Pitchers and Catchers begin today

I have heard that God is a big baseball fan because he starts the Bible with "In the Big Inning". Now that the poor attempt at corny humor is out of the way...
Today is the day that Pitchers and Catchers begin their official team workouts in the 2010 Spring Training. The news has been loaded with discussions about changes to the Milwaukee Brewers pitching rotation for this year.
As I thought about the term "pitching rotation" I was reminded that it is VERY rare for a MLB Pitcher to pitch the whole game. In the NFL, NBA or NHL the starting line-up is pretty consistent from game to game, but in Baseball this key position is done by rotation.
Yesterday in our service, our Senior Pastor showed a lot of determination to preach even though he was under the weather. At the end of the first service he was hit with a coughing spell and asked me to come out of the bull pen and finish the game. Fortunately he had "pitched" (actually he spoke) brilliantly and it was down "to the last out of the last inning". I was honored to be asked and am privileged to be part of a TEAM that can share the responsibilities required of our pastors.
This made me think of the valuable role you play as a Small Group Leader or Christian Education Teacher. Have you developed the talent around you so that there are people you can call up at a moments notice to take the mound? Are there others who could have meaningful contributions to your meeting time?
In other sports athletes compete for that starting role, but in baseball the GM has to develop a solid rotation of capable players if he wants a successful season.