And The Valley Shook - 2016 LSU Baseball Season PreviewLSU Tigers Blog of the Week for 52,136 Weeks in a Row and Countinghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46725/andthevalleyshook_fave.png2016-02-17T12:04:12-06:00http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/rss/stream/105538492016-02-17T12:04:12-06:002016-02-17T12:04:12-06:00The 2016 LSU Baseball Walkout Mixtape
<figure>
<img alt="Well Antoine, you're just my type" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g432_jHK1aQufkIaf2QXMdM1Txc=/0x356:4320x3236/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48848213/24909492585_b813415428_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Well Antoine, you're just my type | Adam Henderson</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>CALL ON MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, CALL ON ME</p> <p>The best release of the year was dropped today, <a href="http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?ATCLID=209403862" style="background-color: #ffffff;">the walkout songs list.</a> This is an unusually late release, but it's here and since And The Valley Shook is a blog on the internet, we're about to rank this shit. Some NSFW songs.</p>
<h4><strike><a><strike></strike></a><strike><a target="_blank" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516590&xs=1&url=https%3A%2F%2Fsoundcloud.com%2Fadam-henderson-35%2Falex-bregmans-assault-of-sound&referrer=sbnation.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.andthevalleyshook.com%2F2016%2F2%2F17%2F11032128%2F2016-lsu-baseball-walkout-mixtape" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">1) Alex Bregman - Alex Bregman's Assault Of Sound | Adam Henderson</a></strike></strike></h4>
<p>ayyy lmao</p>
<h4>1) Antoine Duplantis - My Type | Saint Motel</h4>
<p>Probably the best all-around song in the list, My Type begins with a very distinctive sax solo which will likely be the snippet used in-stadium. All the whitehairs will love it.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IyVPyKrx0Xo" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>2) Russell Reynolds - March Madness | Future</h4>
<p>Future is the busiest man in rap music, which means he's the busiest man in music period. Out of Future Hendrix's prolific 2015, March Madness was one his biggest hits and best songs. I personally love this choice because Reynolds is a pitcher and this song has the line "bend the curve in the Spur like it's the <a target="_blank" href="https://images.rapgenius.com/77ea732a9c1fb35193fb9a60d542bf77.800x525x1.jpg">MARTA bus</a>", which is outstandingly fitting. All the whitehairs will hate it.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_FH7IC-AK-s" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>3) Cole Freeman - G.O.M.D | J. Cole</h4>
<p>I'm not sure what part of this song will be used since the chorus is hot, but is not very "family enviroment" friendly. Maybe the bass drop leading up to the last verse? Either way, I'm already mad/thankful for Freeman letting the hook get stuck in my head. I KNOW THE REASON YOU FEEL A WAY I KNOW JUST WHO YOU WANNA BE, SO EVERYDAY I THANK THE MAN UPSTAIRS THAT I AIN'T YOU AND YOU AIN'T ME. All the whitehairs will hate it.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vHU6ZRQJ50Q" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>4) Parker Bugg - The Stroke | Billy Squier</h4>
<p>Ah yes, the best song about handies ever written. Such a great "family enviroment" song. All the whitehairs will love it.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/69fPof-ZTnU" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>5) O'Neal Lochridge - London Bridge | Fergie</h4>
<p>Definitely the best gag song on the list O'Mark Lairdridge went the novelty song, but he could have done better in that department. This has "funny for the first two months but by May a small part of us wishes he doesn't start so we have to hear it again" written all over it. All the whitehairs will hate it.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uQBx4PFfzxk" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>6) Alex Lange - Call On Me | Eric Prydz</h4>
<p><strike>The only video <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_fCqg92qks">TOO HOT FOR ATVS</a></strike> There are no rules here. Lange chose an old standard that is held near and dear to the goofballs in section 101. It's a safe bet, but he's not rewarded for stepping outside the box. In a shocking twist, all the whitehairs will love it due to familiarity.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L_fCqg92qks" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>7) Jake Latz - Rise And Shine | J. Cole</h4>
<p>Latz won't be on the field until April at the absolute earliest, but that didn't stop him choosing a fire song. One of the standout tracks from Cole's much-criticized debut, it's sort of surprising that this isn't more commonly used in this fashion. All the whitehairs will hate it though.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1ro_hFjVcTE" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>8) Caleb Gilbert - Can't Stop | Red Hot Chili Peppers</h4>
<p>A retread from Joe Broussard, but I can't fault Gilbert for that since he wasn't here for that. But given Broussard's role in the bullpen, it will be kind of weird not to here before the top of the 9th inning. Broussard made it his own in that respect, and that creates a situation similar to Chase Elliot taking Jeff Gordon's number in NASCAR. It will take a little for me to stop associating it with who came before him. Still a great song, and the whitehairs will love it.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BfOdWSiyWoc" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>9) Jared Poche - Like A Man | Lil Boosie (Ft. Rich Homie Quan)</h4>
<p>Somebody had to pay the Boosie/Gates token, and this year it was your opening day starter Jared Poche with a track from Boosie's return album. Of course, all the whitehairs will hate it.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MFh2WIIh1OQ" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/Chandler_Rome">@Chandler_Rome</a> that's no small matter, either.</p>
— Chris Abshire (@ChrisAbshire) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChrisAbshire/status/699968632487436288">February 17, 2016</a>
</blockquote>
<br>
<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
</h4>
<h4>10) Hunter Devall - Chicks Dig It | Chris Cagle</h4>
<p>Devall bought back Chicks Dig It from last year, a relic where country wasn't a completely deplorable genre. There's not a ton of substance to the song, but it's fun to sing and that's great for baseball games. All the whitehairs will love it.</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iB16klLODYk" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h3>The Rest Of The Roster</h3>
<h4>Michael Papierski - Smile | Slim Thug</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ozjbWkMaDKc" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>Kramer Robertson - Big Rings | Drake & Future</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zsl5D03rfzk" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Bryce Adams - Buy The World | Mike Will Made It (Ft. Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar & Future)</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Iyd5f-bVfck" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Cody Ducote - Chains (Just A Gent Remix) | Nick Jonas</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-MnA9KY3f6I" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Brennan Breaux - Shake Ya Tailfeather | Nelly (Ft. P. Diddy & Murphy Lee)</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ObmkfdV8LUU" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>Greg Deichmann - Playa You Don't Know | Slim Thug</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WMTDPbZhVJE" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>Jake Fraley - The Man | Aloe Blacc</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HGy9i8vvCxk" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Trey Dawson - Old Thing Back (Matoma Remix) | Notorious B.I.G. & Ja Rule</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sb3XfrCtjVU" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Brody Wofford - Country Boy's World | Jason Aldean</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5AoK4HB2Ey0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Chris Reid - Blow A Bag | Future</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jfmc5pyISeE" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Austin Bain - Kings Never Die | Eminem (Ft. Gwen Stefani)</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/rpERSigjqXs" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Doug Norman - Real Estate | Wiz Khalifa</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EgHcNx9EXOQ" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Beau Jordan - Bout That Life | MMG</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yknpetSXnL8" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Bryce Jordan - We Will Rock You | Queen</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-tJYN-eG1zk" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>John Valek III - Louisiana Saturday Night | Mel McDaniels</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yljf4Lpj7CI" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>Jordan Romero - Rowdy Reputation | Frank Foster</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K4pX6heVDOQ" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Collin Strall - We Own It | Wiz Khalifa & 2 Chainz</h4>
<h4><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tYQ1Okyi3g4" height="315" width="560"></iframe></h4>
<h4><span>Alden Cartwright - Swamp Assassin | Vidalia</span></h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a__JPrGgTak" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Cole McKay - What I Believe | Skillet</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OzGZEyEZuIA" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>Jesse Stallings - Take It Outside | Brantley Gilbert</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/r1gTdbL83e4" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Trent Forshag - Rockstar | R. Kelly (Ft. Kid Rock & Ludacris)</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lhrvfDAdLHo" height="315" width="420"></iframe></p>
<h4>Riley Smith - Blue Collar Boys | Frank Foster</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KBySsi-BBk8" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<h4>Hunter Newman - Come With Me Now | Kongos</h4>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gz2GVlQkn4Q" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
<p><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="380" width="300" src="https://embed.spotify.com/?uri=spotify%3Auser%3A1296959302%3Aplaylist%3A5rOEoA73cO2vuusHUCX4CC"></iframe></p>
<h4></h4>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/2/17/11032128/2016-lsu-baseball-walkout-mixtapeAdam Henderson2016-02-08T10:16:26-06:002016-02-08T10:16:26-06:00Baseball Preview: Tigers will be a mystery
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/cv-8SO_9QDHcm4PW9gRa8xPkbYM=/669x810:4314x3240/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48740841/24440024720_fd82d3de09_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Adam Henderson</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>LSU is experiencing the biggest roster turnover in the Paul Mainieri era. That's not necessarily a bad thing. </p> <p>Back in August, you could have told me that LSU can sweep an SEC series by only scoring 5 runs total and I would have believed you. That's how much confidence I had in the LSU battery of Alex Lange, Jared Poche, and Jake Latz.</p>
<p>Then for the second year in a row, Latz was ruled out for the majority of the season before the Spring semester even began and all of a sudden, the hue changed in the room.</p>
<p>Where the 2015 LSU team simply bashed opponents to death, with the chink in the armor being the lack of a solid third starter, and that proved to be the downfall for the Tigers.</p>
<p>2016's team was supposed to be the inverse, a team that relied on surgical pitching to carry the team until an offensive identity began to form. I was prepared to have a lot of sub-two hour games at the Box. Then the Latz injury put the pitching staff where they were last year.</p>
<p>But the difference is that the pitching staff, while remaining the same, only trends up from last year. This is all just my observation and isn't based on any set of numbers at all, but I've always noticed that a pitcher, especially a bullpen arm, sees their biggest growth from their sophomore to junior year. That's because the general progression of an average bullpen arm follows this trend: spot duty as a freshman and an increased role as a sophomore before challenging for a starting/late inning spot as a junior and senior.</p>
<p>LSU has a LOT of juniors who are following that blueprint. The most notable being Austin Bain, who started six games as a sophomore out of necessity. While it wasn't ideal last year, this year that pays off because now you have a guy who you know is comfortable starting on weekdays, which sounds fairly insignificant when you look at the midweek results, but becomes absolutely crucial when the SEC Tournament and postseason rolls around.</p>
<p>Also, LSU adding Riley Smith became bigger than Paul Mainieri would probably admit he meant it to be due to the Latz injury. Smith is a transfer from San Jacinto Junior College, who rode him en route to a JC World Series. I wrote more about smith in a blurb <a target="_blank" href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/1/14/10761420/2016-lsu-baseball-season-preview-starting-pitching">in the position preview</a>, but it has since been officially projected that he will be your third starter to at least start the season.</p>
<p>On the other side of the coin, things are far less stable. All that's left from the 2015 is Jake Fraley, and he was far from the most productive member of the team. Kramer is back, Papierski will start (and he will be great), and the Jordan twins along with Greg Deichmann will get the chance to show us what they have. Outside of that, everybody else is a question mark. Bryce Adams, Cody Ducote, Jordan Romero, and Cole Freeman are callups from the JuCo ranks, but the jump from Delgado to SEC is nothing to shrug at. Brody Wofford, Antoine Duplantis, Trey Dawson, and O'Neal Lochridge are all freshman.</p>
<p>That may sound bad, but if the offense enters dire straits, Mainieri can feel free to alter the lineup and make as many drastic changes as he sees fit, unlike say last year when shuffling the batting order was controversial. Remember, Mikie Mahtook's freshman year was a product of Mainieri tinkering with the lineup deep into the season.</p>
<p>LSU could come out and pick up the offensive production from last year by just plugging and playing, or they could be living run to run for damn near the entire season. Either one would not surprise me at all.</p>
<p>Just be patient and sit back and soak up the Alex Box sunshine.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/2/8/10923952/lsu-baseball-mystery-alex-lange-rileysmith-greg-deichmannAdam Henderson2016-01-26T08:00:06-06:002016-01-26T08:00:06-06:002016 LSU Baseball Season Preview: Schedule Pt. 2
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<img alt="Alex Lange will be a major key to LSU's success in conference play" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/m8vCiE12PNYeunacpeSjXd1vTw4=/0x1263:2964x3239/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48641969/17402727523_e7e4c691e5_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Alex Lange will be a major key to LSU's success in conference play | Jonathan Boraski</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A backloaded SEC schedule awaits the Tigers</p> <p>The SEC has been far away the best conference top to bottom in college baseball for the past few years now, and in the second half of the season, LSU will feel the brunt of that.</p>
<h3>April</h3>
<p><b>@ Auburn (1-3)</b></p>
<p>Ok, well maybe not right away. After the dismissal of Sunny Golloway, Butch Thompson takes over a team that squeezed into their first regional appearance since 2015, ending with a record of 36-26. I think Auburn isn't a sleeping giant, but under the right leadership the program can start to flourish and become something like Arkansas is now. The facilities are there and so is the fanbase, and it will be interesting how much Thompson takes advantage of that in his first year. Also, as an aside, Plainsman Park is absolutely beautiful but I hate the dimensions of it. I don't mind the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kennysmith.org/photo/feb12/plainsmanpark.jpg">green monster out in </a>left so much as I do the complete disregard for foul territory past the corner bases.</p>
