A natural second baseman, Denfeld shortstop Darrin Dzuck is playing out of position this spring.
But the middle infield switch is no big deal, the talented, three-sport Hunters' co-captain said.
"The throw's a little longer, but you get more action at short," said Dzuck, comparing the two spots.
Though the Hunters are doing their best to fight through a 2-8 season, Dzuck is enjoying a strong senior year individually. He's batting lead-off -- hitting left-handed -- and was batting .471 prior to Denfeld's 6-5, 10-inning home loss to Two Harbors on Wednesday.
Dzuck is a catalyst in a sometimes potent Hunters' offense, sort of a left-handed hitting Rickey Henderson with a good attitude and work ethic. Opponents have focused on keeping Dzuck off the base paths.
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Dzuck has speed to burn and has been driving third basemen bonkers all spring with well-placed bunts and slap hits past edgy, moved-in infielders, Hunters coach Angelo Florestano said.
"They can't throw him out," Florestano said of opponents' attempts to defend Dzuck's small-ball game.
"I've been laying 'em down third base and using my speed, and legging out a few bunt singles that help the average," said Dzuck, a three-year varsity starter.
Florestano said Dzuck is unarguably one of the top two shortstops in the Lake Superior Conference, and certainly the league's best lead-off man.
"I really like Darrin's bat control," Florestano said. "He's not opposed to shortening his swing and going the other way. Making adjustments at the plate is one of his biggest strengths."
Dzuck also stands out defensively, and has botched only one chance all season. He has good range, a quick release and a better than average throwing arm.
"Switching from second to short could be tough on most guys, but Darrin's adjusted flawlessly," said Hunters co-captain Brett Larson. "He's been very solid defensively, the best around."
Florestano said Dzuck "hates to lose," and thus drives himself to reach his maximum potential.
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"Darrin is the one guy we can count on, the guy everyone looks to for leadership," said Florestano. "His work ethic is extraordinary."
Dzuck, a top football halfback and hockey center, is wrapping up an outstanding sports career at Denfeld.
"Baseball is probably my best sport, but I'm pretty focused on whatever season it is," Dzuck said.
Dzuck's father, Donnie, was an excellent three-sport athlete at Morgan Park (1977) and was an outstanding centerfielder at Minnesota-Duluth.
"I heard that my dad was pretty fast and was a good goalie at Morgan Park," Dzuck said.
Dzuck has maintained a 3.2 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) throughout his senior year and next fall plans to study criminology.
"I might attend UWS (Wisconsin-Superior) to study to be a police officer and play baseball," he said.
Dzuck appears to have the skills and motivation to succeed at the next level in baseball, and the focus to make a positive difference in law enforcement.
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Howie Hanson writes a weekly sports column for the Duluth Budgeteer News. He can be reached by e-mail at Duluth@aol.com .
