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Started By
Message
re: Official Adam4848 Baseball Preview Feb 10th (Prospects & SEC prediction)
Posted on 2/1/15 at 6:14 am to Adam4848
Posted on 2/1/15 at 6:14 am to Adam4848
CATCHER
Kade Scivique Sr.* 5’11 225lbs (22)
Mike Papierski Fr. 6’3 205lbs (2)
Chris Chinea Jr. 5’11 220lbs (26)
Who’s going to catch? Who’s going to get the most reps? Who will start the most games? All of these question marks have been up for debate since Houston eliminated LSU from postseason play last year in the regionals. Fortunately Mainieri is going to have three options, combined as a group they bring about leadership, veteran presence, power, and the youngest with seemingly exceptional potential. Playing devil’s advocate if there is one flaw to date it’s not one of catchers has separated himself in every aspect of the game that Mainieri is ready to pull the trigger. Kade Scivique and Chris Chinea return to the Tigers while Mike Papierski enters his freshman season.
I whole heartily expect one of either Scivique or Chinea to start opening night with the other at DH. Kade Scivique’s game is simple, he’s one of the strongest players on the team using his legs and hip action to drive balls to the gaps and out of the park. Where he gets in trouble is where he reaches, but with maturity and plate discipline he can remain a mainstay in the middle of the order especially with the new lower seamed balls with more carry. Kade doesn't possess a plus glove or arm behind the plate yet he's not a liability for the position.
We can argue Chris Chinea to date has not lived up to his potential and it motivated him last summer to earn all-star accolades in the famous Cape Cod wooden bat league. Also a strong bodied catcher, Chinea’s glove has improved since arriving to Baton Rouge in the fall of ’12, I look for him to platoon between all three positions C, 1B, and DH. Defensively Chris is currently behind the two others at the position, it may push him to DH early on or platoon 1B.
Then enters Mike Papierski, the highest selected high school catcher to be drafted and turn down a pro contract, coming in round 16 of the Toronto Blue Jays. When I say the sky is the limit for Mike, it is. Possessing a 6’3 frame and the ability to hit from both sides Mike has the ability to push for playing time early and if his bat gets hot won’t leave the coaches much of a choice but to pencil him in as a starter. Out of the three he has the best arm and most upside, it’s only a matter of when is he mature enough to take the load of being an everyday catcher in the SEC. I could easily envision a scenario ala. Micah Gibbs in ’08 in the way he was slowly brought in behind Sean Ochinko and starting around SEC play never looking back. If there is a position battle throughout the year it's going to be catcher.
With all this said at the end of the day the winner of the position will solidify playing time with the glove and the ability to keep runners at bay which will greatly aid the young arms on this staff. Last season in SEC play LSU as a unit threw out 40% of base runners which ranked third in the conference, a stat that may be surprising, but a testament to the group a season ago. Expect the catcher position to hit anywhere from the 4-8 hole in the lineup. Depth will not be an issue at this position and for good measure it will be needed. For the time being Scivique will be listed as the starter.
Kade Scivique
Power------65
Hitting------55
Speed------45
Fielding----50
Arm---------55
FINAL GRADE: 60
Kade Scivique Sr.* 5’11 225lbs (22)
Mike Papierski Fr. 6’3 205lbs (2)
Chris Chinea Jr. 5’11 220lbs (26)
Who’s going to catch? Who’s going to get the most reps? Who will start the most games? All of these question marks have been up for debate since Houston eliminated LSU from postseason play last year in the regionals. Fortunately Mainieri is going to have three options, combined as a group they bring about leadership, veteran presence, power, and the youngest with seemingly exceptional potential. Playing devil’s advocate if there is one flaw to date it’s not one of catchers has separated himself in every aspect of the game that Mainieri is ready to pull the trigger. Kade Scivique and Chris Chinea return to the Tigers while Mike Papierski enters his freshman season.
I whole heartily expect one of either Scivique or Chinea to start opening night with the other at DH. Kade Scivique’s game is simple, he’s one of the strongest players on the team using his legs and hip action to drive balls to the gaps and out of the park. Where he gets in trouble is where he reaches, but with maturity and plate discipline he can remain a mainstay in the middle of the order especially with the new lower seamed balls with more carry. Kade doesn't possess a plus glove or arm behind the plate yet he's not a liability for the position.