<p><b>Southern (5)</b></p>
<p>The Baton Rouge Derby is renewed again in Alex Box a year after Southern gave LSU all it could handle for 9 innings before the Tigers pulled away from the Jaguars in the 10th for their 50th win in the series to Southern's two. Rodger Cador, by all accounts one of the nicest guys in college baseball, looks to improve his Jags after a disappointing 20-23 season in 2015.</p>
<p><b>#3 Vanderbilt (7-9)</b></p>
<p>Likely to be the most important home series in terms of national importance, Vanderbilt comes calling on a Thursday night for a possible top five showdown. LSU avoided Vandy altogether during their 51-21 season which featured a postseason run all the way to the College World Series final. I love almost everything about Tim Corbin, even if he's a small ball guy and I don't mind their recent renaissance, even if it directly hurts LSU. Vandy has always played LSU close, with LSU holding a 55-40 all time record against the Dores, but Vandy has won the last six series and is 14-4 in those series. So in a rare twist of fate, it's LSU looking to extract revenge and snap a losing streak.</p>
<p><b>Grambling (12)</b></p>
<p>LSU comes back Tuesday and plays Grambling in one of the newer yearly matchups, with LSU beating Grambling in all five meetings dating back to 2009. The other Tigers have not been great historically, and last year James Cooper's club went 11-39. The situations at Grambling have been well documented and there's a slight chance this could be the last matchup between the two schools in baseball.</p>
<p><b>@ Missouri (15-16)</b></p>
<p>After playing the Grambling Tigers, the LSU Tigers go to Columbia to play the Missouri Tigers. Fun with small sample sizes: Missouri has never beaten LSU, going 0-8 against the Bayou Bengals in a series that goes back to 1986. Last year Mizzou was a tournament bubble team that just missed the cut following a 1-2 showing in Hoover, finishing 30-28 overall. Missouri is a young team that is just coming to grips with the SEC, and they're not far off from getting to NCAA tournament caliber.</p>
<p><b>Southeastern Louisiana (20)</b></p>
<p>Despite going 41-17 last year, the Lions from Hammond, America were shunned from postseason play and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2015/5/25/8656185/the-ncaa-got-it-completely-wrong">I was visibly upset about it.</a> LSU fans have a reason to worry about SLU, because even if it's a midweek game, SLU will be desperate for any feathers to stick in a cap for the postseason committee to see this year should they not win the Southland, even if it's a midweek game where LSU rests all of their usual starters. LSU sits at 66-17 all time against Southeastern.</p>
<p><b>#15 Mississippi State (22-24)</b></p>
<p>The man you love to hate, John Cohen, comes calling to Baton Rouge to get booed incessantly. Vanderbilt and Florida may draw more electric atmospheres, but as far as pure vitriol goes, this will be the series to show the fangs for. Last year LSU won the series in Starkville in a year where Mississippi State was notably missing from Hoover, as the Bulldog's season ended early when Tennessee swept them in the regular season finale, dropping them to 24-30 and just below the mark needed to go to the SEC Tournament. The Saturday game will be on ESPNU and the series finale Sunday gets the ESPN2 treatment.</p>
<p><b>@ Tulane (26)</b></p>
<p>The return leg of the Battle For The Tiger Rag, LSU goes to Turchin looking for their 14th win over the Green Wave in 18 games during the Paul Mainieri era. Last year we were robbed of a Regional matchup with the Green Wave at the Box, as UNC-Wilmington defeated Tulane twice, dropping Tulane to 35-25 on the year. Just a heads up, this game is going to broadcast on CBS Sports Network, so if you don't have that, make your plans to go out to a sports bar to watch. LSU leads Tulane 180-126-3 all time in the rivalry.</p>
<p><b>@ Ole Miss (28-30)</b></p>
<p>After playing two rivals in a row, LSU moves to another, playing former LSU player Mike Bianco's Ole Miss team in Swayze for a Thursday-Saturday series. Last year LSU beat Ole Miss 6-4 on Friday before the Rebels got the best of LSU 5-3 in a 14 inning contest before the Tigers came out on Championship Gold Sunday and dropped the hammer on Ole Miss 18-6. I was opposed to Ole Miss getting into the tournament last year based on record alone, and I was proved right when they bombed out of the Los Angeles regional, dropping them to 30-26 on the year. In a rivalry that dates back to 1906, LSU leads Ole Miss 172-146 and has won 13 of the last 17 series with the Rebs, with all the losses coming in Oxford.</p>
<h3>May</h3>
<p><b>#25 Arkansas (6-8)</b></p>
<p>After taking the midweek off for finals, LSU hosts Arkansas and Dave van Horn, who is only second to Cohen on the LSU fans most hated list. After dropping a 5-1 game to start the series in 2015, LSU bounced back to outscore the Razorbacks 23-7 to take the series. LSU cleaned up the Hogs in Hoover 10-5 to improve to 64-30 all time over Arkansas. Last year Arkansas clipped the 40 win mark exactly, going 40-25, with the last two losses coming from a two and Q in Omaha.</p>
<p><b>@ Notre Dame (10-11)</b></p>
<p>LSU goes up North for a midweek series, which is incredibly rare for the Tigers. Paul Mainieri visits the spot where he coached at prior to coming to LSU, and the place hasn't really been the same since he's left. Last year was the Fighting Irish's first NCAA appearance since Mainieri left in 2006, where they were eliminated after a 1-2 showing in the Champaign Regional, bringing them to 37-23 on the year. Hopefully the Irish wear their <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CVGEXyaU4AAVCH6.jpg:large" target="_blank">green jerseys</a> for one of their games.</p>
<p><b>@ Tennessee (13-15)</b></p>
<p>LSU will probably go straight to Knoxville for their matchup with the Volunteers, their first trip to Knoxville since 2010 when they swept the Vols. LSU last faced Tennessee in 2013, taking the series at the Box. After sweeping Mississippi State to punch their ticket to Hoover, Tennessee was knocked out by Arkansas in the play-in game, dropping them to 24-26. LSU leads the series all time 52-21.</p>
<p><b>Northwestern State (17)</b></p>
<p>Northwestern State drops by for the final midweek matchup of the season. LSU holds a commanding 55-11 series record over the Demons, and Paul Mainieri has only lost once to Northwestern, back in the disaster that was the 2011 season. The Demons were able to scrap together a respectable 2015, going 31-23 and missing on the postseason after faltering with a 1-2 performance in the Southland tournament. However, I'll forever be indebted to Northwestern State for giving us this gif:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HSRD68z_hJJb_oEvuGEoRcjPQBI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5932889/PUT_A_RING_ON_IT.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<p><b>#1 Florida (19-21)</b></p>
<p>LSU ends the regular season with a Thursday-Saturday homestand against the preseason #1 team, Florida. Kevin O'Sullivan has had good Gator teams in the past, but this one is poised to be his best yet. If both teams live up to the hype, LSU fans may finally experience an exciting regular season finale, because while this series likely will have no bearing on either team's status on making the trek to Hoover, it will serve an important role in the jockeying for position among the super regional hosts. Again that's five months and a lot of baseball away, but there is plenty reason to look forward to this matchup. Last season the Gators reached and eclipsed the 50 win mark in Omaha, getting eliminated by the eventual champions Virginia by the thinnest of margins, 5-4. LSU leads the series all time 57-43-1.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/1/26/10828162/2016-lsu-baseball-season-preview-the-schedule-pt-2Adam Henderson2016-01-25T09:20:19-06:002016-01-25T09:20:19-06:002016 LSU Baseball Season Preview: The Schedule
<figure>
