FIRST BASE

Conner Hale Sr.* 6’2 185lbs (20)
Chris Chinea Jr. 5’11 220 lbs (26)
Bryce Jordan Fr. 5’9 205lbs (25)

The first base position will be similar as in year’s pasts, dependent on what Mainieri decides to do at catcher, second base, and third base the spot will open up as needed. For all intents and purposes we’ll highlight Conner Hale, last year’s starting second baseman and a guy who has had success at first base as the starter. Hale split time last year at both first base and second base and is athletic enough to play both positions as well as third if called upon. I see guys such as Hale, Chinea, Scivique, Deichmann, and Bryce Jordan to all get looks and reps at the position in the weeks leading up to opening day.

Conner Hale is a role player, a veteran, and a sparkplug. Every successful team has two or three guys who you look down the lineup and they’re consistent, they don’t have to be flashy with any one tool. Last year Hale drew the fewest walks out of any starter yet he struck out the least, in a nut shell he was the one who made contact more than any other player and ranked third in total bases. Hale’s not a big power guy, his bread and butter is going where the ball is pitched, yet I do think he has the ability to hit 6-7 HR’s this season. As one of five returning starters who hit over .300 last year the type of season Conner has will determine how LSU can stack their lineup and protect Bregman. LSU will again have a potent heart of the order and Mainieri’s ability to place Hale anywhere before or after Bregman may reap many rewards. Conner has an above average glove and does not make mental mistakes in the field, he and Bregman formed a solid double play combo last year and he’ll excel at whichever position he ends up this spring. If there is one knack to his game it’s his base stealing where a season ago he did not have a single steal attempt however in his role it hasn’t been called upon. His base running is average and will not present a liability in the base paths.

Chris Chinea could also spend some time at first base where he will present a steady target. Chinea’s glove is less flashy than that of Hale’s but he presents the presence of more raw power to the gaps between the two. Last year Chris had a number of balls fall at the warning track, ones that this spring may carry out. Bryce Jordan the talented athlete out of Barbe will see reps here and third base. Greg Deichmann could also be used here in an emergency spot or late game shift.

Mainieri’s long line of athletic and interchangeable position players inserted at 1B doesn’t seem to be changing this year and for the most part players have excelled at this position when called upon. Again, depth at the time being does not pose a threat with younger players waiting in the wings. If Conner Hale remains in this starting gig first base is going to be locked down by a seasoned veteran who’s going to hit for average in the lineup.

Power------55
Hitting------60
Speed------50
Fielding----60
Arm---------55

FINAL GRADE: 60

This post was edited on 2/2/15 at 7:36 am

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Posted by Adam4848

Member since Apr 2006

19015 posts

Posted on 2/1/15 at 6:14 am to Adam4848

SECOND BASE

Kramer Robertson So.* 5’10 165lbs (3)
Greg Deichmann Fr. 6’2 185lbs (7)
Conner Hale Sr. 6’2 185lbs (20)

As it appears today Kramer Robertson’s maturation process has come together smoothly and he’s ready to step into the second base position in the preparation to take over short stop next season or remain at second. Looking at potential candidates you have Kramer Robertson, Greg Deichmann, and Conner Hale. Assuming for now Hale stays at first base we’ll solely cover Robertson and Deichmann.

Kramer comes in as one of the most athletic guys in the lineup heading into spring. He doesn’t have every inch of range Jacoby Jones did in his prime but he can and will still make a few eye opening plays you just don’t think he has the chance to get to. All in all he's one of the premier defensive infielders LSU has this season. The key to success will be getting on point with Bregman to shore up the middle of the infield and having spent half of last season at second base he’s had time to work out any kinks. Robertson also has an extremely strong arm for his frame and has flashed this tool dozens of times in scrimmages. What Mainieri is hoping to see this year is an above average plate presence towards the bottom of the lineup as to play the second leadoff man role if he doesn't hit one or two. He did a great job working counts a year ago, this season will be about capitalizing on mistake pitches and driving the ball up the middle to get on base and flip it over to the top of the order. His motive to no surprise will be swinging for contact and getting on base any ways necessary. Robertson has above average speed and is an excellent baserunner, I would look for a big boost in stolen base production with the amount of work he’s put in with Andy Cannizaro as well as working the hit and run game with him on base.

Greg Deichmann, the star bat out of the freshman class would have been a top 3 round selection last June had he not made his intentions very blunt he was attending school. Deichmann is a true 5 tool player with a solid frame to build into as well as top line speed he possess currently. His power and left handed bat will get him at bats early in the season. His power will come in time, it may be this year it may be a year from now, but it will come. Whether or not Greg see’s time at 1B, 2B, 3B, or DH I think he will eventually find his way into the lineup by years end, it’s hard to keep a bat as potent as his on the bench for too long. As it appears Deichmann will be groomed into either the 2B or 3B position and even has the range to become a left fielder if push comes to shove. Although slowed by a foot strain in late January I don't see it as a nagging season long injury especially if
platooning DH.

The second base position when lineup cards are set won’t be asked to carry the team, more or so to add a spark in needed situations as well as play above average defense. What we’ve seen in years past is if you can manage the glove at any key defensive position Mainieri will hold that to a higher degree over a batting average. I expect Robertson to take the job running with Deichmann competing for playing time as the season wears on. If for any reason a defensive shift comes into play Conner Hale becomes an easy choice to slide into this position.

Power------40
Hitting------50
Speed------60
Fielding----60
Arm---------65

FINAL GRADE: 55

This post was edited on 2/3/15 at 7:59 am

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Posted by josh336