| 27 January 2012
Now that the wounds are healing from the disappointing end to the LSU football season, it's time for Tiger fans to focus their attention on the other major sport in LSU athletics – baseball.
LSU head coach Paul Mainieri held his press conference at media today for the opening baseball season which begins on February 17th when the Air Force Falcons travel to Alex Box Stadium.
Don't expect the return of gorilla ball to Alex Box this year or in the near future but it's quite alright to be optimistic about LSU baseball heading into the season.
Times-Picayune sports writer Jim Kleinpeter was on top of everything Mainieri hit on today during media day.
Here are some of the more interesting tidbits spoken by Mainieri from the press conference (more of which can be read by reading Jim Kleinpeter's time line on twitter):
On how LSU played towards the end of last season: “At the end of the year I thought we were playing as good as anybody in the country. I felt if given the opportunity we could have made some noise in NCAA tournament. How we ended the season has given us lot of confidence going into this season. Everyone will contribute. ”
On LSU pitching going into this year: “I've made bold comments about our pitching and the boldness is well-placed. Our main focus has been to shore up bullpen and you do that with depth.”
On specific pitchers in the LSU rotation: “Kevin Gausman is draft eligible and has a chance to be a very high draft choice. With Eads and McCune, I wouldn't trade our rotation for any other in the country. Nick Rumbelow has come on strong. Threw ball well in the summer and his confidence has gone through roof.”
On in coming pitchers Aaron Nola and Cody Glenn: “Aaron Nola is a strike-throwing machine. LHP Cody Glenn has world of potential. Like to make him a full time midweek starter.”
On what to expect from the batting line-up: “This lineup will be very hardnosed, tough out hitters. Line drive hitters, good baserunners.”
What to expect from the offense this year and the difference from last year's offense: “A lot was made that our offense wasn't that good. We were third in batting and led in runs scored. Problem with our offense is we were inconsistent. Because we don't have a lot of power, there are going to be some days where you don't have luck. We have more punch in the lineup this year. We don't have a guy who will hit 14 HR but several 5 or 6.”
What does the potential batting line-up look like heading into the year: “Hanover, Rhymes, Katz, Slaid, Jones, Nola, Ross, DH, Yocom. Still early, things will play out.”
What does the potential pitching line-up look like heading into the year: “Order of starters not determined, but Gausman likely Friday night starter, Eads probably Saturday, and McCune Sunday.”
Thoughts on the SEC in baseball this year: “This might be the best its ever been. We're 8th in country, 4th in SEC. Mind boggling.”
Once again, check out Jim Kleinpeter's time line on twitter for all of his tweets from the LSU baseball media day.
