IT'S LONG PAST TIME TO UPDATE THE ancient cry of ballpark vendors that "you can't tell the players without a scorecard," a chant particularly pertinent in the days before most teams attached names rather than impersonal numerals to the backs of uniform shirts.

Today, it would be more appropriate to warn fans that "you won't know who's playing where" unless you buy a program for the upcoming game.

It might be stretching a point to suggest that versatility has run amok but seldom if ever have so many veteran players abandoned former long-held positions for new ones as in 2002.

The most notable switch probably has been that of Chipper Jones, who after seven starring seasons at third base for the Atlanta Braves moved to left field to make room at the "hot corner" for veteran pickup Vinny Castilla.

Other major "transferees" for 2002 include Ricky Gutierrez of the Cleveland Indians, Phil Nevin and Ryan Klesko of the San Diego Padres, Todd Zeile of the Colorado Rockies, Edgardo Alfonzo of the New York Mets, Rey Sanchez of the Boston Red Sox and Jose Valentin of the Chicago White Sox.

The above-named are of course but a sampling of players to switch positions, including many lesser lights, among them backup catcher Eli Marrero who in an emergency was pressed into service in the St. Louis Cardinals outfield.

Gutierrez, 32, typifies the veteran regulars who have changed duties. After nine seasons as a major league shortstop, the previous two with the Chicago Cubs, Gutierrez found himself playing second base for the Indians this year.

The Indians signed free-agent Gutierrez last winter to replace superstar second baseman Roberto Alomar who had been traded to the Mets, and shortstop was still occupied by another standout, Omar Vizquel. The Indians obviously counted on Gutierrez to play second base in 2002 and be on hand to return to shortstop if Vizquel departs in the near future.

Gutierrez professed to be unconcerned about switching to second, though he had played only 27 games there before this season.

"I'm feeling more and more comfortable every day," he said. "I've played there during my careen It's just like getting back on a bike."

He downplayed possible unfavorable comparisons with Alomar, a .306 career hitter and winner of 10 Gold Gloves at second base.