<img alt="It's us v them, over and over again" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1NLsx1BL3c3-csSVnhG1tEPg8Fo=/118x32:3444x2249/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48631323/18019999652_de2c13b330_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>It's us v them, over and over again | Jonathan Boraski</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An SEC schedule is never easy, and this year is no exception to the rule. </p> <p>LSU has made a habit of running through the SEC recently, only losing one series last year (due to Jared Foster trying to make a play by diving when he should have just allowed a single against Kentucky), but even still they were forced to take a bow out of the LSU Invitational SEC Tournament due to it's silly format. That likely won't happen again this year, because LSU's schedule is absolutely loaded.</p>
<h4>February</h4>
<p><b>Cincinnati (19-21)</b></p>
<p>I love opening with Cincinnati. A northern group of five conference team who should provide a healthy challenge for the Tigers without putting too much pressure for an opening series. Last year, the Bearcats went a dismal 15-41 that featured a 4-22 road record and three separate losing streaks of seven games of more, including an 11 game streak to end the year. As if that wasn't bad enough, their one good player in Ian Happ was drafted by the Cubs.</p>
<p><b>@ Lamar (24)</b></p>
<p><b></b>This is going to be the most awkward game on the schedule, and it's not as awkward as it was before. As you hopefully know, LSU alum and assistant coach Will Davis was named Lamar's head coach for 2017, and previously was going to remain on staff at LSU this season, but has since agreed to go to Beaumont immediately. Lamar is already a good baseball program and I'm personally glad Davis is getting his shot to be a head coach. Davis really is an all-around great guy and absolute joy to be around and no matter who you are, he treated you as if you were a player. It won't take long for the players to respond to that.</p>
<p>I won't chalk it up as win now, but I like this to start off the midweek slate the same way I like Cincinnati to start off weekends.</p>
<p><b>Sacramento State (26-28)</b></p>
<p>A rare non-conference team from the west, Sacramento State plays in the remnants of the WAC and has a respectable enough program, but often gets out-shined by Cal State Fullerton, Irvine, Bakersfield, San Diego, Stanford, UCLA, USC and the ilk along the west coast. Last year they made a run deep into the WAC tournament, but missed on the postseason with a 33-27 mark.</p>
<h4>March</h4>
<p><b>@ Nicholls (2)</b></p>
<p>Nicholls took the first midweek of the year from LSU in 2015, the Tigers' only midweek loss of the season. This year the Tigers hit the road on to play at Didier Field. Nicholls didn't exactly steal the game, the Colonels had a good year in 2015, going 34-19-1 before going two and Q in Sugar Land at the Southland tournament.</p>
<p><b>Fordham (4-5)</b></p>
<p>Fordham makes the trip from the Bronx to Baton Rouge for a two day series where they'll play a doubleheader on Saturday. The Rams had a rough 2015, going 22-32 including an 0-2 show in the A-10 tournament. Also, fun fact, Fordham played in the first nine-man baseball game in college history, against St. Francis Xavier College, which has since become defunct.</p>
<p><b>Louisiana Tech (8)</b></p>
<p>LSU's first home midweek game is against a team I'm honestly surprised we don't plat more, Louisiana Tech. More notable for having <a href="http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/latc/sports/m-basebl/auto_bsiwide/7372556.jpeg" target="_blank">good vested uniforms</a>, Tech has been largely dormant baseball wise since 1987, and last year was more of the same with the Bulldogs posting a 25-27 record, missing out on the C-USA tournament altogether</p>
<p><b>McNeese State (9)</b></p>
<p>LSU turns around and plays McNeese State the next day, a much more familiar opponent. LSU will carry an 11 game win streak over the Cowboys into this season after blanking them 7-0 last year. By their standards 2015 was tough for the Pokes, with a 32-25 record where their season ended with a winless showing in the Southland tournament.</p>
<p><b>Ball State (11-13)</b></p>
<p>Ball State seeks reprieve from the last bastions of cold weather by coming down to Baton Rouge for the weekend. A program that historically has never really done anything of note (they won one conference title in 2006, which was also their only NCAA tournament appearance), but made it all to the way to the MAC championship game last season, where they lost to Ohio, giving them a 33-25 record on the season.</p>
<p><b>New Orleans (16)</b></p>
<p>LSU's yearly matchup with the Privateers continues a bit earlier than normal (with the exception being 2013's weird half-weekend series), only this time against former LSU standout (and cult hero) Blake Dean instead of legendary coach Ron Maestri. Dean inherits a team that went 14-40 and hasn't posted a winning season since 2007, where they went 43-21. There's been a lot of turmoil at that program and things that go beyond the scope of baseball, but Dean has his work cut out for him if he wants to get the UNO program to the proud status it once had.</p>
<p><b>Alabama (18-20)</b></p>
<p>LSU opens conference play at home against the Crimson Tide, which has been the opposite of the football series between the two teams recently, with LSU taking 14 of the last 18 from the Tide and winning the last 11 series and posting a 42-14 mark against Bama in this century. For all intents and purposes, Paul Mainieri owns Mitch Gaspard. Last year LSU swept Alabama in <strike>Alex Box East</strike> The Hoover Met while the new <a href="http://sewell-thomas.com/" target="_blank">Sewell Thomas Stadium</a> was constructed. The Tide posted another disappointing season last year, going 32-28 and missing the NCAAs, causing Gaspard's seat to warm. Alabama plays Maryland, Oregon, Notre Dame, and Houston in the non-con, so Gaspard could be fighting for his job by the time he takes his team to Baton Rouge.</p>
<p><b>vs. #18 ULL (22) (Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic)</b></p>
<p>LSU reunites with 2015 Baton Rouge Super Regional foe and in-state rival ULL at Zephyr Field for the Wally Pontiff Jr. Classic. Despite UL-Laf going 42-23, LSU took four games from the Cajuns last year (including a WPJC game), improving their record over USL to 52-24 all time. With Tulane stumbling around, SLI has really assumed the role as the little brother in Louisiana who has built up the courage to take swings at LSU, and quite a few of those punches have landed. A natural rivalry has really evolved out of just proximity and a sheer quantity of games, and it's been really fun to see.</p>
<p><b>@ #4 Texas A&M (24-26)</b></p>
<p>The follow up to last year's BASEBALLAMANIA that featured the #1 vs. #2 teams and saw LSU win the series in two games, the Tigers return to College Station for the 3rd time in four years. Last year A&M awoke from a lull of mediocrity that hit when the Aggies joined the SEC to roar to a 50 win season that was stopped short of Omaha by TCU in a three game Super Regional. Featuring LSU transfer catcher Michael Barash, Rob Childress seems to have finally righted the ship to correspond to the SEC's rough currents and build a roster reliant on pitching to stifle opponents. If you can make one road trip a year, I suggest it be this one based on the possibility of seeing one of the most tantalizing pitching matchups in the regular season across all of baseball.</p>
<p><b>Tulane (29)</b></p>
<p>It's LSU and Tulane, I'm not sure what else really needs to be said here. ULL may be the more interesting rivalry, but Tulane will always be special. I mean, they were the opponents in LSU's first ever intercollegiate sporting event, a baseball game in which LSU won 10-8 way back in 1893. After a 35-25 finish in 2015 that ended at the hands of UNC-Wilmington in a regional at The Box, 2nd year head coach David Pierce and the Greenies were picked to finish 2nd in the not-bad-at-the-top American Conference 2016 coaches' preseason poll.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/1/25/10823706/2016-lsu-baseball-season-preview-the-schedule-pt-1Adam Henderson2016-01-22T08:04:28-06:002016-01-22T08:04:28-06:002016 LSU Baseball Season Preview: Youth Movement Or Plug And Play?
