Will pros learn new positions ?

[DougWyatt]

Can't believe I've never tried this or remember reading about it. Anyway, here is my scenario. I have

1. A weak fielding 2B (3 range .986), who hits well (7-9-7).
2. A slick fielding 2B (9 range .986), who hits a little (7-6-6).
3. A slick fielding 1B (9 range .985), who hits a little less than 2 (6-6-3).

Ideally, I'd like to move #1 to 1st (I'd assume he could learn 1st pretty easy). This lets me keep my big bat in the lineup - and puts my good glove at the more important middle IF spot. As well as a small offensive upgrade (using 1&2 vs. 1&3) or a big offensive upgrade (using 1&2 vs. 2&3).

So, my question is - if I move 1 to 1st - will he learn the position over time, or will do players only learn new positions in Spring Training or the minors ?


Edit : I edited the ratings - was at work when I first posted, and they weren't completely accurate.

[f.montoya]

They learn new positions over time no matter where or when they get the innings there. It's just better to have them do it early on in the minors so they can do an adequate job once at the major league level.

[Malleus Dei]

If your season's already hopelessly lost, though, you can train them in the majors. I made a slugging 1B with an arm into a marginal 3B that way once.

[DougWyatt]

Hmm, interesting.

Well, the season hasn't started - so it certainly isn't "hopelessly lost" - YET. I'm new to this particular league, and my inherited team has lost over 100 2 straight seasons, and not looking any better now. That said, I'm the type of GM that will not go the "oh well, this seasons a lost cause" route. I'd prefer to win as many games as I can. IE - My goal this year is 73 with this bunch.

Anyway - I guess now I can ask for advise from you fellas that have done it.

Will he be AWFUL at first if I go this route ?

What would you do ?

[LJR]

Almost anyone can play first base...I don't worry about position when it comes to first base and players generally develop solid skills when learning in the pros. Its been a long time since I played a true firstbaseman at first base although the guy usually learns the position and I've won 3 championships and all 10 division titles thus far in my one online league.

Heck, currently I have my poor fielding SS playing RF, a recently obtained C playing 1B and neither have experience either place...and so far, it hasn't hurt the team. In fact, both unskilled replacements have been doing better defensively then their skilled defenders who they replaced.

[LJR]

although i still would be careful doing this at a couple positions like the middle infield and CF....and perhaps C although the only defensive stat i really pay attention to is throwing arm there...and a decent fielding percentage. At C you want a decent fielding percentage or your catcher will have around a passed ball every other game or so....

[Exodor]

I moved a catcher to first base. It took him several months to learn the position, but he didn't commit THAT many errors prior to that. I'm sure he let a lot of balls go by that a more accomlished firstbaseman would have stopped, but it was worth it to get his bat into the lineup!

[bp_]

The problem with teaching most players in the majors is that they end up with a range rating of 1 or 2. If you were able to teach the guy in the minors that same player might end up a 7 or 8 (depending on his abilities of course).

[disposableheros]

i would check the leagues rules pertaining to what positions a guy can learn. lots of leagues have rules regarding this. its not realistic to find C playing CF or 1B playing SS.

[lencombs]

I'd package all three in a trade deal, get a 2B'r that gobbles up grounders, and a 1B'r with some big pop in his bat.