We can argue Chris Chinea to date has not lived up to his potential and it motivated him last summer to earn all-star accolades in the famous Cape Cod wooden bat league. Also a strong bodied catcher, Chinea’s glove has improved since arriving to Baton Rouge in the fall of ’12, I look for him to platoon between all three positions C, 1B, and DH. Defensively Chris is currently behind the two others at the position, it may push him to DH early on or platoon 1B.
Then enters Mike Papierski, the highest selected high school catcher to be drafted and turn down a pro contract, coming in round 16 of the Toronto Blue Jays. When I say the sky is the limit for Mike, it is. Possessing a 6’3 frame and the ability to hit from both sides Mike has the ability to push for playing time early and if his bat gets hot won’t leave the coaches much of a choice but to pencil him in as a starter. Out of the three he has the best arm and most upside, it’s only a matter of when is he mature enough to take the load of being an everyday catcher in the SEC. I could easily envision a scenario ala. Micah Gibbs in ’08 in the way he was slowly brought in behind Sean Ochinko and starting around SEC play never looking back. If there is a position battle throughout the year it's going to be catcher.
With all this said at the end of the day the winner of the position will solidify playing time with the glove and the ability to keep runners at bay which will greatly aid the young arms on this staff. Last season in SEC play LSU as a unit threw out 40% of base runners which ranked third in the conference, a stat that may be surprising, but a testament to the group a season ago. Expect the catcher position to hit anywhere from the 4-8 hole in the lineup. Depth will not be an issue at this position and for good measure it will be needed. For the time being Scivique will be listed as the starter.
Kade Scivique
Power------65
Hitting------55
Speed------45
Fielding----50
Arm---------55
FINAL GRADE: 60
This post was edited on 2/1/15 at 6:37 am
13
Posted on 2/1/15 at 6:14 am to Adam4848
FIRST BASE
Conner Hale Sr.* 6’2 185lbs (20)
Chris Chinea Jr. 5’11 220 lbs (26)
Bryce Jordan Fr. 5’9 205lbs (25)
The first base position will be similar as in year’s pasts, dependent on what Mainieri decides to do at catcher, second base, and third base the spot will open up as needed. For all intents and purposes we’ll highlight Conner Hale, last year’s starting second baseman and a guy who has had success at first base as the starter. Hale split time last year at both first base and second base and is athletic enough to play both positions as well as third if called upon. I see guys such as Hale, Chinea, Scivique, Deichmann, and Bryce Jordan to all get looks and reps at the position in the weeks leading up to opening day.
Conner Hale is a role player, a veteran, and a sparkplug. Every successful team has two or three guys who you look down the lineup and they’re consistent, they don’t have to be flashy with any one tool. Last year Hale drew the fewest walks out of any starter yet he struck out the least, in a nut shell he was the one who made contact more than any other player and ranked third in total bases. Hale’s not a big power guy, his bread and butter is going where the ball is pitched, yet I do think he has the ability to hit 6-7 HR’s this season. As one of five returning starters who hit over .300 last year the type of season Conner has will determine how LSU can stack their lineup and protect Bregman. LSU will again have a potent heart of the order and Mainieri’s ability to place Hale anywhere before or after Bregman may reap many rewards. Conner has an above average glove and does not make mental mistakes in the field, he and Bregman formed a solid double play combo last year and he’ll excel at whichever position he ends up this spring. If there is one knack to his game it’s his base stealing where a season ago he did not have a single steal attempt however in his role it hasn’t been called upon. His base running is average and will not present a liability in the base paths.
Chris Chinea could also spend some time at first base where he will present a steady target. Chinea’s glove is less flashy than that of Hale’s but he presents the presence of more raw power to the gaps between the two. Last year Chris had a number of balls fall at the warning track, ones that this spring may carry out. Bryce Jordan the talented athlete out of Barbe will see reps here and third base. Greg Deichmann could also be used here in an emergency spot or late game shift.
Mainieri’s long line of athletic and interchangeable position players inserted at 1B doesn’t seem to be changing this year and for the most part players have excelled at this position when called upon. Again, depth at the time being does not pose a threat with younger players waiting in the wings. If Conner Hale remains in this starting gig first base is going to be locked down by a seasoned veteran who’s going to hit for average in the lineup.
