Last Spot On Your Roster

Reposted from November 2007.

By now you all have been plotting your dream lineup. Very soon you'll realize that you need about another $15 million. With a 22 player minimum, you may have already come to the conclusion that it would be much more beneficial to have a 25 man squad. But how do you do that financially? Such are the worries of the modern Municipal League owner.

The last two spots on your roster are more then critical. Of course your going to need at least one extra pitcher that can start occasionally, provide long relief and mop up. But what about everyday lineup support? Do you go with an extra stick for late inning pinch hitting, or provide for a late inning defensive replacement for the guy who hits a ton but can't field a lick?

Here are five utility guys, all at the league minimum salary, that may fit right at the end of your roster. Each of these guys play a minimum of 5 positions - most play 6.

Cesar Tovar - One time Twin. He's got speed (24 stolen bases on average), has a very good outfield glove and plays 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF. Also not too bad of a stick hitting .286, with an OPS of .729.

Candidate Number Two is Jimmy Johnston. Not the 'blow hard - helmet hair' NFL commentator but a turn of the century guy. No not the last turn of the century, the century before that. He's also got speed (20 stolen base average), plays 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF. Not stick challenged, hitting .280, with an OPS of .737.

Bachlor Number Three is Possum Whitted. You gotta love the name and he's good enough not to constantly make fun of. His statistics: speed (19 stolen bases), has a very good outfield glove and plays 2B, 3B, LF, CF, RF. Hitting .265, with an OPS of .737.

Next Tony Phillips (pictured above) is good enough to be a regular in your lineup. Here are his attibutes: an excellent glove and plays 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF. Best hitter of the bunch .272, with an OPS of .782.

Concluding our 'Utility Men gone wild' feature is Woodie Held. 2B, 3B, SS, LF, CF, RF. He will not be you best fielder, but he can cover three-fourths of the field in a pinch and has the knack for the long ball, averaging 23 dingers a season. His average is at .251 and the onbase plus slugging rate is .767.