Yes, I was referring to the player with college aspirations/ potential. At 12-13 yo, anyone/ everyone who can throw strikes is a pitcher while playing other positions. And that's OK...
But, around 14-16 a player's strengths become apparent. That's the time to focus/ invest in that position. If you believe your future is pitching, then train that way. If not, stay off the mound!!
As a coach, you want each player to advance to the next level. A school is only as good as its graduates... same with a coach.
Okay, for arguments sake, how does a 15 year old who is throwing 80+ kindly tell the coach he would rather stay off the mound?
"Coach my arm hurts". A friends son loved catching. He caught games in the Pony League World Series. Made the HS varsity team and played catcher his sophomore year. He threw hard and was asked to pitch his junior year. A ligament in his elbow got stretched from throwing to many breaking balls. After some rehab he finished his HS career in the outfield. He was recruited to a Major D1 to play outfield. Transferred and finished playing college ball as a utility player.