Indianapolis Indians manager Frank Kremblas speaks from experience when he says every team needs a Chris Barnwell.

A utility man in his playing days, Kremblas likes being able to turn to Barnwell in any situation. And he has in all but one season since they were together at Huntsville (Ala.) in the Double-A Southern League in 2003.

In nine years as a professional, Barnwell has played every position but catcher.

Barnwell has shifted through six positions this season — he has yet to pitch, play center field or catch. He has an infield glove, but will borrow as many as four others, if needed.

“You have to realize you may not be the best at any one of those positions,” he said, “but what separates you from the guy who is the best at one position is you can be better than him at another one.”

When asked to rank his positions by ability, the 30-year-old Florida native lists his ability as a sidearm right-handed pitcher fourth, behind shortstop, third base and second. From 2005 to 2007, Barnwell allowed only one earned run on six hits in 81/3 innings, a 1.08 ERA, with five strikeouts and three walks.

The wise-cracking Barnwell likes to needle his clubhouse buddy, outfielder Larry Broadway, who got to pitch earlier this season.

“Chris was on the (disabled list) when Larry pitched,” Kremblas said of the missed opportunity.

A career .262 hitter entering this season, one wouldn’t know Barnwell is having a down year by his upbeat demeanor. It’s like every day at the ballpark is pure joy, although he’s hitting just .133.

The son of a Canadian, Barnwell was that country’s starting shortstop in the World Baseball Classic. His defense has remained solid.

He played 11 games in the field in 2006 for the Milwaukee Brewers: five at shortstop, three each at second base and third base.

“When he was coming up with the Brewers and I was over there, he never wowed them with his hitting, but he was the second-best shortstop in the organization behind J.J. (Hardy),” Kremblas said.

Although he grew up playing catcher and it is the one position missing on his pro resume, Barnwell isn’t too eager.

“To be quite honest with you, I don’t really want to catch in a game,” he said. "It’s hard enough to catch in the bullpen. I would hate for a pitcher to give up runs or something on account of me not being able to block a ball.

“If you can’t do it at a level that’s acceptable to where it doesn’t affect your team, then you shouldn’t do it unless it’s an emergency and there’s no other option.”

Indians hitting coach Jeff Branson was a utility guy, too. He didn’t care to catch, either. The infielder was advised during Game 3 of the 1997 American League Division Series that he was next in line if the Cleveland Indians extended the game against the New York Yankees. Branson looked at manager Mike Hargrove in disbelief.

“Grover said, ‘Go downstairs and get fitted for some equipment,’ " Branson said. “I’m suited up, I’ve got everything on and I’m scared to death. I’ve never been more scared in my life.”

He wasn’t needed.

If Kremblas is in that same pinch, he wouldn’t hesitate to rely upon Barnwell. Anything is possible for a man with a can-do attitude.

“When I got to pro ball, that’s when you realize you’re not as talented as others,” Barnwell said. "There are some people who are really talented that are going to be able to focus on one position and be really, really good at it.

“In order for me to continue playing, I had to be able to play third, second, short, whatever. I don’t care. You’ve just got to be willing to help the team.”