re: Adam4848 Baseball Preview Feb. 9th (RP)

Designated Hitter
Matt Gaudet (Sr.) *
Mikie Mahtook (Fr.)
Beau Didier (Fr.)
The position where only thing this is expected of you, driving in runs. A year removed from back problems a new and improved Matt Gaudet will see time at DH for the Tigers. The powerful right handed stick will need to somewhat compensate for Clark’s power loss in order for LSU to have a productive offense. What he lacks in speed he gains in power and if his back stays healthy all year Matt could easily hit for 15+ HR’s and 50+ RBI’s. Again if Dean loses the OF spot and is switched over, he will play DH which in turn would mean Gaudet losing his spot. Like Ochinko, Gaudet will need to get ahead of counts and be a smart hitter in order to be successful for the duration of the season. Again, I only expect Gaudet or Dean to share the DH role unless the young bats of Didier, Hanover, Mahtook, or Nola get hot. If Gaudet can keep his strikeouts down and draw walks while getting his share of singles and doubles he can help protect Dean and Gibbs in the five or six hole.

Grade: B