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dMZoHeJSTgjZ33FXMD_9LDMK3O0=/58x115:1007x748/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48617701/17347034618_a47325dac9_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Adam Henderson</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Some spots in the lineup are all but locked up, while head coach Paul Mainieri can go two (or three) ways at most positions. </p> <p>Now that our preview of the entire roster is complete, let's try to figure out the starters from the bench players, even if just for Opening Day. I realize that the i<a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNZSXnrbs_k">nner machinations of Paul Mainieri's mind are an enigma</a>, but let's give it a shot anyway.</p>
<h4>Starting Pitcher - Alex Lange</h4>
<p>lol</p>
<h4>Catcher - Michael Papierski</h4>
<p>Papierski is simply too good behind the plate to leave on the bench. LSU has had good to great catchers in the recent era, dating back to newly hired Coordinator of Baseball Operations Micah Gibbs to Kade Scivicque, who was incredibly rare as an offensive catcher who was also stellar defensively. The <strike>LSU AAA call up</strike> LSU-Eunice transfer Jordan Romero's plus .500 OBP was the only real challenger for the position, and he'll be added to the running for the DH spot because of it.</p>
<h4>First Base - Bryce Jordan</h4>
<p>I think Bryce Jordan will be opening day starter, but the competition between Jordan and Bryce Adams will be ongoing for some time, potentially into conference play. Adams played lights out at Delgado last year, with the exception of his high strikeout number (42). I wrote earlier this week that a strikeout number like that is concerning when a player is making a jump from Junior College pitching to the SEC gauntlet. Sure, Adams may be in a completely different spot in the lineup and his attitude at the plate may be different, but the talent disparity is too big for me to overlook. Adams joins Romero in the running for the DH.</p>
<h4>Second Base - Greg Deichmann</h4>
<p>It pains me to say, but everything I've heard from fall ball and the feedback from my previous articles leads me to believe that Kramer Robertson likely won't even get a chance to start at second before he gets overtaken for the spot, which so far has happened annually in his college career. Deichmann rarely appeared last year, but is defensively solid and his bat will come around eventually.</p>
<h4>Third Base - Cole Freeman</h4>
<p>I personally like Brody Wofford, but Freeman's college experience nudges him over the true freshman. Freeman is a solid top of the order guy who flirted with a .500 OBP last year and is a monster on the basepaths. Wofford will get a chance to prove himself, but Freeman brings way to much to the table. 3rd base isn't called the hot corner for no reason, experience goes the further here than anywhere else on the field.</p>
<h4>Short Stop - Trey Dawson</h4>
<p>The worst kept secret in Baton Rouge, Trey Dawson will be standing where Alex Bregman stood for a while barring a dive south of the Mendoza line and abundant errors, all of which I am willing to bet a large sum of money will not occur with Trey Dawson. Dawson is the real deal, and sure there will likely be some growing pains, that's what naturally happens when a true freshman starts at short, but I think Dawson will do a great job and have a successful year.</p>
<h4>Left Field - Antoine Duplantis</h4>
<p>Cody Ducote is the obvious choice for this position offensively, but frankly his defense is...not Gold Glove caliber. I definitely think Ducote will get some work both in the field and at DH, but on opening night I can see Mainieri opting to see how the true freshman from Lafayette survives under the lights. Basically, Duplantis is Mark Laird 2.0, a defensive starter who could use some work at the plate.</p>
<h4>Center Field - Jake Fraley</h4>
<p>The only returning defensive starter from last year, Fraley is sliding over from left to center. Fraley had a solid year last year and only stands to improve on the success he had. He will need to be more consistent at the plate, and that's putting it lightly because for the first few weeks while the rest of the lineup gels, Fraley may be called upon to provide the bulk of the offensive payload.</p>
<h4>Right Field - Beau Jordan</h4>
<p>Good in spot duty last year, Jordan will likely be your starting right fielder to hide any fielding deficiencies he may have in order to keep his production in the lineup. Mainieri has made it no secret he's a fan of Beau, and really there's not many players that can keep a developed Beau Jordan out of a lineup. It may takes a few weeks for him to get the ball rolling, but I expect big things out of Beau this year.</p>
<h4>Designated Hitter - Jordan Romero</h4>
<p>So in the end Jordan Romero won the race between him, Bryce Adams, and Cody Ducote, but expect it to be a revolving door this year and will be occupied by many different players. I just think plus .500 OBP is too good to turn down. I'm a huge fan of somebody that has a ton of pop in their bat but understand that getting on base is the name of the game. Like I said before, in an ideal world, there would be a situation where Romero DHs on Friday, sits on Saturday, and plays catcher on Sunday, giving Papierski a day off, turning to Trent Forshag on the midweeks. But as we know, that's not how baseball or the world works.</p>
<p>Now that we have my predictions on who's starting, let's add a layer to <strike>how wrong I'm going to be</strike> this by giving you the batting order:</p>
<p>5-Freeman (R)</p>
<p>7-Duplantis (L)</p>
<p>8-Fraley (L)</p>
<p>DH-Romero (R)</p>
<p>6-Dawson (R)</p>
<p>4-Deichmann (L)</p>
<p>9-Be Jordan (R)</p>
<p>2-Papierski (S)</p>
<p>5-Br Jordan (R)</p>
<p>When it comes to building lineups, I'm a huge fan of resetting it after the cleanup batter and treating it like two (or three) different lineups inside of one. Ideally, Freeman works for Duplantis, who offers a bunt option to advance Freeman, and the meat of the lineup with Fraley and Romero knock him in. Then Dawson, a fairly balanced hitter, assumes the same role and philosophy that Freeman had at the plate, and the same with Deichmann/Duplantis. Only difference is after the big bat in Beau Jordan goes up, the lineup resets again, only much more condensed with Papierski and Bryce Jordan. Also, this lineup presents a good alternation between right and left handed batters, forcing the opposition to burn more arms playing the matchup game.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/1/22/10813298/2016-lsu-baseball-season-preview-youth-movement-orAdam Henderson2016-01-21T08:00:03-06:002016-01-21T08:00:03-06:002016 LSU Baseball Season Preview: Infield
<figure>
<img alt="Papi" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/j1wdHZzjETeO6ZHACfpSbo2RZcY=/0x356:4320x3236/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48602865/17526966542_6d823b6f58_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Papi | Adam Henderson</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>No returning starters, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. </p> <p>LSU was absolutely loaded on the dirt last year. Obviously there was Bregman who deserved all the hype he got (he's already gotten a spring training invite from the Astros), but there also was the vastly underrated Connor Hale. Chis Chinea and Jared Foster didn't exactly play sterling defense, but their bats more than made up for their shortcomings. And of course, the Maurepas Masher, Livingston Parish's own Kade Scivicque, who was an offensive catcher, and we all know how rare those are.</p>
<p>But...they're all gone. And that's not a bad thing at all. The new infield this year has more experience than you realize.</p>
<h4>#2 Michael Papierski (SO, S/L)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .214 AVG, .333 SLG, .426 OBP, 10 RBI</b></p>
<p>Even last year, there was no doubt that Papierski was going to be the heir to the catcher position. Defensively he may be better than Scivicque, and that is not something I'll say lightly. He's good at blocking balls, but his real strength is his pinpoint aim on the ICBM he calls his right arm. As a part of my job on the Tarp Crew, I'd arrive to the Box when Scivicque and Papierski would be running though catching drills and I don't recall a single ball getting past him. I'm quite sure he'd reach the low 80's from his knees if he completely decides to forgo accuracy. It will not take long for teams to realize stealing bases is going to be a futile effort.</p>
