Josh Willingham was an infielder when he was young, and is an outfielder in the major leagues. But he can catch, too. Drafted in 2000, Willingham climbed to Class AA by 2003, playing first and third base. But among his teammates on the Carolina Mudcats that year were first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and third baseman Miguel Cabrera -- each a future All-Star.
"The Marlins said, 'Listen, can you catch?'" Willingham recalled. "I said, 'I've never caught a day in my life. Would it help me get to the big leagues someday?' They said absolutely, so I said OK."
He agreed to start back in the Instructional League, a 23-year-old among teenagers, to learn the position. He didn't have a great arm, and knee surgery from squatting cost him his speed, but the Marlins liked what they saw. He made his major league debut as a catcher in 2004, and stuck with Florida in 2006. But with Miguel Olivo on the roster, Willingham was shifted again, this time for good.
"Catching got me to the big leagues," the Twins' new right fielder said. "If I hadn't moved, who knows where I would be?"
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