Jamey Carroll’s vanishing art: a true utility player
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Last of a dying breed.
Maybe not the way most would prefer to be recognized. Sort of implies the days are numbered.
Yet, there is no doubt that Jamey Carroll performs a service once common among major league teams, but now seen about as often as a Manny Ramirez quote -- utility player.
That’s not to be confused with a utility infielder or a versatile outfielder.
Carroll, 36, can play second base, shortstop, third base, left field, center field or right field. He’s a one-man depth.
The kind of true versatility that is a vanishing skill.
‘There’s more out there than what you think,’ Carroll said. ‘It just seems like nobody ever talks about us.’
Pressed, though, and he only comes up with two: Willie Bloomquist of the Kansas City Royals and the Dodgers’ Nick Green. There’s Chone Figgins in Seattle, but their numbers are growing scarce.
He figures to get most of his time with the Dodgers at second base, his original position. But with Blake DeWitt within days of being announced as the opening-day second baseman, Carroll’s versatility figures to be a strong asset.
‘Whatever they want me to do,’ he said. ‘I go where they tell me. And when that time comes, try to play well wherever it’s at. I’m not in control of that. I can only control how I play, wherever I play.’
Ask him his ideal situation, and he is quick with his response.
‘Win,’ Carroll said. ‘I’m not [kidding] you either on that.
‘I got to play every day and hit .300 [2006 with Colorado], and I was sitting home in October. And then the next year I hit .220 and wasn’t playing every day and we went to the World Series. And that was something I’ll never forget. I’ll never forget hitting .300, but give me a chance to go to the World Series.
‘As long as you have an opportunity to win, that’s the bottom line. That’s why I’m excited to be here, because the situation this team’s been here. As long as we go home happy, that’s the best-case scenario.’
The 5-foot-9 Carroll spent the last two seasons with Cleveland. Last year, he sat out the first five weeks of the season after breaking his hand in his final spring at-bat.
He came back to bat .276 in 315 at-bats, appearing in 56 games at second, 23 games at third, and making four starts both in left and right fields.
‘If I can do everything, hopefully it will allow us to carry an extra pitcher or maybe an extra stick,’ he said. ‘That’s sort of what’s been designated my role for a long time now.’
Carroll has become an expert and scheduling his practice time. A little for grounders at second, some at third, short, switch gloves and get in some outfield.
‘It’s only as much of a challenge as you want to make it,’ he said. ‘Everybody here is accessible to help get your work in, it’s just a matter of whether you want to take the time to do it. I’m used to doing it, so I’ve never really stressed. You go out and do it right, and do it efficiently, you should be able to get it done.’
And keep the breed alive.
--Steve Dilbeck, reporting from Phoenix