Baseball Preview 2022 Season (Feb 10th - Pro Prospects & SEC Predictions)

FIRST BASE

Tre Morgan So. 6’1 191lbs (18)* Bats-Left Throws-Left
Brayden Jobert RS-So. 6’1 215lbs (6) Bats-Left Throws-Right
Cade Beloso RS-Jr. 6’0 216lbs (24) Bats-Left Throws-Left
Jacob Berry So. 6’0 212lbs (14) Bats-Switch Throws-Right

If Tre Morgan sticks at this position he’s the clear cut starter. If global changes start to occur with C, 3B, RF, and DH it throws a wrench into this but we’ll get into that later. Jacob Berry, Cade Beloso, and Brayden Jobert all make sense here to an extent. Luke Leto has started to see reps here in the spring as he finally becomes healthy and could a darkhorse here...still I think this may be a reach and it would be dependent on him exploding at the plate to the point they can't sit him and there's a better option at DH. The rest of this position will fill out much the same as DH on an as needed basis to get one of the powerful lefties at bats.

Tre Morgan had one of the more impressive freshman stat lines in the country last year and frankly it got overshadowed more times than not just playing alongside Crews. In the box Morgan has very quick hands, great discipline, superb bat control…doesn’t ever try to do too much and because of this he’s able to use all fields at a higher rate than most people in his class especially in two strike counts. He’s continuing to get stronger and while the power isn’t and shouldn’t remain a focus he’ll start to push some more out this spring. His hitting right now is a plus plus tool and I don’t anticipate a sophomore slump given the bats that should protect him in the lineup. He’s an elusive base runner, very fast twitch player, with natural instincts…stole 15 bags a year ago, I’m not sure how aggressive they’ll be on the base paths this year…the current lineup doesn't project much speed so he'll need be one of those table setters. We all know about the glove, it’s elite and he’s doing it at a position that he won’t play at the next level. Morgan's not a traditional first baseman type frame and some of the movements and angles he takes aren’t conventional however he always seems to get to his spots and his athleticism and range make up for any deficiencies. Arm is slightly above average, it’s not an issue right now whether he settles in at 1B or CF. He's going to be an absolute asset at 1B knowing there will be a new starter at 3B and it’s the reason I’m sticking him here to start the year. Tre's hit tool, defense, and athleticism have him skyrocketing in 2023 MLB drafts right now.

Brayden Jobert a JUCO transfer who I’ll get into more at another position has seen time at 1B at both Nicholls and Delgado. Of everyone on this depth chart I could see him getting the most playing time at this position if Morgan shifts to outfield given they want multiple strong bats from the left side in this lineup.

Cade Beloso, one of LSU veteran presences in the locker room, had a chance to transfer last summer but stuck it out a figures to be one of the primary bats off the bench for now. Beloso who will be fighting for a starting job at DH has played this position and if needed it would be an easy transition to 1B. Power is advanced although the hitting unexpectedly depreciated after a solid freshman season. Cade's only going to start if he’s hitting because the defense isn’t advanced enough at this position to warrant a starting job. Here’s to hoping the coach’s press the right buttons with him.

Jacob Berry will see playing time at 1B if not starting at 3B or DH. I don't necessarily think he's the backup 1B right now but he's going to play and if it's not at one of the two listed above it makes sense here.

My take: Tre Morgan at first base is a damn good problem to have. Athleticism is off the charts and he’s a guy you can set it and forget it here and not worry about anything given how deep the outfield is so long as one of Drost/Jobert/DiGiacomo hit. Morgan I’d argue is another five tool player on this team and with another strong season will be mocked as a first round pick in 2023. It’s crazy that he may be overlooked at times on the lineup card because of the top heavy players on the team surrounding him…any other year and he would be LSU’s best prospect in the field. Anywhere around 1 or 2 in the lineup make sense...left handed bat, plays to contact, and when on base does a good job putting pressure on opposing pitchers which should cause problems if they aren’t able to focus completely on (Doughty, Crews, Berry, Dugas) during their at bats. The position as a whole has star power, multiple left handed hitters, and depth. If you shift Tre to the outfield it gets a little hairy in who you can consistently count on but there are options.

