re: LSU Baseball is Here!!!

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Even with the starters getting some good cuts on Lange in the 2nd inning he was beyond impressive in that first inning.

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I thought Lange looked really impressive the first three batters. Wonder if needing to record 5 outs in an inning got to him and he relaxed after 3 outs.

Oh boy. Tad is back

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Papierski's defense and arm is far superior to Chinea's.
He's going to make it really difficult for PM to start anyone else at C. It really is apparent that he's the best defensively.

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Good to hear this.

After watching Latz pitch today, I've been thinking about the possibility of him being tried in the closer role. He maxed out at 87mph and I don't know if this was to be expected after his injury or if it might be a lingering thing. Do you think that his velocity, and endurance, will increase as he gets more time on the mound or perhaps the weather warming might do the trick?
Just curious of your thoughts on him.

Yes, they're ramping up his arm slowly over the next 3 weeks. I think he'll end up sitting around 89-90mph by years end.

I remember years ago Gausman was at 91-92mph all preseason and by April-May he was constantly sitting at 95-96mph.

Warmer weather the air is less dense and the ball is able to travel faster.

You make good points and ask good questions. We don't really know what his injury was other than arm fatigue. Was there pain? Was it in the elbow or shoulder? It's tough to say if the plan is to work him up slowly purposefully by telling him to only give 80% effort or if 87 is his top velocity right now since he was shut down and we don't know his throwing schedule from the winter.

I think closer is an interesting place but I can't see PM putting him there. He always talks about the last outs being as important as the first so he puts a ton of emphasis on the closer. He wants someone who can throw hard strikes (reliable) and at least one really good secondary pitch. Latz could end up there but I don't see him being given a shot early on. I think PM has others in mind.

so do yall think Pap's D behind the plate gets him the nod?

At least at first, Sciv, Chinea and Pap will get time behind he plate. I think he does get most of the starts by SEC though.


Conner Hale profile up.

Hale-Yes!!!

I think this will be a great year for Hale.

Thanks again ell for the reviews!!!