Best multi-position player

[toomanyhatz]

So who was the best player of all-time at multiple positions?

Basically, who I included is somewhat arbitrary, but I tried to make it anyone who logged significant time at at least three positions. I treated each OF position separately, but didn't include anyone whose three positions are just the OF ones, (can't think of who that'd apply to anyway, actually). I also included an 'other' option in case I've missed anyone obvious. Few options, since I didn't figure many people would want to vote for Don BUford, Buck Herzog or even Billy Goodman, but you never know.

[toomanyhatz]

It's going to be Stan vs. Pete, isn't it? I think I'm going with Stan.

[Ben Grimm]

Can get somewhat subjective IMO. Some players are stuck in a position because there's no viable option to move that player anywhere else for an advantage. As good as somebody like Musial was, I'd have to figure Alex Rodriguez could very easily have won MVPs at 1B, 2B, LF & RF had the opportunity been there during his prime.

[toomanyhatz]

Wasn't sure whether to include Jackie Robinson either. Played 200 G at only 2B and 3B, but 1B was just short, and he basically played the equivalent of a full season in the OF as well. I probably should've included him, so if anyone wants to vote for him, please do so by voting 'other' and posting that that's your choice.

[dgarza]

Babe Ruth
1000+ games RF
1000+ games LF
1200+ IPs

George Davis
1300+ games SS
500+ games 3B
300+ games OF

Martin Dihigo

[toomanyhatz]

Babe Ruth
1000+ games RF
1000+ games LF
1200+ IPs

Well, dang! Totally forgot about that! Of course that would've taken all the suspense out of it, wouldn't it?

[fenrir]

Putting aside his steroid use, Arod deserves a mention. He put together HOF worthy numbers as an SS and 3B.

[PVNICK]

Among the players you have listed, Musial is in many top ten player lists, Rose, Killer and Torre are at best in the back half of the top ten at their main positions (LF, 1B, C).

If we want to add names to the list: Biggio - C, 2B, OF (I forget if he was CF or LF).
If its is just two positions: Yount SS, CF
Molitor and Dick Allen could fit on the list as well.

[dgarza]

I really didn't want to make such deep cuts, but if we're dropping the bar on how much time players spend at other positions, we could add :

Frank Robinson
RF - 1271 games
LF - 835 games
1B - 305 games

Gary Sheffield
RF - 1161 games
LF - 487 games
3B - 468 games

Hank Aaron
RF - 2174 games
LF - 315 games
CF - 308 games
1B - 210 games

Honus Wagner
SS - 1887 games
RF - 272 games
1B - 248 games
3B - 210 games

[brett]

Sorry this is a little different answer, not necessarily the best who happened to play 3 positions, but players who were particularly adept at 3+ positions:
Buck Ewing,
Gil McDougald who basically played at a gold glove level defensively at 2B, SS and 3B, all for 200+ games I think, and 100+ OPS+. Not only was he a gold glove level guy, he probably could be an all time top 10 defensive SS or 3B if he had played more or lasted longer at either of those spots. He ranks higher per game in most defensive metrics (win shares, total zone) than Ozzie Smith at SS and Mike Schmidt at 3B (granted for far fewer games).

Did anyone mention Paul Molitor? He gets downgraded a lot because he DH'ed so much but he was probably average to above average at 2B, 3B, 1B, and legitimate at CF and even a serviceable shortstop. He didn't DH because he couldn't field, he did it to protect him from injuries.

[brett]

The reason I wouldn't like to vote for Rose here is because he was basically a little below average fielder at every position he played, but his versatility helped his team build a powerhouse, and he is the guy who played the most diverse bunch of positions.

It doesn't take much for a guy to play 2 outfield spots and then move to first base at some point. Musial however was a very good fielder at all 3 spots. So was Ruth.

Another guy worth mention is Jimmie Foxx. Of course he played 1B, but he caught like 130 games, and he played some 3B (I know he played 3B in the all star game at least 2x).

[dgarza]

Did anyone mention Paul Molitor? He gets downgraded a lot because he DH'ed so much but he was probably average to above average at 2B, 3B, 1B, and legitimate at CF and even a serviceable shortstop. He didn't DH because he couldn't field, he did it to protect him from injuries.

I don't know what other metrics say, but dWAR suggests that Molitor was not really much at 1B. Yes, it was late in his career when he played 1B, but dWAR gives him more than less than -1.0 each year from '91-'98.

[Ben Grimm]

Watching games thru my teen years, I don't remember anybody having as much flexibility as Tony Phillips. Sure, he'll never be confused with a GGer, but he held his own fairly well and being able to do so much offers alot to a team.

2B - 777 games
LF - 566 games
3B - 428 games
SS - 294 games
RF - 169 games
CF - 97 games

I'm definitely not saying he belongs in this conversation compared to the names up top, but most of them had the luxury of sliding over to 1B later in their careers - something Phillips never did.

[dgarza]

Sorry this is a little different answer, not necessarily the best who happened to play 3 positions, but players who were particularly adept at 3+ positions:
Buck Ewing,

And there have to be other players from early on who fit this mold too, right? Any of these guys?: Ross Barnes, Bob Ferguson, Davy Force, Ezra Sutton, Ned Williamson (who was an OK pitcher too), Dave Foutz was OK...

Bobby Wallace - SS, 3B, and started off as a pretty good pitcher for his 1st 3 seasons.

[brett]

I don't know what other metrics say, but dWAR suggests that Molitor was not really much at 1B. Yes, it was late in his career when he played 1B, but dWAR gives him more than less than -1.0 each year from '91-'98.

Well, he was no Frank Thomas. I think it hurt him some to play first base irregularly too.