<p>However, Papierski is a catcher and at the end of the day guys like Scivicque are the exception and not the rule. Don't expect a 6-7 home run year out of Pap, he's still a catcher and that's still a defensive position. What the switch-hitter can do is work counts, drawing 21 walks to just one single strikeout in 42 plate appearances. That's how you get the disparity between a .426 OBP and .214 AVG.</p>
<p>Another plus to Papierski is that for a catcher, he's relatively quick. His 6'3" 204 frame doesn't scream catcher, and on the basepaths that's evident. He's not Mark Laird fast, but if a ball gets into the gap, he can get to second standing up and can get to third.</p>
<h4>#28 Jordan Romero (JR, R/R)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .321 AVG, .458 SLG, .516 OBP, 33 RBI</b></p>
<p>Yes, he had an OBP that's above the .500 mark at LSU-Eunice last year. No, your Scivicque comparisons are not completely wrong. The former Louisiana 5A Player Of The Year knocked 13 doubles and 6 homers (the same amount Kade had) at Eunice last year on the way to the Bengals' NJCAA Division II National Championship.</p>
<p>Despite being the NJCAA Div II Gold Glove winner, Romero is the most likely candidate for the DH spot in the lineup because his bat is too valuable to lose but Papierski just may be better at playing catcher. Either way, look for Romero to have an immediate impact on the lineup. Another possibility is that Papierski will catch on the weekends and be given the midweeks off, allowing Romero to get some time behind the plate in.</p>
<h4>#25 Bryce Jordan (SO, R/R)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .130 AVG, .261 SLG, .290 OBP, 6 RBI</b></p>
<p>Outfielder Beau's twin, Bryce is a catcher by trade who may be squeezed out of that spot due to Papierski and Romero showing more promise at the position. If I had to guess where he'd land, it would probably be 1st or 3rd base, with a lean towards first, to better mask and fielding deficiencies he may have in the transition.</p>
<h3>CRAZY STAT ALERT</h3>
<p>Granted he had a limited number of appearances, but last year Bryce was hit by pitch in well over 10% of his plate appearances and in high school set a record for being hit by pitches. Dude is a ball magnet.</p>
<h4>#21 Trent Forshag (FR, R/R)</h4>
<p>A preferred walk-on from Jesuit, the New Orleans native will largely serve as a four-year developmental player at catcher. I hate to call him a "project" but that label isn't incorrect. Likely won't see the field much outside of a few midweek appearances, maybe a start if he earns it.</p>
<h4>#17 Chris Reid (FR, L/R)</h4>
<p>Okay, Chris Reid is a project, full stop. The St. Michael product played third and short in high school and Mainieri has every intention of building him into a catcher to add depth at the position in further years. I think Reid will be ok with that for now, as he will also play punter for the football team.</p>
<h4>#3 Kramer Robertson (JR, R/R)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .232 AVG, .282 SLG, .338 OBP, 5 RBI</b></p>
<p>Kramer Robertson's time at LSU thus far has been...embattled. He's played in the purple and gold for two years now, and in both years he has lost his starting job at second base. His freshman year was going fine until he started to get the yips and Connor Hale started getting the nod more and more at second. Last year Kramer was much better on defense, but Jared Foster's bat was seen as too great to lose and was converted to second base when Kramer just didn't seem to be coming around as a hitter. That added with an elbow injury was too much to overcome.</p>
<p>If there's ever a time where Kramer can bear down and lock up his starting spot, it's now. He's not going to be asked to hit .350 and send balls to the batter's eye, just be consistent at the plate and play the defense he is well and capable of playing.</p>
<h4>#7 Greg Deichmann (SO, L/R)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .000 AVG, .000 SLG, .273 OBP, 0 RBI</b></p>
<p>The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXKeHAyGBqc">Citizen Snips</a> of 2015, Deichmann played in just 10 games last year. Walking three times in eight at bats (scoring once), the sophomore is all but guaranteed to have more of an impact this season. If there is someone likely to show up and overtake Kramer at second for a third straight year, it's likely to be Deichmann.</p>
<h4>#4 Bryce Adams (JR, R/R)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .417 AVG, .667 SLG, .468 OBP, 45 RBI</b></p>
<p>Cody Ducote was the power bat of Delgado last year, but Bryce Adams was a loud second place. Adams was just shy of Ducote's mark by one home run, one triple, four doubles, and two singles. Adams will come in immediately and compete for a spot in the lineup, likely dueling with Romero for DH duties while throwing his hat in the ring for first base. The only downside to Adams' game is that he strikes out...a lot. Like 42 strikeouts in 2015 a lot. And he'll be face much tougher competition on the mound, which is slightly troubling for a guy who was feast or famine at the JUCO level.</p>
<h4>#22 Cole Freeman (JR, R/R)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .385 AVG, .515 SLG, .475 OBP, 23 RBI</b></p>
<p>Mainieri chose the right word when he called Freeman a "table setter". Freeman is great at applying pressure on a pitcher and his defense as well as ratcheting down and increasing the pressure. The teammate of Ducote and Adams stole 15 bases last year for a Delgado team that didn't run a lot, especially when compared to LSU (Bregman lead the team with 38 steals on 48 attempts). Should Wofford not be able to start at third, Freeman will likely man the hot corner.</p>
<h4>#10 Trey Dawson (FR, R/R)</h4>
<p>Everybody, meet the man who will stand where Alex Bregman stood. He's good, good enough to have the potential to be as good defensively at short as Bregman was. And he's proficient with a stick in his hands, but stands to add some development to his swing. I usually have a rule about utterly ignoring high school stats, because it's nowhere near the quality of play of a power five conference, but I'll pull that curtain aside to present this wonderful nugget: In his <b>entire high school career</b>, Dawson only struck out 50 times. He had 488 plate appearances. That's barely above .102 and what you look for out of a freshman when recruiting.</p>
<p>Now again, he is a freshman and you should not treat him the way you look at Ben Simmons, but relish the opportunity to watch him wear purple and gold for three years.</p>
<h4>#9 O'Neal Lochridge (FR, R/R)</h4>
<p>First off, I'm going to start off by swearing to you that this ISN'T Mark Laird:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-G5AJVYUDskAN3Fe2RH9fSHDMRc=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5920979/NPQGWRVJPQBSMCZ.20151203214123.0.jpg">
</figure>
</p>
<p>I swear. Yes he wears the same number and bears an incredible resemblance to him, but I repeat, this is NOT Mark Laird.</p>
<p>Now, O'Mark Lairdridge (h/t zrau) possess a good pinpoint arm and is a good enough hitter for a freshman. By all intents and purposes, Notmark Notlaird is good with a bat and will be a key player for the Tigers at third. Just likely not in 2016 because there is just too much depth and experience on the table. He'll play, but his freshman year will likely be a developmental year.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/1/21/10799948/2016-lsu-baseball-season-preview-infieldAdam Henderson2016-01-19T09:00:06-06:002016-01-19T09:00:06-06:002016 LSU Baseball Season Preview: Outfield
<figure>
