re: Baseball Preview: 2020 Season (Feb 10th - Pro Prospects & SEC Predictions)

RELIEF PITCHING (CONTINUED)

Aaron George is another veteran arm with a huge frame and mix of three pitches who can be another guy to eliminate damage in the middle of innings.

Trent Veitmeier I would most closely compare to Beck. He's got innings and innings of experience and one of the most poised arms of this staff. Fastball is average but he can locate his two off speed pitches and be a good arm to have. Needs to stay away from giving up the big hits and he'll be fine.

Nick Storz is healthy this year and having him in this bullpen will be a true X factor for how LSU can close out games. Fastball can be anywhere from 90-93mph and he has a devastating slider that has great depth for the pitch. To be clear for him to be effective 1-2 innings is all he needs to get through and an arm as talented as his that's very realistic.

Brandon Kaminer is a lefty with a nice frame they were able to sign from JUCO. Started his career at Miami, fastball can sneak up to lower 90's and has a very good slider. Because he's the most advanced LHP I would like to see them start him in the bullpen where he can focus on matching up against left handers late in the game. He's an arm to watch out for an LSU in a sense needs him to be effective.

Rye Gunter is an arm I am very excited to see mature. Tall lanky arm from the right side he was able to really elevate his fastball late last season. Still a work in progress but a guy they can start molding during mid week games as necessary.

Chase Costello is another righty with a very nice frame and fastball life. Really struggled at times getting a feel for the game but has major upside and is a very advanced athlete. I'd think they'll get him work in the midweek for now.

Jacob Hasty one of the few freshmen arms is another lefty who Mainieri has stated many times will be groomed as a starter one day. Very nice fastball life from the left side where he's been averaging 89-91mph. Curve ball is an out pitch and he's someone who can become a Sunday starter in time. Control needs to progress and much like some of these younger arms he'll have the luxury of being brought in slow during the midweek games. He's a dark horse to become that fifth or six starter.

Michael Lagarrigue is a local walk on who filled in the 35th spot this spring. He may see some time in mop up duty during mid week games.

My take: There are 2-3 weekend starters who LSU has stacked up in this group. There's multiple veteran arms, power arms, and situation pieces to mix and match how Alan Dunn pleases. Jaden Hill and Nick Storz give LSU truly two elite talents at the back end of the bullpen along with the returning depth. Eric Walker is also a possibility here if he's not starting. Beck, Veitmeier, Hilliard, and Fontenot all have experience in big game moments. LSU does need Kaminer and Hasty to be productive at least in situational outings...if they are then this position will be LSU's strength.

PROJECTIONS:
Long Relief - Ma'Khail Hillard, Nick Storz
Situational Relief - Matthew Beck, Trent Vietmeier, Aaron George, Brandon Kaminer
Set up - Jaden Hill
Closer - Devin Fontenot
Midweek - Jacob Hasty, Rye Gunter, Chase Costello, Michael Lagarrigue

POSITION ADDITIONS:
Jaden Hill (injury)
Nick Storz (injury)
Brandon Kaminer
Jacob Hasty
Michael Lagarrigue

POSITION LOSSES:
Clay Moffit
Todd Peterson
Will Ripoll
Riggs Threadgill

POSITION OVERALL GRADE: 70