For the longest time in MLB, shortstops were of the diminutive, good field-little or no hit variety -- think Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto of New York Yankees fame.
For many years, the job of the shortstop was to serve as the cornerstone of the ballclub in the field on defence.
Any offence he could provide, especially in the power department, would be an unnecessary but much appreciated extra.
A few shortstops, like former Chicago Cubs great Ernie Banks, could hit with power -- and were a greatly cherished anomaly.
Fast forward to the present day, big leagues though and, my, how things have changed.
Now MLB shortstops are more of the rangy variety physically but are still expected to be the best defensive player on the field -- and a lot more as well.
They are also expected to excel at the plate, pulling their fair share of the load and more with the bat -- both in the average and power departments.
With all this responsibility, though, they are also very well rewarded these days. Want proof? The top four free agents this past off-season were all offensive contributing shortstops.
They have been or will soon be paid handsomely for their rare combination of great glove work afield and mix of power and batting skills at the plate.
USA Today Sports' top four free agents were: 1) Carlos Correa, previously the property of the Houston Astros 2) former Los Angeles Dodger Corey Seager 3) ex-Toronto Blue Jay Marcus Semien and 4) Trevor Story, recently of the Colorado Rockies.
In addition, Chris Taylor, a gifted utility player who filled in at shortstop for the Dodgers when Seager sat out with injuries the past two years, was ranked 14th.
MLB ballclubs knowing the present day value of a good-hitting shortstop wasted little time in plucking Seager, Semien and Taylor off the market, signing them quickly before the clubs locked the players out last fall due to a labour dispute.
After the lockout was imposed, team owners were not allowed to engage in any baseball-related activities -- negotiating with free agents included.
Seager signed with the Texas Rangers for a whopping US$325 million over 10 years.
Semien inked a seven-year, $175 million deal, also with the Rangers. (One of the two will be switched to second base to provide the Rangers with superior up-the-middle defence.)
Taylor, meanwhile, re-upped with the Dodgers ($60 million over four years), for whom he is expected to assume shortstop duties full-time.
Correa, considered the cream of the crop among current MLB shortstops, was in no hurry to sign a pre-lockout contract.
He is currently looking to find the best deal possible before he agrees to what likely will be his past pro baseball contract.
Correa is looked upon as among the best two-way shortstops ever to lace 'em up in MLB.
He is expected to land a near-record deal with some team soon.
Story, though ranked fourth, will likely draw a lot of attention now that the lockout is over and teams have begun spring training with their regular seasons having been pushed back several weeks.
A lot of ballclubs have been waiting to see what would happen with the top three before pursuing #4 Story as a more-than-worth-the-big money "fallback" at shortstop.
A word of wisdom for all you moms and dads out there shelling out big money for your developing son's baseball expenses (for equipment, travel ball, etc) hoping to groom him for pro ball: If he has the size and all-around skills, switch him to shortstop.
Seems that's where the interest -- and big money -- lies these days.
Contact Wiggins' World at davwigg@gmail.com