Q. Whom do you like as the best utility man in baseball?
– Jeff Stern, Union, N.J.

A. That’s a good question, Jeff, because more and more managers are looking for versatile players who can play several positions, thereby deepening the bench. And because of that kind of versatility, the best of these utility players really are everyday regulars who just happen to move around from position to position. Over the last two seasons, you’d have to put Chone Figgins at the top of the list. Not only did he lead the American League with 62 steals and hit .290 last season, he also played 56 games at third base, 50 in center field, 42 at second base, 15 in left field, eight in right field, four at shortstop, and served as the designated hitter seven times. It’s no wonder Angels manager Mike Scioscia called Figgins his team’s most valuable player. But heading into this season, Figgins is slated to play regularly at third base, so he may not be that utility type anymore. But we’ll see how things unfold for the Angels, and it wouldn’t shock me if Figgins moves around on the diamond this season, possibly playing some outfield.

Two others players — Pedro Feliz of San Francisco and Luis Gonzalez of Colorado — also have become anchored at one position after a couple of years of effective duty at multiple positions. So Figgins’ successor at the top of the list has to be Milwaukee’s Bill Hall. He hit .291 with 17 homers, 62 RBI and 18 steals in 146 games and 501 at-bats in 2005, when he played 66 games at shortstop, 59 at third and 23 at second base. He was in line to become the regular third baseman until Corey Koskie was acquired, but is back in the same role as last year, and could even play some outfield. Some other versatile and valuable role players include Rob Mackowiak, Ryan Freel, David Newhan, Michael Cuddyer, Abraham Nunez, John Mabry, Eric Young, Hector Luna, Chris Burke, Jerry Hairston, Robb Quinlan, Geoff Blum, Willie Bloomquist and Eli Marrero.

Q. With the addition of Jeff Weaver to their pitching staff, do the Los Angeles Angels have the best starting five in baseball?
– Dee, Victorville, Ca.

A. You could make that argument, Dee, and I certainly put the Angels rotation in the top four in the majors, along with the White Sox (Buehrle, Contreras, Garcia, Garland and Vazquez), the A’s (Zito, Harden, Haren, Loaiza and Blanton) and Cardinals (Carpenter, Mulder, Marquis, Suppan and Ponson). I also rank the Angels and A’s 1-2 in the game when you’re talking about entire staffs. That’s why I think both of those teams will be in the playoffs come October.

Q. Is Jose Reyes for real, or is he just a tease? Last season could be the breakout season I’ve been waiting for.
– John Finn, Doylestown, Ohio

A. I don’t think he is a tease at all, John. He’s still only 22 (23 on June 11), so you have to figure he’s going to continue to improve as he matures and works on his weaknesses. As nice as his 2005 breakout season was — .273, 99 runs, 60 steals, 17 triples, 57 RBI — Reyes needs to draw more walks and improve his on-base percentage. In 729 plate appearances, he walked only 27 times, and posted a .300 on-base percentage, where a good leadoff hitter is at .380 or above. His defense also needs to get better, and it probably will now that he is anchored at shortstop.

Q. Is it a good idea to reduce intra-divisional games to lessen tensions and reduce brawls? I know you’re supposed to answer, but here is my take: No, definitely not. If fans can’t keep their hands to themselves, they should go to an NBA game, and a brawl every once in a while is part of the game.
– Michael Tolson, Seaville, N.J.

A. I’m with you, Michael. I like the idea of teams playing more games against their division rivals. That’s how great rivalries are created. Yankees-Red Sox, Giants-Dodgers, Cubs-Cardinals … these are series that fans anticipate, and with the unbalanced schedule, we get to see more of them these days. I also like to see teams playing within their own divisions down the stretch run in late September, creating those head-to-head matches between division contenders. Brawls and brushback pitches are part of the game, and it’s up to umpires to control that type of behavior as much as possible.

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