<img alt="Jake Fraley with all the returning members of the LSU outfield" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qpEEQx-XlRJoMT_HrFc92kQEDyA=/0x356:4320x3236/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48587223/17526850172_800600c22e_o.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jake Fraley with all the returning members of the LSU outfield | Adam Henderson</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The only returning starter looks to provide consistency in the grass. </p> <p>Petr Cech, former Chelsea and current Arsenal goalkeeper, is said to be worth anywhere between 12 and 15 points alone. In the same regard, LSU's outfield comprised of Laird, Stevenson, and Fraley were likely worth the same amount of runs saved last year.</p>
<p>In a somewhat shocking twist, both Laird and Stevenson, the two speediest and best defensive outfielders, decided to forgo their senior years for the chance to play in the NL East. Left behind to fill the gaps are:</p>
<h4>#8 Jake Fraley (JR, L/L)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .307 AVG, .427 SLG, .373 OBP, 35 RBI</b></p>
<p>Recipient of the coveted #8, the baseball version of #7 in football, by proxy of being the only defensive starter returning, Fraley is coming off a year where he secured a starting spot and produced. I can't believe I'm saying this about a guy with a .307/.427/.373 slash, but Fraley was far from the biggest offensive threats last year. Even Mark Laird, the epitome of a defensive starter, was better at the dish. However Fraley is great at minimizing damage at the plate, striking out only 24 times, 2nd least among starters, and only grounding into one double play. Minimizing damage is great, but LSU will need him to provide more than "death by singles" this year.</p>
<p>Defensively, Fraley is good but isn't particularly anything to write home about. He'll probably move from left field to center by proxy of being the most proven outfielder, but I wouldn't expect him to produce the same amount of show-stopping diving catches Stevenson did.</p>
<p>However, Fraley is absolutely brilliant on the basepaths:</p>
<p> <figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/O_I9tEN16x-eKDvgKf00Y5cv6zg=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/5914491/843411298.0.gif">
</figure>
</p>
<h4>#24 Beau Jordan (SO, R/R)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .219 AVG, .250 SLG, .359 OBP, 4 RBI</b></p>
<p>Only able to crack the starting lineup four times but appearing in 20 games, Beau (not to be confused with his twin Bryce, who plays catcher and utility infielder) was serviceable in spot duty, and has potential to be this year's big bat in the lineup. However, what makes Beau special is that he's not boom or bust with the bat. Jordan is very good at working counts and taking what the pitcher gives him, knowing when to not swing for the fences or get caught being over aggressive. It's a small sample size with only 32 at bats, but that trait is reflected in last year's stat line.</p>
<p>Defensively...from what limited action I've seen from Jordan, he'll probably be placed in right just because he'll be the worst starting outfielder. Jordan has a strong arm but doesn't exactly cover ground like a speeding bullet.</p>
<h4>#5 Cody Ducote (JR, R/R)</h4>
<p><b>2015: .442 AVG, .755 SLG, .490 OBP, 68 RBI</b></p>
<p>A transfer from Delgado, Ducote lead the Dolphins in every major statistic en route to a NJCAA World Series appearance. Fearless Leader Paul Mainieri called Ducote "the best bat to come out of New Orleans since Mason Katz" and if that doesn't entice you a bit then I don't know what to tell you (coincidentally, Ducote wears the same number Katz did, will possibly play the same position, and went to Brother Martin, rival of Katz' Jesuit). Ducote has power to take a hanging slider out to The Intimidator, but more often than not relies on contact to see him through, tapping 19 doubles last year in 48 games. Ducote is also fluent in working counts, drawing 21 walks to 16 strikeouts while sitting in the heart of the order.</p>
<p>You're likely to see Ducote out in left field on opening night, but he may be shuffled around as best seen fit by Mainieri. Ducote fielded .948 at Delgado, which isn't bad but it's not exactly good. Let's put it this way: last year Ducote had more errors alone than LSU's entire outfield had combined.</p>
<h4>#20 Antoine Duplantis (FR, L/L)</h4>
<p>A freshman from Lafayette, Duplantis is a much needed defensive player. Hailing from a track background, Duplantis can fly as shown by his senior year at Lafayette High where he recorded 11 doubles, five triples, and 27 stolen bases in 145 plate appearances.</p>
<p>However, Duplantis needs some development at the plate, and by "some" I mean "a good bit". Eventually Antoine can fill into the mold of Mark Laird, a contact savvy hitter who earns his salt out in the grass but that likely won't be this year.</p>
<h4>#14 Brody Wofford (FR, L/R)</h4>
<p>Wofford is a raw hitter who right now suffers from pull tendencies, but that doesn't mean he will come May. Still, he batted .515 his senior year at Model HS in Rome, GA, which is extremely good but doesn't apply to SEC pitching and defense.</p>
<p>Brody played short in high school but for reasons unknown Mainieri is willing to give him a shot in a corner outfield spot. I think Wofford will get his first few starts out in right during the midweek games and if his bat is seen as too valuable to be left on the bench, then maybe he'll be transferred back to the infield.</p>
<h4>#6 Brennan Breaux (FR, L/L)</h4>
<p>Breaux is a two way player, able to pitch as well as well as play outfield. I think eventually he'll pitch, but for now I think he'll spend his freshman year with a bat in hand.</p>
<p>The Scott native is rangy in the outfield and knows how to defend, but is more on the "liability" side when it comes to the plate. Expect to see him make appearances against midweek competition, but don't expect him to be a starter in those games.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/1/19/10786626/2016-lsu-baseball-season-preview-outfieldAdam Henderson2016-01-15T08:30:03-06:002016-01-15T08:30:03-06:002016 Baseball Season Preview: The Bullpen
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<img alt="@LSUBULLPEN in his "formal attire", whatever that means" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HkkiFZtVFeAYn-X3PfO8cGL3h3w=/0x0:600x400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48556291/CCQxN9TVEAAqsCS.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>@LSUBULLPEN in his "formal attire", whatever that means | @LSUBULLPEN</figcaption>
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<p>Our preview of the 2016 LSU baseball teams shifts focus to the mound off in right field, with a very special guest. </p> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">We continue our trek through the previews of the 2016 LSU baseball team, and joining us is <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/LSUBULLPEN">@LSUBULLPEN</a>, whose spot on commentary will shed a lot of insight as to what you can expect from...well...him this season.</p>
<h4><span><b>#46 Parker Bugg (JR, RHP)</b></span></h4>
<p><b>2015: 36.2 IP, 1.72 ERA, .203 BAA, 2.69 K/BB (34:13)</b></p>
<p>Bugg was half of the lethal back end of LSU's bullpen last year, with the other half being the since departed Zac Person. Heavy with the breaking balls, Parker was a rock that helped in handing games to Stallings, recording 3 saves on his own. With Stallings faltering at the end of the year, Bugg may make a bid to become a closer.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FUNY THING ABOWT PARKOUR BUG IS HES NOT ACTAULLY A BUG.</p>
— at lsu bullpen (@LSUBULLPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUBULLPEN/status/687793931342331904">January 15, 2016</a>
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<h4>#37 Jesse Stallings (SO, RHP)</h4>
<p><b>2015: 33 IP, 2.73 ERA, .209 BAA, 2.17 K/BB (26:12)</b></p>
<p>After Stallings set the world on fire in LSU's non-conference play, he experienced a return to Earth once the season wore on, almost to the point of crash landing. Much is made about the importance of a closer, but I personally find it hugely important to the success of a team to have a guy who specializes in coming in and going for broke, knowing he's at most pitching 2 innings a week. It's a position that can feature a lot of glamour, but if you don't have the right arm and mentality, it can also make you a scapegoat. I think last year Stallings struggled mightily with that, and for him to have a strong 2016 he needs to put it all in the rearview and approach the game with the same swagger he had before conference play last year.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="pl" dir="ltr">JESSIE?! <a href="http://t.co/t42b4Honcq">pic.twitter.com/t42b4Honcq</a></p>
