re: LSU Baseball 2013: What's the Expectations?

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One problem, no mention of Stevenson

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on each of their bio's on LSUsports.net, PM gives a scouting report on each player. Pretty cool. This is what he says about some of the newcomers.

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Head Coach Paul Mainieri on Andrew Stevenson:
"Like Laird, Andrew is another speedy, left-handed, in-state outfielder from St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette. He is a very hard-nosed player who hustles everywhere and plays the game with great intensity and passion. With the ability to line the ball in the gaps once in a while, Stevenson will be another guy we will want to handle the bat well from the left side, put the ball on the ground, and use his speed to create consistent offense. He brings to our team qualities that we needed very much...great outfield speed/defense, a left-handed bat, ability to bunt for hits, and speed on the bases. He was named 3rd team All-America by Baseball America magazine."

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Head Coach Paul Mainieri on Sean McMullen:
"Sean is another left-handed hitting outfielder who comes to us from Delgado CC in New Orleans. Sean also possesses outstanding foot speed; he is an advanced hitter at this point and has a lot of pop in his bat for his size. Sean hit .452 with 21 doubles, 9 triples, and 5 homeruns last year at Delgado; and was a 2nd team JUCO All-America. We are expecting Sean to come in and be a big offensive contributor right away."

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Head Coach Paul Mainieri on Mark Laird:
"Mark is one of the fastest players you will ever see on a baseball field. He will bring a left-handed hitting presence to the lineup that can handle the bat and absolutely fly around the bases. A standout wide receiver and center fielder at Ouachita Christian High School, Mark was named the LHSAA 1A MVP in baseball in 2011-2012. He also was the MVP of the state championship football game as a wide receiver and defensive back. Laird is one of those guys a coach loves to have on his team because he possesses a tool that cannot be taught, game-changing speed. How quickly he adapts to SEC caliber pitching will determine his playing time."

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Head Coach Paul Mainieri on Hunter Devall:
"Hunter is a lefty from Clinton, La. but attended Centreville Academy in Mississippi. He is an absolute bulldog on the mound who believes he can get anyone out in any situation. He has a ¾ arm slot from the left side and a good breaking ball that is very tough on left-handed hitters. He is a guy that we are going to look for to be reliable out of the bullpen in intense situations, probably even as a freshman."

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Head Coach Paul Mainieri on Christian Ibarra:
"Christian is a smooth, sure-handed middle infielder that comes to us from Rio Hondo Community College in southern California. Although he is small in stature, Ibarra makes all of the defensive plays look easy and has arm that touches 90 mph across the infield. After the departure of Austin Nola, we are looking forward to Ibarra possibly being able to step in and fill that always important defensive role at shortstop."

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Head Coach Paul Mainieri on Geonte Jackson:
"Geonte' is a very athletic infielder that we were able to get out of the baseball talent-rich Houston, Texas area. He has very loose actions in the infield and moves very well laterally at third base. At the plate, Geonte' is a gap to gap hitter who we believe will develop into more of a power threat as his career goes on and he gets stronger from being in the weight room. He has quick hands and a flat bat that will bode well for getting hits against the tough SEC pitching."

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Head Coach Paul Mainieri on Chris Chinea:
"Chris is a stout, very strong catcher from Miami, FL who runs well for a catcher and is athletic enough to play multiple positions. His ability to really hit, as well as run above average, will open up his options to play early on as a freshman at places other than catcher. Chris has been a very advanced hitter his whole life and has hit on every team he's ever been on. He and Bregman come into LSU as the power threats that we so desperately need. We definitely see that trend continuing for him at LSU. Only his strong commitment to LSU kept him from being drafted in the top 10 rounds. He was names 2nd team All-America by Baseball America magazine."

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