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re: Official Adam4848 Baseball Preview Feb 10th (Prospects & SEC prediction)
Posted on 2/1/15 at 6:15 am to Adam4848
Posted on 2/1/15 at 6:15 am to Adam4848
OUTFIELD
Jake Fraley So.* 6’0 180lbs (23)
Andrew Stevenson Jr.* 6’0 185lbs (6)
Mark Laird Jr.* 6’2 175lbs (9)
Jared Foster Sr. 6’0 200lbs (17)
Chris Sciambra Sr. 5’9 185lbs (5)
Beau Jordan Fr. 5’9 205lbs (24)
The outfield is going to be without question the strength of this team, you look at it from left to right without any glaring weaknesses if at all. The 2015 outfield core will not only be the fastest in the SEC but in the country. If Mainieri sticks with the lineup he settled on a year ago it will be Jake Fraley in left, Andrew Stevenson in center, and Mark Laird in right. I do have concerns about leaving Laird in right due to always wanting your best arm at this position but as that saying goes if it aint broke don’t fix it. The outfield also has a security blanket with great depth of veterans Jared Foster and Chris Sciambra as well as freshman newcomer Beau Jordan. Mainieri in his 9th year has recruited extremely well in the outfield over the years yet this squad potentially could be the best all-around, without a doubt the fastest he’s ever assembled. All three starters both bat and throw from the left side and all three have extremely fast straight line speed. Likewise all three started on their respective teams in the Cape-Cod league and each player lead the team in stolen bases over the summer. The only knack I see is a lack of power outside Fraley, but this group is built around speed and defensive along with hitting for an above average.
From a draft standpoint Jake Fraley is the most complete package, he’s shown his ability to use all 5 tools in the short amount of time he spent in the starting lineup late last season. When he got his chance it was obvious it was going to be hard to keep him out. Even using an exaggerated open stance pre pitch Jake is able to square up on most balls in the zone and uses his hands extremely well when going to the opposite field. The dark horse tool of his that has yet to reach its full potential is his power and it should start to show signs of life this season. If the power ever arrives Fraley will only be a three years in an LSU uniform. The speed and glove in Jake are both plus plus tools and I see no weakness whether he’s in left or right field. In the Cape-Cod league Fraley stole 11 bases and was caught stealing 0 times.
Andrew Stevenson is the fastest of the group and has the best closing on fly balls although Laird is right behind him. Andrews batting average and on base percentage made a complete 180 turn in the right direction after changing his load approach at the plate during summer ball. With this approach he’s much shorter to the ball and thus disallowing room to create a curved bat angle. Again more of the same, Stevenson has plus plus tools in both speed and glove with a slightly above average arm for a center fielder. In the Cape-Cod league Stevenson stole 21 bases and was caught stealing 3 times.
Mark Laird has been ole reliable and the guy you want at the plate in crucial situations, he’s learned what his role is on this team is and rather than trying to pull every pitch over the intimidator he uses a slap approach and works the ball to the opposite side of the field better than anyone else on this team. There have been situations where he’ll foul off so many pitches consecutively that it gets the pitcher rattled both mentally and physically. Laird is not a power threat, he may hit a ball in the air that carries on a breezy spring afternoon. His speed is what makes him dangerous out the box as a left handed hitter and almost anything on the infield puts immediate pressure leaving the fielder no room for error to make the play. Although his arm is below average he tracks down almost anything that stays in the air. In the Cape-Cod league Laird stole 17 bases and was caught stealing 0 times.
Jared Foster a seasoned veteran will be the first guy off the bench and platooning against left handed pitchers. Jared is going to push every player for a starting gig and has the poise to play well in big situations.
Chris Sciambra another senior is very smart and knowledgeable about the game. Every team needs a guy like Chris who can be used at will and be a key piece in late game situations in the way Mainieri can sub in without missing a beat. Beau Jordan the other Barbe HS twin will be groomed under these three for a starting gig in the year 2016.
As it sets up there won’t be many balls that are going to find the grass if they’re in the air for longer than 3 seconds. Fraley, Stevenson, and Laird combined to only force 4 errors in 360 chances last year for a fielding percentage of .989. In layman’s terms they do not make mistakes and are smart about keeping the ball in front of them. I’m seeing Laird as the leadoff guy with Stevenson batting directly behind him or middle of the order is Mainieri pleases. Fraley is a guy who would set up perfectly in the 5-6 hole range.
Fraley
Power------60
Hitting------55
Speed------75
Fielding----65
Arm---------60
Stevenson
Power------35
Hitting------60
Speed------75
Fielding----70
Arm---------55
Laird
Power------30
Hitting------60
Speed------75
Fielding----70
Arm---------45
FINAL GRADE: 70
Jake Fraley So.* 6’0 180lbs (23)
Andrew Stevenson Jr.* 6’0 185lbs (6)
Mark Laird Jr.* 6’2 175lbs (9)
Jared Foster Sr. 6’0 200lbs (17)
Chris Sciambra Sr. 5’9 185lbs (5)
Beau Jordan Fr. 5’9 205lbs (24)
The outfield is going to be without question the strength of this team, you look at it from left to right without any glaring weaknesses if at all. The 2015 outfield core will not only be the fastest in the SEC but in the country. If Mainieri sticks with the lineup he settled on a year ago it will be Jake Fraley in left, Andrew Stevenson in center, and Mark Laird in right. I do have concerns about leaving Laird in right due to always wanting your best arm at this position but as that saying goes if it aint broke don’t fix it. The outfield also has a security blanket with great depth of veterans Jared Foster and Chris Sciambra as well as freshman newcomer Beau Jordan. Mainieri in his 9th year has recruited extremely well in the outfield over the years yet this squad potentially could be the best all-around, without a doubt the fastest he’s ever assembled. All three starters both bat and throw from the left side and all three have extremely fast straight line speed. Likewise all three started on their respective teams in the Cape-Cod league and each player lead the team in stolen bases over the summer. The only knack I see is a lack of power outside Fraley, but this group is built around speed and defensive along with hitting for an above average.
