David Laurila pens his weekly notes column with a story about Carlos Cortes, a switch thrower who uses that ability to make himself useful at a number of positions.

“When I was around eight years old, my dad told me that my chances of playing a position would increase if I was able to throw right-handed,” explained Cortes, who currently stands 5-foot-7. “I didn’t really like it at first — he kind of forced me to do it — but by the time I got to high school, I was pretty natural with it. I caught my first couple years, then played second my junior and senior years, as well as in the outfield. I kind of played everywhere.”

FanGraphs.com

His minor league numbers look rather unimpressive to me, given his age and his level. He has shown some power at AA, however. We have seen in the last decade the rise of the starting utility player, Ben Zobrist likely the best example. Ben was a right-handed thrower who switch hit. Cortes might be setting an example for left-handed batters. They could fill than role by switch throwing.