Micah Owings?

Question

There is a lot of talk about Micah Owings having an offensive role in 2008. I know the following facts:

1. A pitcher can be moved to another position, but not back to the mound in the same inning.

2. Substitutions can allow for multiple position switches.

3. Relief pitchers must face at least one batter.

My question is this: does there need to be a SUBSTITUTION for him to switch positions, or could he spell another pitcher for the remainder of an inning? That would be interesting to see, Owings come in from RF in the middle of an inning, with the starting pitcher moving to RF, and then switching back.

Thanks for input.

Answer 1

There does not necessarily need to be a substitution. Take this for example. Jeff Cirillo starts the game for the D-Backs in which Micah Owings starts on the mound. Being a former pitcher, switching Owings and Cirillo back and forth would be a possible situation that, although unusual, is perfectly legal and logical. No substituion is made.

The example you give, Owings coming in from RF to be a relief pitcher and the pitcher he replaces heading to RF, is highly unlikely as most pitchers are exclusively that, pitchers. You don't have too many Utility Pitchers around. Your example is however perfectly legal and reinforces the fact there doesn't NEED to be a substitution, but not making one seems illogical.

Cheers.

Answer 2

#1 is nonsense. The only constraint on moving a pitcher off the mound to a defensive position and back again later, is #3, that the relieving pitcher must face one batter. But, yes, someone else does have to come out of the game if it is a new pitcher entering the game. Two pitchers can move back and forth off the mound if the manager is willing and the minimum-one-batter rule is followed.

Answer 3

Micah Owings is an incredible pitcher we've already observed that. in the sport the place the D'Backs wer enjoying the Astros Micah hit a p.c.. hit homerun. There arent that many pitchers who you will have faith as a pinch hitter and a great starter who will provide 6 stable innings. that style of expertise is unique and extremely uncommon to the sport of baseball and that i say Micah has an extraordinarily staggering profession previous to him.

Answer 4

Nothing wrong with having Micah hit. I watched the kid in college at Tulane in 2005. He definately could hit and was the ace of the staff, plus he did play some at 1st base while at Tulane. Wouldn't really suprise me if Arizona tried something to get him more ab's.
I realize there is a big difference between the college and pro game (smaller ball parks, aluminum bats) but from seeing him in person I have no doubt AZ could move him around or do something to get him more ab's.

Answer 5

I dont think he should be batting. Yes, he is a great hitter but dont let that two homerun game fool you. He is a great pitcher and is probably a better one then a hitter.

Believe me he is not going to be like Babe Ruth when he became a hitter, he isnt that good.

Answer 6

whatever. If Micah Owings could field then he probably should hit. If he can't he should probably pitch. He could be the DH on days he doesn't pitch (i think) in the AL, but he's in the NL so i don't know.