Official Adam4848 Baseball Preview Feb 10th (Pro Prospects)

CATCHER



1) Mike Papierski So. 6’3 205lbs (2)*
2) Jordan Romero Jr. 6’2 225lbs (28)
3) Bryce Jordan So. 5’9 215 lbs (25)

Kade Scivique and Chris Chinea depart, both players who well exceeded expectations a season ago and were each key pieces in LSU’s power surge seen in 2015. As both depart a heralded sophomore will enter the picture. Mike Papierski will start day 1 followed in the pecking order by Jordan Romero, Bryce Jordan, and Chris Reid if needed.

Mike Papierski is both a rare and unique catcher in today’s college game. You look at him physically and swear you’re eyeing an MLB backup catcher, his frame is there, he switch hits with his power coming from the left side, arm strength is well above average…creating a catcher from scratch it’s all there. Papierski did in fact come to LSU a season ago as the highest drafted high school catcher to skip pro ball and attend college. The talent is there it just hasn’t made its way to the stats sheet as of his freshman campaign. We can argue Papierski wasn’t ready as a freshman granted his sample size was small, only 42 at bats, although Mainieri had the luxury of using him as a reserve while he adjusted to the college game. Catching in the SEC is one of the most challenging positions as freshman and Paul Mainieri knew exactly what he was doing grooming Mike under both Scivicque and Chinea. Here we stand in February and there is no way to sugar coat this…if LSU is to make a deep run into the tournament Papierski is going to need to be a mainstay in the heart of the batting order. Mike’s best tool is the glove along with a well above average arm, make no mistake he will be a smooth transition from the ‘15 ALL-SEC Kade Scivicque. It should be noted LSU's pitching staff absolutely loves having the ability to throw any pitch in the dirt without hesitation. In terms of his bat he’ll hit for a higher average as a righty with much more power coming from the left side which is typical, the patience he shows at the plate as this young of an age cannot be emphasized enough, not many empty at bats coming from this young man. Speed is slightly below average to average he won’t steal a base this year however isn’t a liability on the base path. Look for him to hit anywhere from 4-6 in the order as the lineup will shuffle quite a few times before SEC play.

Jordan Romero is another talented big bodied catcher who I see alleviating Papierski in spells as well as contenting for the DH role. Romero a standout from Catholic High and transfer from LSU-Eunice is another hardnosed catcher who excels defensively much like Papierski although his bat hasn’t stood out as of yet.

After Papierski and Romero you have a couple of guys in Bryce Jordan, Chris Reid, and Trent Forshang who can play multipole positions as well as step in behind the plate as needed. As the group rounds out Mike Papierski not only has the best glove of the group but the highest ceiling and will start from day one.

An eye popping stat…Papierski ranked #4 in BB’s last year although he was #12 on the team in recorded at bat’s with 42 while the starters averaged 235. What this tells you is not only does he have great vision but patience which will serve him well as he matures and is able to work counts which will only favor him. Look for a breakout year from Mike Papierski.


Papierski
Power------60
Hitting------55
Speed------45
Fielding----65
Arm---------65

FINAL GRADE: 60

Thank you Adam

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Freeman was starting point guard on his high school basketball team. So while there are few that play high school basketball and baseball at 4A/5A level, he did. Surely it helped with athleticism but now he is able to focus on one sport.

I got my tickets in the other day and I am fired up and ready to go for this season. Love the annual preview thread. Thank you sir

The last preseason scrimmage of the year is today starting at 4:30 pm. It's free and open to the public.