Cowboys' Mach Adjusting To New Position

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) _ Sharing the Big 12 Conference's player of the year honor wasn't enough to keep Tyler Mach entrenched as Oklahoma State's starting third baseman. <br/><br/>While gearing

Monday, January 29th 2007, 6:10 pm

By: News On 6

STILLWATER, Okla. (AP) _ Sharing the Big 12 Conference's player of the year honor wasn't enough to keep Tyler Mach entrenched as Oklahoma State's starting third baseman.

While gearing up for his second season with the Cowboys, Mach is now playing second base.

Mach said yesterday during OSU's baseball media day that he prefers playing second base to third base because second basemen get to turn double plays.

Mach's move is part of a complete overhaul of OSU's infield. Rebel Ridling will replace the departed Adam Carr at first base, and the Cowboys are still looking for a replacement for injured shortstop Jordy Mercer.

Mach moved from third to second to make way for Matt Mangini, who transferred in after leading North Carolina State with 60 RBIs last season.

Mach led the Big 12 with 16 home runs last season while hitting .364 with 66 RBIs. He split the Big 12's player of the year honor with Texas outfielder Drew Stubbs, the eighth overall pick in last year's draft.