Power------55
Hitting------60
Speed------50
Fielding----60
Arm---------55
FINAL GRADE: 60
Conner Hale Sr.* 6’2 185lbs (20)
Chris Chinea Jr. 5’11 220 lbs (26)
Bryce Jordan Fr. 5’9 205lbs (25)
The first base position will be similar as in year’s pasts, dependent on what Mainieri decides to do at catcher, second base, and third base the spot will open up as needed. For all intents and purposes we’ll highlight Conner Hale, last year’s starting second baseman and a guy who has had success at first base as the starter. Hale split time last year at both first base and second base and is athletic enough to play both positions as well as third if called upon. I see guys such as Hale, Chinea, Scivique, Deichmann, and Bryce Jordan to all get looks and reps at the position in the weeks leading up to opening day.
Conner Hale is a role player, a veteran, and a sparkplug. Every successful team has two or three guys who you look down the lineup and they’re consistent, they don’t have to be flashy with any one tool. Last year Hale drew the fewest walks out of any starter yet he struck out the least, in a nut shell he was the one who made contact more than any other player and ranked third in total bases. Hale’s not a big power guy, his bread and butter is going where the ball is pitched, yet I do think he has the ability to hit 6-7 HR’s this season. As one of five returning starters who hit over .300 last year the type of season Conner has will determine how LSU can stack their lineup and protect Bregman. LSU will again have a potent heart of the order and Mainieri’s ability to place Hale anywhere before or after Bregman may reap many rewards. Conner has an above average glove and does not make mental mistakes in the field, he and Bregman formed a solid double play combo last year and he’ll excel at whichever position he ends up this spring. If there is one knack to his game it’s his base stealing where a season ago he did not have a single steal attempt however in his role it hasn’t been called upon. His base running is average and will not present a liability in the base paths.
Chris Chinea could also spend some time at first base where he will present a steady target. Chinea’s glove is less flashy than that of Hale’s but he presents the presence of more raw power to the gaps between the two. Last year Chris had a number of balls fall at the warning track, ones that this spring may carry out. Bryce Jordan the talented athlete out of Barbe will see reps here and third base. Greg Deichmann could also be used here in an emergency spot or late game shift.
Mainieri’s long line of athletic and interchangeable position players inserted at 1B doesn’t seem to be changing this year and for the most part players have excelled at this position when called upon. Again, depth at the time being does not pose a threat with younger players waiting in the wings. If Conner Hale remains in this starting gig first base is going to be locked down by a seasoned veteran who’s going to hit for average in the lineup.
Power------55
Hitting------60
Speed------50
Fielding----60
Arm---------55
FINAL GRADE: 60
This post was edited on 2/2/15 at 7:36 am
Posted on 2/1/15 at 7:28 am to Adam4848
:|
Posted on 2/1/15 at 8:22 am to Adam4848
Good evaluation of the catchers. I thought after fall practice exactly the way you do now. However this spring, Chinea's bat has cooled off and Scivicque's has been almost nonexistent. Pap has continued to improve his offense as well as defense since fall ball.
Posted on 2/1/15 at 8:34 am to Adam4848
Adam always look forward to this.
Posted on 2/1/15 at 8:35 am to Adam4848
I hope your right about Pap's arm. We've been missing a gun behind the plate and small ball calls for one.
Good stuff.
Good stuff.
Posted on 2/1/15 at 8:47 am to Adam4848
quote:
Adam4848
Posted on 2/1/15 at 9:21 am to Adam4848
Baseball will be played this month, and Adam's preview is here! 
I'm with you on the catchers. Pap definitely has the potential to be the full-time starter down the road, but early on, it'll probably be a rotation of all 3. Chinea should still get a lot of time at DH though.
I'm with you on the catchers. Pap definitely has the potential to be the full-time starter down the road, but early on, it'll probably be a rotation of all 3. Chinea should still get a lot of time at DH though.
Posted on 2/1/15 at 9:40 am to Adam4848
Can we see scales on the other two catchers? I would think Paps is going to start by conference play.
Good write up!
Good write up!
Posted on 2/1/15 at 9:55 am to Adam4848
Did not know our catchers were that good in SEC play. That's impressive. This year will hopefully be an improvement from that?
Posted on 2/1/15 at 11:06 am to Adam4848
Nice work Adam.
Posted on 2/1/15 at 11:39 am to Adam4848
Sooooo ready!!!!
Thanks Adam!!!
Thanks Adam!!!
Posted on 2/1/15 at 12:09 pm to Adam4848
Appreciate your review, this really helps to get ready for the season! 
Posted on 2/2/15 at 7:31 am to Adam4848
quote:
Mike Papierski, the highest selected high school catcher to be drafted and turn down a pro contract
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