It's unfortunate that some guys will abuse the situation by blatently using players out of position, but I say so what. The game can create enough penalty to hurt them in the long run.

It's when a manager gets severely penalized because of circumstance that I don't like. I had my centerfielder get a daily injury, and his replacement gives up 5 errors.

Somebody mentioned that defensive ratings should be a combination of the last two seasons. I like that idea. For example I have Tony Batista. He was an ODR 6+ rated shortstop, but switched positions so all of a sudden he's useless at short? I got Pat Meares, a guy who had played short his entire life, and now hasn't played there this year. It seems like I'm constantly looking for a shortstop, even though I have two players that are quite capable of playing the position. If there was a two year rating then it gives you more time to trade or draft to improve the weak position.

I know the first response is why not make a trade immediately. Too often when guys see that you're weak at a key position they expect to get a bargain because of it. I get nothing but stupid offers because they think I'm "desperate" for a key position. To hell with that. I'll use an innoc player before I'll accept a rip-off offer. I don't want to severly weaken my team simply because the game has defensive inflexibility.

I guess it's a fine balance. Create enough penalty so that abuse is avoided, but don't severly penalize a legit manager because of circumstance. Sometimes a little defensive flexibility is required, and nobody should be forced into making a deal they don't want to do.