The Most Dependable Tool in the Shed...

A utility player is a player who can play several positions competently. Throughout the history of baseball, very few players have started at all nine positions within their careers. Cesar Tovar, Cookie Rojas, Bert Campaneris, Shane Halter, Don Kelly, and Jose Oquendo all managed to play each spot. Skilled utility players can prove a huge asset as starters need days off or get placed on the DL. One particular utility player has played at all positions except pitcher and catcher. In his 16 season career he has kept a consistent batting average of .267. He has never struck out more than 49 times, he collected over 1000 career hits with 381 RBIs, 40 HR, 32 Triples, and 186 doubles.  He is possibly the most dependable and consistent utility player in today’s game.

Miguel Jesus Cairo, born 1974 in Anzoategui State, Venezuela, has played for as many teams as he has positions. He was signed by the Dodgers in 1990, and then traded to the Mariners, Blue Jays, Cubs, later drafted by the Rays in the 1^st round (8^th overall) of the expansion draft. Cairo was then signed as a free agent by the Athletics only later to be traded back to the Cubs, Cardinals, Yankees, Mets, and then back to the Yankees again.  Cairo signed with the Cardinals, Mariners… again, then with the Phillies, and now he plays for the Reds.  Miguel Cairo is a leader in the clubhouse and a powerful defensive back up infielder. Cairo is also very adept at pinch-hitting with runners in scoring positions. Miguel Cairo currently backs up Scott Rolen at third base and Joey Votto at first. 

What’s so special about Miguel Cairo? His consistency, consistency, and consistency. Cairo may not be a ruthian, a blazing fast base stealer, or a behind the back 5-4-1 double play kind of guy, but when Reds manager Dusty Baker puts Cairo in the lineup, he knows exactly what he is going to get that day. Miguel gives 100% all the time and is unarguable the most solid utility player in the game.  Skilled utility players give managers dynamic options and tangible depth across the field.  Start bashing names into your Google search bar and find a more dependable utility guy, it can’t be done.