2009 Outlook: Infielders

In today's preview, we turn our attention to the infield, as the Huskers welcome back the left side of the infield with senior third baseman Jake Mort and sophomore shortstop Ben Kline. The Huskers are looking for a replacement for All-Big 12 performer Jake Opitz at second base and at first base, where Craig Corriston saw the majority of action last spring. Junior Tyler Farst filled in for Corriston at first base following knee surgery, giving the Huskers another veteran infielder.

First Base
The Huskers are in good shape entering the season at first base with the return of Tyler Farst and the addition of junior college transfer Cade Thompson. The pair will likely platoon at the first base with the other in position to see time at designated hitter.

“We like the depth at first base with Tyler and Cade because they both have different strengths and it allows us to match up with pitchers,” Anderson said. “Our challenge is to find ways to get both players opportunities early on to allow them to get into a rhythm.”

Farst saw time in 30 games last year, earning the starting role following Craig Corriston’s knee surgery in late April. He hit .280 with a pair of homers and 15 RBIs while splitting time between first base and left field. Farst was at his best down the stretch, hitting .333 with two homers and 12 RBIs in his last 15 contests.

“Tyler did a good job of making adjustments last year, and took advantage of the opportunities he had.” Anderson said. “When we had a chance to play Tyler every day, he really performed at a high level and our goal is to try to get him in the lineup, whether it is at first base, left field or at designated hitter.”

Thompson comes in with impressive credentials after spending two years at Central Arizona College, helping the school to the NJCAA World Series in 2008. He hit .318 with 47 RBIs in a wood-bat league while playing exceptional defense.
Another player who could help the Huskers is sophomore Tyler Rank, as he looks to return after a pair of off-season shoulder surgeries. Rank appeared in 17 games as a true freshman last season, hitting .192 with five RBIs.

Middle Infield
A mixture of veterans and newcomers dominate the middle infield spots, highlighted by the return of sophomore shortstop Ben Kline and Jeff Tezak. In addition to the two veterans, junior college transfer Kyle Bubak and freshman Kale Kiser will both challenge for extensive playing time this spring.

Kline enjoyed a solid freshman year, becoming the first true freshman to earn a starting role at shortstop since 2002. He finished the year with a .253 average, hitting .280 with a .960 fielding percentage in his last 36 games. Kline continued his improvement over the summer and returned as one of the Huskers’ top performers in fall drills.
“We challenged Ben this year, and he has responded well,” Anderson said. “He made some good adjustments offensively and has really worked hard in the weight room and those things will pay off for him. Ben has always had the tools to be successful at shortstop and is now emerging as a leader in our infield.”

Tezak is welcomed back into the lineup after missing nearly all of the 2008 season following knee surgery. Two years ago, he was a second-team All-Big 12 performer at designated hitter, hitting .335 with three homers and 37 RBIs. The switch-hitter’s return provides the Huskers with another proven bat and a player who could play several spots on the diamond.

“Jeff’s surgery last year hampered our lineup, and we were encouraged by his progress in the fall and in the off-season,” Anderson said. “He is a valuable hitter who can hit in the upper half of the lineup and drive in runs for us.”

Bubak comes to NU from Salt Lake City Community College, earning first-team all-conference honors in 2008. He hit .276 with two homers and 34 RBIs and 14 stolen bases, while earning league defensive player-of-the-year honors. The switch-hitting infielder is a fundamentally sound player and has the speed to be effective at the top or bottom of the lineup.

Kiser brings an impressive background into the Husker program after helping Plano West (Texas) High School to a 40-2 record and a No. 1 national ranking. An honorable-mention All-American pick by Collegiate Baseball, Kiser hit .432 with 52 runs scored and 19 stolen bases as a senior. Another switch-hitting infielder, he will push for playing time at second base.

Third Base
One of the luxuries the Huskers have is an experienced performer at the hot corner, as two-year starter Jake Mort is back for his senior campaign.

The senior from Nebraska City hit .262 with 15 doubles and 48 runs scored while starting 57 contests. Mort, who also ranked among team leaders with 10 stolen bases, finds ways to get on base and is an effective hitter in the top of the lineup. Mort’s calling card is his defense, as he set NU’s fielding record at third base in both 2006 and 2008 with a .964 fielding percentage.

“With Jake, you always know what you are going to get - an outstanding defensive player and a hitter who does the little things well,” Anderson said. “The thing we have worked with Jake on is becoming more of an offensive threat, and he has worked hard to get stronger to be able to drive in some more runs for us.”

Freshman Cody Asche provides Anderson with some options at the position, as Asche brings impressive credentials to the Husker program. A two-time all-state performer, he hit at a .512 clip with 25 RBIs as a senior at Fort Zumwalt (Mo.) High School.  He impressed the coaches with a mature approach at the plate, and he has the ability to provide a solid left-handed bat.