Cleveland Guardians utilityman Daniel Schneemann is one of the most versatile players in MLB. Yes, his offense comes and goes, but his ability to cover multiple positions has been a lifesaver for manager Stephen Vogt on more than one occasion.
Throughout his three-year MLB career, Schneemann has played at second base, third base, shortstop, and the three outfield positions, performing well in the vast majority of those spots. He allows Vogt to shuffle things around, looking for offensive or defensive solutions, depending on the situation.
However, there’s a non-zero chance Schneemann adds another position to his long resume. No, it’s not precisely a plan, but Vogt and the player himself both know that he might wind up playing some first base at some point in a game.
“Schneemann has done some work behind the scenes for that possibility, even if it’s just for an emergency situation. He worked out at first base following his July 24 option to Triple-A Columbus and has periodically since Cleveland recalled him to the Majors on Sept. 1,” MLB.com’s Tim Stebbins, who covers the team on a daily basis, wrote.
Vogt said that sending down Schneemann in late July was very, very hard for him, but the player has earned his spot back and is aiming to contribute in the stretch run. His versatility is a highly desirable trait for a manager.
Schneemann himself joked about the possibility of suiting up and playing the cold corner, hoping that he can ‘just get at least one inning [at first base] this year so I can be like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve played seven positions.’”
Schneemann has the versatility, athleticism, and discipline to provide at least average defense at the position, knowing that it would be a challenge and a completely different animal from other infield spots. Vogt didn’t rule out the possibility, too.
“Especially as we get deeper into the season, there’s times you have to make maybe one more move to try to win the game,” he said. “It’s just to make sure in an emergency he can go over there.”
The outfield might be Schneemann’s best position, as he has six Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) in just 230 innings there this year. However, he is also a very competent second baseman. Does he have what it takes to add first base to his long catalog? No one knows for sure, but the team is sure keeping all cards on the table.
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