Micah Owings: Is He Playing the Wrong Position?

On 9/3, Micah Owings was out dueled by future HOF'er Greg Maddux. Owings pitched just 3 innings, allowing 5 earned runs, and 4 home runs (2 to Brian Giles). That loss dropped him to 6-8 overall, with a 4.74 ERA. On the bright side, he did hit a double that game (1 for 1), raising his batting average to .294. Maybe he should follow the path of former pitcher turned outfielder Rick Ankiel? The D-Backs may be able to use hit bat in their line-up.

Since that game vs. Atlanta in which he hit 2 home runs, vaulting him onto the hobby map, Owings has gone 0-2 in three starts, allowing 9 ER in 16 IP (5.06 ERA). I think that he needs to get his mind off of the hitting and back onto the pitching if he wants to succeed at this level (unless he changes his position!). The D-Backs are fighting to win the NL West title, and can't afford to have a weak link in their rotation.

Owings' 05 Topps Chrome Update Auto RC is now selling in the $7-8 TAC level; about half of what it was selling for soon after his 2-HR game. This, if nothing else, shows the skepticism surrounding his hobby status.