NFBC Message Boards

The Padres are trying out Christian Bethancourt as a pitcher with the idea using him as a potential ultimate utility player. Below is the quote from Andy Green.

“We’re flirting with the idea of this guy being a very intriguing ’25th man’ who can catch, can play the outfield and can pitch,” Green said. “I know no team has actually really tried to deploy a guy in that capacity — probably ever when you consider those three dynamics.

“We’ll run as far down that road as his arm allows us to. I don’t know that we’re firmly committed to that or married to that, but it’s worth exploring.”

I know the odds are that this probably doesn't happen and if it does we probably don't want the results of his pitching stats because they won't be good. But hypothetically if Bethancourt did pitch 25 decent MR innings and had 300+ PA in a C/Utility role, how would the NFBC handle that? Would he gain P eligibility at some point and during lineup submission you would either choose to play him at C or P and you couldn't accumulate both pitching and offensive stats during the same week?

Obviously can't speak for the NFBC, but it is an interesting question.

My initial thoughts are:

1. I guess he would need 10 appearances as a pitcher to gain pitcher eligibility given that he currently does not have it. Perhaps a case could be made that the 10-appearance rule could or should be modified for pitchers, but I note that in the past when a position player was allowed to pitch in a blow-out game, that did not immediately bestow pitcher eligibility.

2. I think if Bethancourt is eligible as a position player and a pitcher, owners should be allowed to slot him in either position, but not both at the same time. Basically, the owner decides whether they want to use Bethancourt as a hitter or pitcher in a given week. If as a hitter, he could be inserted or removed come Friday. If as a pitcher, he stays in the lineup all week.

3. If Bethancourt is in the lineup as a hitter, his pitching stats should not count. Similarly, if he is in the lineup as a pitcher, his hitting stats should not count. That would be consistent with the NFBC's current rules, whereby: (a) if a pitcher is in your lineup, you do not get any credit for his hitting stats; and (b) if a hitter is in your lineup, you do not get any credit for his pitching stats (were he to pitch an inning in a blow-out game).

Think that covers it. Of course, how your question gets answered also may depend on IT capabilities. If the NFBC could not accommodate the above, I suppose another option would be to make two players - Bethancourt the hitter and Bethancourt the pitcher.

Just my two cents.

Mike