[Craig Biggio] is not lobbying for [Bill Doran]'s job. He loves catching. But he thinks he can handle the second-base challenge if it comes.

Biggio's production is not exceptional for an outfielder. He batted .257 with 13 home runs and 60 RBI last year. He's batting .270 with three home runs and 20 RBI this year. His offensive ability would rank with the NL's better second basemen. That is especially true if you factor in probable improvement from experience and an end to the physical abuse that comes from catching in the big leagues.

Biggio is establishing he can do most anything. Most multiple-position players are infielders first. They catch only in last-resort situations. Biggio is clearly an exception. A similar case: Ron Brand. Brand started as a backup catcher with Pittsburgh and Houston, but he played more shortstop than anywhere else with Montreal in 1970-71, his last two years in the majors.