Tre Morgan

Power------60
Hitting------70
Speed------65
Fielding----75
Arm---------55

POSITION ADDITIONS:
Brayden Jobert

POSITION LOSSES:
NONE

POSITION OVERALL GRADE: 70

SHORTSTOP

Jordan Thompson So. 6’1 185lbs (13)* Bats-Right Throws-Right
Collier Cranford Jr. 6’0 184lbs (16) Bats-Right Throws-Right
Cade Doughty RS-So. 6’1 195lbs (4) Bats-Right Throws-Right
Connor Simon Fr. 6’0 180lbs (37) Bats-Right Throws-Right

Shortstop should be pretty locked with Jordan Thompson. Out right now as he cleaned up a nagging injury from the fall...is supposed to start practicing after next weekend so here's hoping everything remains on schedule so he can get a week of live reps before the opener. When I was looking over this position there's not anyone else I felt like could start here. Jordan is the best all around athlete, most range at the position, has yet to really breakout as a hitter, and is poised for one of the bigger jumps freshman to sophomore on the entire team. Veteran Collier Cranford and freshman Connor Simon (depending on availability and a person who I think redshirts) fill in on the depth chart. There are a number of other players that could slide here if need be including Cade Doughty or Jack Merrifield although with both I see playing time quicker at other spots unless Thompson isn't healthy.

Jordan Thompson entering the 2021 season was a fringe type starter who had to be thrown into the fire extremely early so to speak… overmatched at times especially during spurts in conference he played with great intensity during that Eugene regional. The maturity is going to need to carry over because he is one of the most important pieces to this lineup that frankly won't have too too many question marks. Thompson is the best all around SS LSU has had since Kramer Robertson and alot of what he did last year remind me of Robertson's 2016 year. Thompson had some holes in his swing a year ago and didn't really ever get comfortable from game to game against elite SEC pitching. There's still work to do before he's an above average hitter in the conference but the work he's put in with Johnson and Fitzgerald last fall showed a much more patient approach where he was chasing far fewer balls. I still think he's going to up his average and become a 0.275-0.280 hitter. There is slightly above average power relative to his build…he was smashing everything he saw in non-conference last season but produced very few extra base hits...still he can generate some pretty exciting exit velocities. I like his speed and would love to see him get that OBP% up where they can actually use him on the base paths with that long frame. I've never been worried about his glove because with his physical makeup and quick twitch instincts the reps his gets will refine the talent more and more to become an ALL-SEC shortstop by the time he's a junior. The arm is a true plus plus tool...he makes some spectacular throws deep in the hole.

Collier Cranford is going to be your defensive specialist at almost every position on the infield. You know what you're getting here with the bat and because there's below average power I think the quickest way to the field for Collier will be late in games as pinch hitters are replaced in the 8th and 9th innings.

Cade Doughty has been working exclusively here this spring until Jordan gets back...still I think Cade's likely spots will be 2B or 3B if needed.

Connor Simon one of the top high school players out of Louisiana last year and huge get to have on campus has been nagged by injuries since his senior year. In the future will be fighting for the starting spot at 2B/SS depending on which players in this group end up on campus (Romero, Toman, Guidry). Simon's a fluid defender with an above average arm and if healthy would be someone I think could get some at bats early on this year. With the injuries, depth chart, and the fact that he hasn't been able to take reps with consistency it makes sense that he'll likely be redshirted.

My take: We'd all like to see Thompson get back to practice as soon as he can to help shore up the middle of the infield where he'll be a very important piece of this defensive rotation. I like him at that 6 spot in the lineup where he can become the second table setter...if he can settle in as a 8-10 homerun guy, up his average, and take more walks you take it because this is your best offensive/defensive combo. Unlike other positions on this lineup card this one has question marks going into the year and there's not one backup I'm drooling over so to speak so hence the average grade.

