffanino, and Mendy Lopez can each play at least 5 different positions on the field. The only catch is Relaford will be our "regular" 2B this year, and won't move around the field so much.

BTW, I've heard that Graff "can" play the outfield, but has never been in a situation where it was needed. Technically he does have a few games in left in his career.

[Crash Course]

If you let "starters" like Desi count, then you have to talk about Melvin Mora/
Shoot, if you allow regulars, how about Biggio - he can play C, MI, and OF - and I would guess 3B and 1B too, if needed.

[PianoMonkey]

Absolutely Mora would count, and he might just be the best out there. Biggio I dunno. Since he's never played more than one position in any particular year I don't think he counts. Besides, I'm not sure if he would even be in the running for the best anyway.

[clemente21]

If you let "starters" like Desi count, then you have to talk about Melvin Mora/
Shoot, if you allow regulars, how about Biggio - he can play C, MI, and OF - and I would guess 3B and 1B too, if needed.I forgot about Mora. He definitely qualifies - Tony Phillips in his prime played every day, but split his time across 2-4 positions.

Biggio can't catch any more, just like Todd Zeile can't catch any more.

[johnnyshaka]

Mark McLemore will play anywhere you ask him to play...which is probably his only upside these days as he's nearing the end of his career. Usually getting around 400 ABs a season playing 4 or 5 positions certainly qualifies as a "supersub" in my books.

Back a couple of years...Brosius played a role like that, but he was more of a corner guy who would play anywhere in a pinch if need be...even SS. And, he did have a decent bat which made it a little more bearable to put him in the lineup at SS.

[shultzy65]

DeRosa 5 positions last year, 4 in 2003. the braves utility man...
Huff - 1st, 3rd, OF and DH in past few years ..
Nevin - especially if he could catch a game or two
Polanco plays 3 infield spots and has few errors

and i guess pujols could always play 3 or 4 spots - bit derogatory to call him a 'utility' player though.

my guess there are more utility guys out there than we realise. some just don't get used that way.