Arizona Diamondbacks: Chris Owings emerges in a hybrid role

Chris Owings of the Arizona Diamondbacks follows others in the responsibility playing multi-positions.

Over the past three decades, the nature and roles of pitchers changed. Now, there is a focus on the hybrid nature of position players. Perhaps the poster child for this evolving slot is Chris Owings of the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In an organization’s desire to have one man fill multi-positions, the expectation is that this type of player fulfills two criteria. First, they show versatility and the ability to play more than one position. More importantly, and from an organizational vantage, they can free roster spots. Owings, a shortstop by trade, was forced to use his versatility two years ago when A.J. Pollock went down with a fractured right elbow.

Then-Arizona manager Chip Hale recruited Owings to fill in for Pollock in center field. After Pollock’s return last season, Owings, this time under the direction of current manager Torey Lovullo, was directed to fill in and play corner outfield slots.

This spring, Owings was asked to add second base and third base to his portfolio. The transition now to third represents the greater challenge. Speaking to Call to the Pen, Owings said there is a significant difference in adjusting to these positions, but happy to accommodate the organization.

"“The move from short to second is an easy transition,” he said. “The throws are about the same distances, so there is not a big difference. The throw from third looks to be a challenge. I’m looking to Jake Lamb, and he’s been helpful.”"

Here at the close of spring training, Lovullo made it known that he wants Owings in a position to play three infield positions of second, short and third as well as both corner outfield slots.

From a position standpoint, there are apparent differences. Lovullo, a former infielder, told Call to the Pen Owings, at third, must learn various angles from outfield throws, throwing from different angles, positioning during games — when to play in and how to react on the ball coming off a bat, and working with pitchers coming off the mound in fielding situations.