Jordan Thompson

Power------55
Hitting------50
Speed------60
Fielding----65
Arm---------70

POSITION ADDITIONS:
Connor Simon

POSITION LOSSES:
NONE

POSITION OVERALL GRADE: 50

LEFT FIELD

Gavin Dugas RS-Jr. 5'10 204lbs (8)* Bats-Right Throws-Right

Josh Pearson Fr. 5’10 195lbs (39) Bats-Left Throws-Right

Josh Stevenson Fr. 6’1 195lbs (41) Bats-Right Throws-Right



CENTER FIELD

Dylan Crews So. 6'0 203lbs (3)* Bats-Right Throws-Right

Drew Bianco RS-Jr. 6’0 203lbs (5) Bats-Right Throws-Right

Giovanni DiGiacomo RS-Jr. 6’1 187lbs (7) Bats-Left Throws-Left



RIGHT FIELD

Brody Drost So. 6'2 205lbs (10)* Bats-Left Throws-Left

Brayden Jobert RS-So. 6’1 215lbs (6) Bats-Left Throws-Right

When I say this team will have plenty of options here it’s an understatement. You have returning starters, you have veteran backups, and you have two freshman who want to play more than anyone on this team. Gavin Dugas, Dylan Crews, Brody Drost, Drew Bianco, and Giovanni DiGiacomo return…all who have started a game for LSU. You add Brayden Jobert a JUCO transfer as well as adding two freshmen Josh Pearson and Josh Stevenson. Oh and Tre Morgan may shift here if need be. For previews sake I’m assuming Gavin Dugas will start in left field, Dylan Crews will start in center field, and Brody Drost will start in right field.

Gavin Dugas returns to LSU second in HR’s in the conference only behind Jud Fabian of Florida. Gavin’s power surge late was year was a key contributor to LSU making a super-regional run and is a plus plus tool at the college level. Dugas has extraordinary lower body strength where he creates great torque with that leg kick and does a good job extending his hands more times than not where he can absolutely maul pitches up in the zone. The hitting tool is above average and more times than not balls he hits are squared up and result in extra base hits where he was second on the team in slugging %. Much like Berry is a strikeout candidate and becomes too aggressive at times especially balls low in the zone. A good athlete but the speed aspect can't be rated as anything higher than average to slighty above average. Has turned into a respectable LF that can make routine plays, range is slightly below what LSU fans have become accustomed to with the slap hitting speedsters of the Mainieri era. Arm is slightly above average. All in all Dugas returns as the leader in HR's, RBI's, second in slugging % and no one's really talking about him...good problem to have right?

Dylan Crews is going to be a potential RF at the next level but his speed and athleticism allows LSU to slide him over and give another bat to a corner outfield spot. He's a possible first overall draft pick in 2023 so enjoy him while you can for now. Power is at the top of the charts of college baseball. I had a hard time thinking of a true freshman the last twenty something years post bat change that had the ability to drive one out to any part of the ball park at any time. The trackman that just released the other day is astonishing...441 feet at 107mph...you don't see that at the college level more times than not. I hope Jay Johnson can control Dylan's emotions at times to where he doesn't try and jump out of his shoes creating new HR length records. Other than that the hitting tool a plus plus and I could see Crews as a 24-25 HR guy who reaches 20 doubles as well. Speed is also a plus tool where he plays way more aggressive on the bags that what his straight line speed would tell you. The range in CF is not perfect and sometimes he'll take an off angle but he has the speed to make up this difference more times than not. The arm is phenomenal and at the college level is the best grade I can give someone.

Brody Drost is my hopeful breakout player here much like Ryan Schimpf did from 07 to 08. Brody is another extremely strong bodied outfielder in this group and his frame is exactly what you look for in a corner outfielder. Ball jumps off his bat differently when he squares them up. I'm still a bit hesitant here because he needs to put the ball in play consistently against left handed pitchers or the coaching staff will have to look at possible platoon options. If he has the ability to hunt fastballs in early counts he can be a great hitter but there will come a time they'll start pitching backwards against him. Speed is average and he won't ever be a base stealing threat. Glove is a plus tool, he's familiar with the position and has a fantastic arm, defensively here he'll be fine and the hope is he can settle in offensively.

Drew Bianco showed he could play CF at the highest level last year and is a great option to have here as need be...he can play anywhere, you know what you're getting here.

Brayden Jobert is my first pick to replace Drost if need be in RF. These two guys give you similar expectations at the plate and you hope one of them starts hitting. The defense to me is slightly below Drost but serviceable for the position.

Giovanni DiGiacomo has started many many games in the outfield and is a lock to slide into any outfield position as needed. He's another guy in that fringe (10-12) on the depth chart that would be starting any other year had this lineup not been as deep as it is now. You get top of the line speed here on the base paths if you need a pinch runner and excellent defensive skills so at the very least he'll be a late game defensive replacement.