— at lsu bullpen (@LSUBULLPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUBULLPEN/status/576576320458510336">March 14, 2015</a>
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<h4>#55 Hunter Newman (JR, RHP)</h4>
<p><b>2015: 36.2 IP, 0.49 ERA, .203 BAA, 2.62 K/BB (34:13)</b></p>
<p>In 2015, Newman lead the team (who pitched more than inning) in ERA, even though his BAA and K/BB proved there was some luck involved in producing a number that low. Officially, he's been clocked at 91, but I think he can squeeze out another mph or two if need be. However, Newman was sidelined in 2014 with a shoulder injury, which is always scary in terms of a pitcher throwing too hard. Luck or not, Newman was incredibly efficient in his role as being one of the first relievers out of the pen, leading to the Bugg/Person-Stallings battery.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="und" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/AlabamaBSB">@AlabamaBSB</a> <a href="http://t.co/xY1qXQnbTP">pic.twitter.com/xY1qXQnbTP</a></p>
— at lsu bullpen (@LSUBULLPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUBULLPEN/status/583841450225496066">April 3, 2015</a>
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<p> </p>
<h4>#21 Doug Norman (SO, RHP)</h4>
<p><b>2015: 35.1 IP, 2.04 ERA, .262 BAA, 4.17 K/BB (25:6)</b></p>
<p>I honestly had no idea Norman's stat line was that good until I looked at it. Used primarily when the situation was not quite dire enough for the aforementioned Hunter Bugperson, Norman logged a lot of innings where his main goal was to not let shit hit the fan. And to his credit, he was quite good at it and will likely translate to a more prominent role in 2016. What's important about his stat line is the 6 walks. It's one thing for a hitter to earn a base or guess right, and it's another to let them on. As the old adage goes, walks will kill you and Norman does a great job at staying confined to the strike zone.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">DOG NORMAN</p>
— at lsu bullpen (@LSUBULLPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUBULLPEN/status/588507251159236609">April 16, 2015</a>
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<h4>#45 Russell Reynolds (JR, RHP)</h4>
<p><b>2015: 36.2 IP, 2.95 ERA, .197 BAA, 1.47 K/BB (25:17)</b></p>
<p>I spent a lot of time out behind the bullpen last year, and I've came to the conclusion that Russell Reynolds was the funnest pitcher to watch on the team. Not fun in an "he's about to handcuff a lineup" way that Aaron Nola or Alex Lange is, but in a "he's about to make the batter corkscrew into the ground or get laced" way. An objective fun. Decent fastball, but his bread and butter is in his devastating slider that on more than one occasion last year caused me to cringe because of how badly he made the batter miss. And he was damn good at it too, last year he only gave up one (1) base hit, a double. Usually when a pitcher runs the gambit with a breaking ball as much as Russ does, they suffer the consequences. Maybe he got lucky (he did, to a degree), but for the most part his slider is that effective. Unfortunately, the last thing you want late in a one run game is a hanging slider, so Reynolds may be used in more of a long relief/"Taco Bell Anderson" Sunday role.</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="in">DANGE RUSS RENOLES</p>
— at lsu bullpen (@LSUBULLPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUBULLPEN/status/605450518572482561">June 1, 2015</a>
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<h4>#30 Collin Strall (JR, RHP)</h4>
<p><b>2015: 18.1 IP, 3.93 ERA, .227 BAA, 1.7 K/BB (17:10)</b></p>
<p>Despite 22 appearances, Strall only logged 18 innings mostly due to his role as a righty/lefty matchup chess piece. Like Reynolds, Strall doesn't like going out of the strike zone and is willing to enter into a foul ball dogfight with the batter if need be. Armed with a breaking ball to compliment his fastball, his main way of generating outs is to pull the string on a changeup and take the pop out of a bat. Oh yeah, and he's a sidearm thrower, which is plenty tough for a hitter to make an adjustment to on the fly. If Strall was a lefty, he'd honestly have a better shot at having a more prominent role out of the pen, but it looks like he may be locked into more of the same this year, which isn't a diss so much as it is a testament to the depth of the bullpen.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">COLLIN BROWN SUGA</p>
— at lsu bullpen (@LSUBULLPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUBULLPEN/status/591422343370641409">April 24, 2015</a>
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<p> </p>
<h4>#12 Hunter Devall (SR, LHP)</h4>
<p><b>2015: 15.2 IP, 4.02 ERA, .224 BAA, 3.00 K/BB (15:5)</b></p>
<p>Hunter Devall...does not lack for confidence. He has some of the things coaches want to instill upon their players, but at times he's gotten caught not being smart about it. He will stand up and challenge any hitter to make contact with the ball and exerts a maximum effort on every pitch. However, as many of us know sometimes that is counterproductive and he has gotten caught overthrowing and having pitches end up where they shouldn't be. In order to be successful in 2016, Devall needs just to become more consistent. At times in 2015 he would throw straight junk and at others there would be an alarming amount of contact.</p>
<p> </p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">HUNTER DUUUUUUUUUUUUVAAAAAAAAAAL</p>
— at lsu bullpen (@LSUBULLPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUBULLPEN/status/604451740109389824">May 30, 2015</a>
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<p> </p>
<h4>#32 Alden Cartwright (JR, RHP)</h4>
<p><b>2015: 20 IP, 4.05 ERA, .286 BAA, 7.25 K/BB (29:4)</b></p>
<p>LSU's resident Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde, Cartwright possess the tools to be a key part of the LSU staff, the numbers just haven't translated to that for some reason. He doesn't own an overpowering fastball, but he has a masterful 12-6 curve and knows when to throw it. While Devall has issues with overthrowing, the best way I can describe Cartwright is being too smart for his own good. Privy to shaking off pitches, Alden simply got caught being too cute or overthinking once or twice. But the silver lining and the proof that Cartwright can chuck is at the end of the stat line, the stupid K/BB ratio. You can claim the ERA and BAA are due to a 20 inning sample size, but there's no disproving 29 strikeouts to 4 walks.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">ALADDIN CARTRIGHT ALLSO THEIRS NO SERVISE IN THE BULPEN THO HELP <a href="https://twitter.com/lsu">@LSU</a></p>
— at lsu bullpen (@LSUBULLPEN) <a href="https://twitter.com/LSUBULLPEN/status/587060607137886208">April 12, 2015</a>
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<h4>#33 Cole McKay (FR, RHP)</h4>
<p>The #37 high school prospect in his class according to Perfect Game (was ranked the 96th best pro prospect prior to the draft), the Texas pitcher has drawn rave reviews from Mainieri, who said he has the potential to be the next Gausman, Nola, or Lange. Yes, that's stupid high praise, but let's focus on what he is now: an unproven arm that will likely start out in the bullpen before working up if he succeeds. McKay has been clocked as high as 95 mph, but control of that speed needs development.</p>
<h4>#29 Nick Bush (FR, LHP)</h4>
<p>Paul said Bush reminds him of Zac Person, and I can see him having the same career arc as Person did, one who maybe didn't see the time on mound right away, but by the time his senior year rolls around he plays a big part on the team. Bush possesses a last-second breaking ball to pair with his low 90's fastball, but needs one or two more pitches to become effective.</p>
https://www.andthevalleyshook.com/2016/1/15/10762352/2016-lsu-baseball-bullpen-ft-lsubullpenAdam Henderson