re: Baseball Preview 2023 Edition (Feb 10th - Pro Prospects & SEC Standings)

SHORTSTOP



Jordan Thompson Jr 6’1 176lbs (4) Bats-R Throws-R
Gavin Guidry Fr. 6’2 182lbs (1) Bats-R Throws-R
Ben Nippolt Jr. 5’11 175lbs (5) Bats-L Throws-R
Jack Merrifield Sr. 6’2 189lbs (53) Bats-R Throws-R

There are going to be a lot of familiar faces here from the second base preview as most of these names rotate. Jordan Thompson is the clear front runner and Johnson has mentioned it more than once he’ll start opening night. Gavin Guidry appears to be the SS of the future however Ben Nippolt has taken more and more reps meaning he could be the quicker option if they go with a proven left handed bat. Jack Merrifield provides depth if he’s needed to fill in.

Jordan Thompson a two year starter was thrown into the starting lineup by necessity as a true freshman due to a weak left side of the infield. Weeks before the start of the 2022 season Jordan suffered a nagging knee injury that was believed to affect him more than what was previously thought. Thompson at the plate is a tough player to forecast…his HR totals from year one to two dropped slightly yet he increased his 2B’s, average, slugging percentage, and he greatly reduced his strikeout to walk ratio. Going into his junior season I think we'd all like to see more consistency at the plate where I think he's more than capable of doing so. Has a knack of going into mini slumps during series and hitting in bunches in others. At the same time he's had two of LSU’s much clutch hits in the walk off HR against Oklahoma and the RBI single against Southern Miss to tie game 2 in the regional. Jordan posses above average pop for his frame at this level when he stays centered and doesn’t get off balance trying to reach. Another bat who’s sat around 6-8 HR’s his career however I think putting him around some more potent players in the lineup should get more pitches to hit and when he does square up balls he shows above average power. Speed is above average although he’s never been a guy they use on the base paths. Glove and receiving has always been something Jordan’s handled well and will continue to do so. Arm is a plus plus tool and what I’ve noticed rewatching game film is more times than not when he doesn't have time to think he makes spectacular plays…when he has too much time he gets inside of his head and short hops the ball to Morgan. Make no mistake this has been worked tirelessly over the offseason and Johnson's full confidence means he knows something we don't so I'm willing to be optimistic here.

Gavin Guidry will eventually become the SS next year, he may see some time here in mop up duty or be pushed into a starting role depending on how Thompson fares. At the end of the day I think Gavin's path forward to quicker playing time is at 2B.

Ben Nippolt has gotten more and more work here starting in the spring so keep an eye out for him at this spot. I still think Ben is slightly better suited at 2B as well.

My take: Year three is the make it or break it year. I think all of us are hoping he takes the Kramer Robertson path where the hard work and perseverance becomes his success story and not a what if. In the batting order I think he fits in perfectly at the 5 or 6 where they try and reset the lineup for the back half. If Thompson can have a 0.300 with 10 HR’s and 40 RBI’s with a 0.940-0.950 fielding percentage then you call that a win. Something that I've been thinking about as well is the improvement in this pitching staff where there will be less fielding opportunities. Even though Johnson went after Young and Pineda to shore up the middle infield, that can all be forgotten if Thompson makes the linear progression he needs to and becomes as much of a leader on the field as he is in the dugout.

Jordan Thompson

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

POSITION ADDITIONS:
Gavin Guidry
Ben Nippolt

POSITION LOSSES:
Collier Cranford

POSITION OVERALL GRADE: 60