Players' spots not locked in

By David Dorsey
Fort Myers News Press

For the first four games of the Fort Myers Miracle season, manager Kevin Boles wrote down four different lineups.

In just four games, Boles started two shortstops, two right fielders, two left fielders, two second basemen, two third baseman, two shortstops, three catchers and three designated hitters.

Only the center fielder, Eli Tintor, remained in the same position for every game, and only two players, leadoff hitter Steve Tolleson and nine-hole hitter Toby Gardenhire, maintained the same spots in the batting order each day.

Boles said he had a method to the lineup madness.

"We're logging everything that we're doing," Boles said. "We're going to make sure the numbers match. We're going to increase their versatility."

Boles noticed that some players arrived at the ballpark and did double takes upon looking at their spots in the lineup and on the field.

And that's just fine with Boles.

"It's fun watching them and how they react," Boles said. "One example of a player who switched positions and did well with it in the big leagues is Miguel Cabrera. He didn't play outfield in the minor leagues. He played third and shortstop.

"So where does he start for the Marlins when he gets to the big leagues? The outfield.

"We're trying to match up our players' strengths with where they should be on the field."

Boles said the only thing he will not do is position a player at a spot where he has no business playing. Otherwise, pay little attention to the position labels on the Miracle roster and media guide.

For example, "infielder" Erik Lis played outfield or designated hitter in the first four games.

Matt Betsill, listed as a third baseman in the Twins' media guide, also has made two starts at shortstop.

Gardenhire, listed as an infielder, will see playing time at every infield position, in the outfield and perhaps even at catcher.

"It keeps them fresh, and it keeps them excited to come to the ballpark," Boles said. "This is where you find out where you belong. Until you're given a try and an opportunity somewhere, you're never going to know.

"Who knows, maybe we'll give somebody a try somewhere, and their career will end up taking off."