Usually, of course, experiments are conducted in games against far inferior teams. No coach wants to risk the won-loss record. But college coaches will think outside the box at times.
That's not something you see a lot in the Major Leagues. Okay, some National League teams are hitting the pitcher eighth in the order. But most managers go with what they know works.
So it was interesting Thursday to see Pat Murphy try something very different in just his third game as the Padres manager.
Murphy played his first baseman, Yonder Alonso, at third and his catcher, Derek Norris, at first.