Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth
So the fact that Ohtani fills two roles allows you to add the worst player on your team to your roster. How valuable is that when push comes to shove, I don't know how to quantify it.
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Well, one consideration is that with Verlander as your ace, you need to build the rest of your team, including (presumably) a dedicated DH and slate of RHP and LHP to start, setup and close. If Ohtani is your ace, you can literally have the exact same lineup with one extra roster spot. This flexibility could be used for a luxury specialist that has one or two tools, but not enough versatility to fit on a normal roster.
Imagine a player that hits .212, mediocre defender, but a true expert on the basepaths. He probably gets a couple shots in the big leagues, but keeps getting sent down because he doesn't have the BA or fielding skills to stay on the bench. But, if you have the extra spot because Ohtani fills two spots, you have a guy that can start every extra inning game on 3rd base with no outs and can score on any fly ball. This is also true if you get a runner on second or third in the 8th-9th inning in a tie game or down by a run. It is very niche, but it could literally be a difference of 4-6 games over the course of a season. That is a WAR of 4-6 by virtue of the fact the alternative is not having that person at all.
Alternatively, maybe you have a pitcher that gets lit up against righties, but is unhittable against lefties. Again, not versatile enough to take a bullpen spot on alot of clubs, but with one extra roster spot, you have a lefty closer that you can put into any game.
That flexibility has tremendous value to alot of teams (especially a team managed well - not necessarily one that can't make September interesting with two players that may go down as all time greats). It is not just the ability to bring in a 4th string middle infielder off the waiver wire to keep the Gatorade and sunflower seeds stocked on the bench.