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Defining the meaning of infielder

By Darrell Copeland III
The Collegian

Baseball is a game of adjustments — especially when you are Todd Sandell.

Like many of the Fresno State baseball infielders, Sandell was a high school standout at the shortstop position. It wasn’t until his freshman campaign as a Bulldog in the 2005 season that Sandell had to make a switch to second base, where he saw action in 22 games.

That proved to be a tough transition for Sandell, where he wound up committing 11 errors, part of the Fresno State record-setting mark of 110 for the 2005 season.

Another year brings another position switch for Sandell, who has now made the jump from second base to third base. Sandell has started in 10 of a possible 12 games for the Bulldogs, all of them coming at third base.

An arm injury to teammate Beau Mills has Sandell at third base, while Mills has been delegated the designated hitting duties.

Sandell’s 19 defensive assists ranked third on the Bulldogs so far this season, but the transition once again has been a learning experience.

Prior to the 2006 season, Sandell suffered a broken finger, making it even a bigger challenge for him to become accustomed to the position known as the "hot corner."

"I started out a little ruff," Sandell said. "I was out for a while with a broken finger."

That, in part, is why Sandell has committed a team-high 5 errors this season. A credit to Sandell is due, as making a change in position so often and so dramatic is something that doesn’t happen too often. That is one reason why head coach Mike Batesole can have Sandell be the guy to make those moves.

"I think he trusts me," Sandell said.

That trust is something that you have to have in a third baseman, because of the challenge it poses.

"It just seems like the ball moves a little bit quicker towards you," Sandell said.

This past weekend against Utah Valley State, Mills returned to the lineup as the third baseman, forcing Sandell to the bench. As is the case with many ballplayers, Sandell would rather be playing, but he also understands the goal that the Bulldogs are trying to achieve together.

"I think it was good that I took some time off," Sandell said. "If that’s what it takes to get the win, then I have to respect that."

There is something that Bulldog fans have come to respect about Sandell. When his name is once again penciled in the lineup, no matter what position, Sandell will be ready.


	February 24, 2006 California State University, Fresno