Josh Pearson looks like he'll slide in as the backup in left field. One of the more impressive true freshmen on this team he's going to see at bats early in the year. I still think he's a year off from being an everyday starter in the outfield so DH will be his quickest route to at bats.

Josh Stevenson's strides in the outfield remind me of his brothers and he has electric range defensively. Much like Pearson he's maybe a year off from starting but can have a role on this team.

My take: Out of the three outfield spots RF is the one most up for grabs and I could see Jobert and Drost rotating before conference play. There is a ton of power in this group...they will also strike out a ton but you'll take the good with the bad. In the lineup Dugas should sit 4 or 5, I can see Crews at 3 or 4, and Drost may be that power bat they save towards the end around 7. There's so much to like from this group and for the first time in years there is actual depth at every position without the need to do multiple shuffles for every change. Dugas is an All-SEC player, Crews will be a top overall pick, and Drost or Jobert should at least push for 10-15 HR's depending on who's starting...there's a scenario where both are starting in the same lineup as well. Outfield is one of the strongest groups on this team and in the nation as a whole.

Gavin Dugas

Power------70
Hitting------60
Speed------55
Fielding----55
Arm---------55

Dylan Crews

Power------80
Hitting------75
Speed------65
Fielding----65
Arm---------80

Brody Drost

Power------70
Hitting------50
Speed------50
Fielding----60
Arm---------65

POSITION ADDITIONS:
Brayden Jobert
Josh Pearson
Josh Stevenson

POSITION LOSSES:
NONE

POSITION OVERALL GRADE: 75

STARTING PITCHING

The rotation is a complete and utter mystery right now. I'm going to do my best guess with what we've seen thus far in putting together a rotation that makes sense over the long run knowing some sort of roles need to be defined by conference play so players have set routines. To me there are five guys I'm comfortable with right now and they are Devin Fontenot, Ma'Khail Hilliard, Javen Coleman, Blake Money, and Cale Lansville. I'm not even going to guess what days anyone will be pitching as I feel it's a waste of time right now.



Devin Fontenot GR-Sr. 6'1 181lbs (28) Throws-Right

Devin Fontenot by all intents and purposes was halfway out of the door when Jay Johnson was named the head coach and even had a chance to leave two years ago. Just having him on this team is huge because I didn't expect to have this type of arm coming back. Devin on multiple occasion's last year struggled pitching off of back to back games and starting is something he's wanted to do so at this point in his career I think it's worth a least a look. Fastball normally sits 90-92mph that can reach 93-94mph at peak intensity with a plus slider that he can use as an out pitch. Change up has been a work in progress but it's something he hasn't used with consistency and I'd like to see more if he's going to go 4-5 innings every week. Fontenot has the ability to miss bats however much like when Hess tried this move it's going to take complete confidence in your defense to pitch to contact at times and not run the pitch count up or allow walks trying to do everything yourself. If Fontenot can do this I think he's good to face 15-20 hitters every week...if not then this experiment will end quickly.

Devin Fontenot

Arm Strength---------60
Movement-------------65
Stamina----------------55
Control-----------------50



Ma'Khail Hilliard RS-Sr. 6'0 150lbs (52) Throws-Right

Ma'Khail Hilliard went from incredible freshman season...to nagging injuries as a sophomore...to the COVID year...to resurrecting LSU's regional chances late last year when LSU had nobody else to go to in that Sunday role. The last 4 SEC weekends a year ago (ARK, AUB, ALA, A&M) Hilliard threw 24 1/3 innings averaging a 2.59 ERA. Hunt Palmer has said this time and time again...and I agree...stick him in that Saturday/Sunday role where he's comfortable and let him work. Fastball is 86-89mph and when he has control of his plus plus curve ball and changeup working the fastball has more life and he's able to keep hitters chasing. If and when he doesn't have feel for the curve ball it'll make for some quick days.

Ma'Khail Hilliard

Arm Strength---------45
Movement-------------70
Stamina----------------60
Control-----------------60



Javen Coleman So. 6'2 173lbs (49) Throws-Left

Javen Coleman

Arm Strength---------60
Movement-------------60
Stamina----------------60
Control-----------------50

Javen Coleman is an easy decision here because you'll need at least one lefty to stretch innings early on. Coleman's shown the ability to become a shutdown guy on the road in a tough environment and is one of the more impressive pitchers on this entire roster when he's on. Fastball can range 90-92mph which has some natural run from his arm slot. Changeup is an out pitch against right hand hitters tailing down and away. Would like to see him locate his curveball more and if he can there's no reason why he can't be a good #2 in the SEC or an average #1. Coleman out of everyone here has the ability to become a top of the line Friday night guy if he's staying aggressive and pounding the zone.



