April 12, 2002

Entering this weekend's series against Nebraska, Luke Cassis just needs a start at first base to complete his own cycle of starting at each infield position during his Missouri career.

Cassis, a senior infielder from Wheaton, Ill., has started 30 of Missouri's 31 games this season. Eighteen of those starts in 2002 were at shortstop and the past 12 have been at third base. A majority of Cassis' 136 career starts came at second base.

"Third base is a lot more difficult because you play the two positions (shortstop and third base) differently," said Cassis. "At shortstop, you really rely on rhythm and having quick feet. At third, range isn't a big deal. You rely more on your reactions and quickness. It's a big change.

"Second base is the easiest, at least it was for me," continued Cassis. "I like to go right, go left ... make plays that let me show my range and turn the double play. I desperately miss turning those. I think second base is a smaller version of shortstop."

Since making the switch to third base, Cassis has been a defensive standout, committing only two errors in 29 chances despite playing the "hot corner." Having Cassis and Jody Roughton switch positions on the left side of the infield has paid off for the Tigers as MU has won seven games since making the move.

"I started off very slow at shortstop. I couldn't get into a rhythm," said Cassis. "Jody (Roughton) felt the same way at third so the switch was a good idea for both of us. I had played third base before so it wasn't that big of a move. I just needed to take a few extra ground balls over there to get the feeling back and adjust to how quickly balls get to you there."

One pleasant surprise to Cassis' defensive switch has been his offensive production. In his 12 starts at third, Cassis is hitting .347 (17-of-49) and has seven multi-hit games.

"While my hitting seems to have picked up lately, I think it's more that I have always hit better later in the season," said Cassis. "I think that's what is going on more than the position change.

"I'm just doing my role. I don't care about the personal stuff," he continued. "I just want to do whatever it takes for us to win more games. There are a number of seniors on this year's team and we've all taken that attitude. Some of them aren't playing much or as much as they want and that's not what anyone wants to have happen in your senior year. However, they're still involved and care more about winning than our stats. I feel the exact same way."