McGehee makes strong bid for utility role
Phoenix - There was no writing on the wall for Casey McGehee to read.
Smoke signals hadn't been sent up for him to see.
In no way did he see the hit coming.
Yes, he knew a two-time all-star third baseman - Aramis Ramirez - was playing in front of him in the Chicago Cubs organization. But after putting up pretty solid numbers in the minors for six seasons and getting a September call-up last year, McGehee didn't think he'd get axed.
That's exactly what happened, however, just weeks after the Cubs' season ended. The Milwaukee Brewers immediately claimed him off waivers, and with some bench spots currently open and McGehee hot during spring training, the unexpected release from the Cubs could turn out to be McGehee's portal to the big leagues.
"It was a shock," McGehee said of leaving the Cubs, who drafted him in the 10th round in 2003. "This was the first time I felt I really had a chance to (make the Cubs' team), and to go from that to being told I'm let go . . . I didn't see it coming.
"But it's been great for me here. Sometimes a change of scenery gives you a new focus. You see there are other teams, other opportunities out there."
McGehee - pronounced "McGee" - is taking advantage of this latest one. After hitting .296 with 12 home runs and 92 runs batted in for Class AAA Iowa, the Cubs' affiliate, McGehee is batting .400 with three home runs and seven RBI this spring. One of those homers gave the Brewers the lead in the ninth inning March 9 against the San Francisco Giants, who went on to win on a walk-off homer in the bottom of the inning. He also hit a grand slam that didn't count in official Cactus League statistics against Australia's World Baseball Classic team.
McGehee didn't start hot, though. He had one hit in his first six at-bats as he tried to impress his new team. But after a couple of days off, McGehee focused and has been one of the team's hottest spring hitters.
"The first week or so I felt like I was pressing, trying to do too much," said McGehee, 26. "Some of it is human nature. It was the first time switching organizations and trying to make a good impression with guys in the clubhouse. You want to get off to a good start.
"After I had a couple days off in a row, I got my focus back and got back to playing my style of game. I felt more at ease on the field."
McGehee, who played outfield and even pitched in college before being converted to an infielder, has spent the majority of his time at third base this season, splitting time with Mike Lamb and Craig Counsell while Bill Hall was out with a partially torn calf.
With Counsell locked in as a bench player, McGehee's primary competition for the other reserve infielder slot has been Lamb, who hasn't impressed with his .265 average or his glove. McGehee, meanwhile, is known as a solid defensive player.
If he makes the team, McGehee would also give the Brewers their only right-handed bat off the bench, excluding backup catcher Mike Rivera.
McGehee's versatility in the field also gives manager Ken Macha the option to play him at first base or even as the emergency catcher. And as of the last week, McGehee has been getting time at second base.
"In the National League, (versatility) makes you extremely valuable," Macha said, noting how many years he and Counsell played in the majors because of that asset. "It means you can double-switch any time you want to.
"He continues to make a statement."
Sometimes younger players are reluctant to be so adaptable because it puts the dreaded "utility" label on them early, which could mean you'll never be a starter because you can give a team security as a bench player.
But McGehee welcomes the tag as he fights for a spot on the opening-day roster.
"The more places you can play, the better off you are," McGehee said.
By Anthony Witrado
Phoenix - There was no writing on the wall for Casey McGehee to read.
Smoke signals hadn't been sent up for him to see.
In no way did he see the hit coming.
Yes, he knew a two-time all-star third baseman - Aramis Ramirez - was playing in front of him in the Chicago Cubs organization. But after putting up pretty solid numbers in the minors for six seasons and getting a September call-up last year, McGehee didn't think he'd get axed.That's exactly what happened, however, just weeks after the Cubs' season ended. The Milwaukee Brewers immediately claimed him off waivers, and with some bench spots currently open and McGehee hot during spring training, the unexpected release from the Cubs could turn out to be McGehee's portal to the big leagues.
"It was a shock," McGehee said of leaving the Cubs, who drafted him in the 10th round in 2003. "This was the first time I felt I really had a chance to (make the Cubs' team), and to go from that to being told I'm let go . . . I didn't see it coming.
"But it's been great for me here. Sometimes a change of scenery gives you a new focus. You see there are other teams, other opportunities out there."
McGehee - pronounced "McGee" - is taking advantage of this latest one. After hitting .296 with 12 home runs and 92 runs batted in for Class AAA Iowa, the Cubs' affiliate, McGehee is batting .400 with three home runs and seven RBI this spring. One of those homers gave the Brewers the lead in the ninth inning March 9 against the San Francisco Giants, who went on to win on a walk-off homer in the bottom of the inning. He also hit a grand slam that didn't count in official Cactus League statistics against Australia's World Baseball Classic team.
McGehee didn't start hot, though. He had one hit in his first six at-bats as he tried to impress his new team. But after a couple of days off, McGehee focused and has been one of the team's hottest spring hitters."The first week or so I felt like I was pressing, trying to do too much," said McGehee, 26. "Some of it is human nature. It was the first time switching organizations and trying to make a good impression with guys in the clubhouse. You want to get off to a good start.
"After I had a couple days off in a row, I got my focus back and got back to playing my style of game. I felt more at ease on the field."
McGehee, who played outfield and even pitched in college before being converted to an infielder, has spent the majority of his time at third base this season, splitting time with Mike Lamb and Craig Counsell while Bill Hall was out with a partially torn calf.
With Counsell locked in as a bench player, McGehee's primary competition for the other reserve infielder slot has been Lamb, who hasn't impressed with his .265 average or his glove. McGehee, meanwhile, is known as a solid defensive player.
If he makes the team, McGehee would also give the Brewers their only right-handed bat off the bench, excluding backup catcher Mike Rivera.
McGehee's versatility in the field also gives manager Ken Macha the option to play him at first base or even as the emergency catcher. And as of the last week, McGehee has been getting time at second base.
"In the National League, (versatility) makes you extremely valuable," Macha said, noting how many years he and Counsell played in the majors because of that asset. "It means you can double-switch any time you want to.
"He continues to make a statement."
Sometimes younger players are reluctant to be so adaptable because it puts the dreaded "utility" label on them early, which could mean you'll never be a starter because you can give a team security as a bench player.
But McGehee welcomes the tag as he fights for a spot on the opening-day roster.
"The more places you can play, the better off you are," McGehee said.
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