Re: Draft Order - First 5 Picks
Reply #15 –
It will be interesting to see if Brendan McKay can rise through the Tampa system doing both. If he can, there may be more willingness on the part of franchises to look at the combined pitcher/hitter players more.
There are other issues outside of the injury concerns Rod brought up too though. A combo player like Ohtani does in a way act like a 26th player, but it also necessitates that there be a part time player to fill in positionally and in the lineup on the days the combo player is pitching, preparing to pitch, or recovering from pitching. Ohtani is out three games of every week. In this day of teams grooming versatility in their players, this may become less of a challenge, but it is something that has to be considered nonetheless. I don't expect Ohtani to continue to hit as he has early on, but any team who has a combo player like that and that player is then removed three times a week for (likely) an inferior player takes a hit in the lineup almost half the time. ANd then what do these teams do in the playoffs?
I like the idea and actually hope it becomes more prevalent, but it will take a certain level of acceptance and consideration that is not part of the game presently.
As a side note, for all us Dodger fans, maybe Alex Verdugo could morph into one of these players as some point? When he was drafted he was considered by some teams/analysts to be better on the mound with mid to upper 90's heat. Some MSB team would be very lucky to have him if that possibility came to fruition. Oh wait . . . that team would be MINE!!! ;-)