Blake Money So. 6'7 240lbs (44) Throws-Right

Blake Money

Arm Strength---------65
Movement-------------55
Stamina----------------60
Control-----------------60

Blake Money got in shape, shaved his head, took on a whole new demeanor. Had one of the more impressive showings I've seen during the few scrimmages this spring...where he was working fast and locked in to the point I thought it was a regional game. Blake gives you a big strong presence on the mound where his velocity has sat 91-93mph and should improve as the weather warms. Curve ball which was non existent is now a pitch he's getting over and it's helping to set up his fastball and get swings and misses. Change up is working too right now. Out of all of these pitchers Money is a guy most people aren't looking here but but is my dark horse to secure a weekend spot...the effort he put into his body to completely transform his physique and stamina tells me something's changed mentally and he's ready to take a big step moving forward.



Cale Lansville Fr. 6'0 210lbs (34) Throws-Right

Cale Lansville

Arm Strength---------55
Movement-------------65
Stamina----------------55
Control-----------------65

Cale Lansville the highest rated freshman arm on this roster would be a starter somewhere if it were up to me because right now he has command of all three of his pitches. Fastball is at 88-90mph in this cold weather but he'll improve that to 92-93mph as the season goes on. Does a good job repeating his mechanics naturally hides the ball a bit. Slider is a really good pitch right now which is sharp and the curve ball is also an out pitch with great 12-6 break. He's locating the changeup on occasion as well to mix and match. Cale is still maturing but his arm right now is fresh with little wear and tear and as long as coach Kelly uses him right and he has control of at least 3 pitches any given day there's no reason he can't go through a lineup at least 2 times. May start out in a midweek and depending on the rotation slide over if necessary.

My take: The only person in this group with SEC experience as a starter is Hilliard. One paper he's an average #2 or a great #3, still I don't see a huge issue if he needs to be a Saturday guy. Similar to Landon Sims at Mississippi St. Devin Fontenot in all likelihood may get the ball opening day...I'm still skeptical if this will last as there are younger arms behind him with more potential. Having said this Devin when he can control his pitches has a great feel for the game and swing and miss stuff at an ALL-SEC level. All of Coleman, Money, and Lansville are starters in my opinion and that might be your rotation later on in the year...we'll see. There are two other guys who could start that I haven't mentioned such as Ty Floyd and Riley Cooper although I have them as long relievers and will go more in depth on that tomorrow. The position right now is slightly below average because there's little to no experience and question marks all over but we should be getting answers soon.

POSITION ADDITIONS:
Everyone

POSITION LOSSES:
Jaden Hill
Landon Marceaux
AJ Labas

OVERALL POSITION GRADE: 45

Pro Prospects

2022 MLB Draft

1. Jacob Berry 1B (So.)
2. Cade Doughty 2B (RS-So.)
3. Eric Reyzelman RHP (RS-So.)
4. Ty Floyd RHP (So.)
5. Hayden Travinksi 1B (RS-So.)
6. Brayden Jobert RF (RS-So.)
7. Gavin Dugas LF (RS-Jr.)
8. Devin Fontenot RHP (RS-Sr.)
9. Bryce Collins RHP (RS-So.)
10. Paul Gervase RHP (RS-Jr.)

2023 MLB Draft

1. Dylan Crews RF (So.)
2. Tre Morgan CF (So.)
3. Jordan Thompson SS (So.)
4. Javen Coleman LHP (So.)
5. Blake Money RHP (So.)

2024 MLB Draft

1. Cale Lansville RHP (Fr.)
2. Grant Taylor RHP (Fr.)
3. Luke Leto 1B (Fr.)
4. Grant Fontenot RHP (Fr.)
5. Blaise Priester C (Fr.)

14

Let’s do this shite

quote:

---

80 Top of the Scale (Think Kris Bryant, USD – 2013 “power” or Zach Watson, LSU - 2018 "speed")

---

Zach watson?

Adam’s scale is always the best troll of the year, Josh.