From a draft standpoint Jake Fraley is the most complete package, he’s shown his ability to use all 5 tools in the short amount of time he spent in the starting lineup late last season. When he got his chance it was obvious it was going to be hard to keep him out. Even using an exaggerated open stance pre pitch Jake is able to square up on most balls in the zone and uses his hands extremely well when going to the opposite field. The dark horse tool of his that has yet to reach its full potential is his power and it should start to show signs of life this season. If the power ever arrives Fraley will only be a three years in an LSU uniform. The speed and glove in Jake are both plus plus tools and I see no weakness whether he’s in left or right field. In the Cape-Cod league Fraley stole 11 bases and was caught stealing 0 times.
Andrew Stevenson is the fastest of the group and has the best closing on fly balls although Laird is right behind him. Andrews batting average and on base percentage made a complete 180 turn in the right direction after changing his load approach at the plate during summer ball. With this approach he’s much shorter to the ball and thus disallowing room to create a curved bat angle. Again more of the same, Stevenson has plus plus tools in both speed and glove with a slightly above average arm for a center fielder. In the Cape-Cod league Stevenson stole 21 bases and was caught stealing 3 times.
Mark Laird has been ole reliable and the guy you want at the plate in crucial situations, he’s learned what his role is on this team is and rather than trying to pull every pitch over the intimidator he uses a slap approach and works the ball to the opposite side of the field better than anyone else on this team. There have been situations where he’ll foul off so many pitches consecutively that it gets the pitcher rattled both mentally and physically. Laird is not a power threat, he may hit a ball in the air that carries on a breezy spring afternoon. His speed is what makes him dangerous out the box as a left handed hitter and almost anything on the infield puts immediate pressure leaving the fielder no room for error to make the play. Although his arm is below average he tracks down almost anything that stays in the air. In the Cape-Cod league Laird stole 17 bases and was caught stealing 0 times.
Jared Foster a seasoned veteran will be the first guy off the bench and platooning against left handed pitchers. Jared is going to push every player for a starting gig and has the poise to play well in big situations.
Chris Sciambra another senior is very smart and knowledgeable about the game. Every team needs a guy like Chris who can be used at will and be a key piece in late game situations in the way Mainieri can sub in without missing a beat. Beau Jordan the other Barbe HS twin will be groomed under these three for a starting gig in the year 2016.
As it sets up there won’t be many balls that are going to find the grass if they’re in the air for longer than 3 seconds. Fraley, Stevenson, and Laird combined to only force 4 errors in 360 chances last year for a fielding percentage of .989. In layman’s terms they do not make mistakes and are smart about keeping the ball in front of them. I’m seeing Laird as the leadoff guy with Stevenson batting directly behind him or middle of the order is Mainieri pleases. Fraley is a guy who would set up perfectly in the 5-6 hole range.
Fraley
Power------60
Hitting------55
Speed------75
Fielding----65
Arm---------60
Stevenson
Power------35
Hitting------60
Speed------75
Fielding----70
Arm---------55
Laird
Power------30
Hitting------60
Speed------75
Fielding----70
Arm---------45
FINAL GRADE: 70
This post was edited on 2/6/15 at 8:52 am
2
Posted on 2/1/15 at 6:15 am to Adam4848
DESIGNATED HITTER
Chris Chinea Jr. 5’11 220lbs* (26)
Greg Deichmann Fr. 6’2 185lbs (7)
Jared Foster Sr. 6’0 200lbs (17)
Bryce Jordan Fr. 5’9 205lbs (25)
Beau Jordan Fr. 5’9 205lbs (24)
The designated hitting spot quite frankly is going to be a game of musical chairs until the lineup starts to mold by SEC play. As I look at it now if Scivique plays C and Hale is at 1B then you have the option of leaving either Chinea, Deichmann, Foster, or one of the Jordan twins. If Hale is a 2nd and Scivique at C you could have any combination of Chinea, Deichmann, Foster, or Robertson filling in the two open spots at 1B and DH respectively. For all intents and purposes I’ll list Chris Chinea as the starter opening day.
Chris Chinea as discussed during the catcher position may wind up seeing time at designated hitter because he’s much more of a weapon with the bat. What I want to see from him if assigned to this role is the ability to hit in the middle of the order with gap power. If Chris is able to increase his doubles and RBI’s the job will be satisfied. The problem Chris faced last season was the inability to find a starting gig after non-conference play and was unable to find any form of rhythm when constantly in and out of the lineup.
Then we look at Greg Deichmann in this spot and why I like him here. You plug in a freshman like Greg at DH and he instantly adds another bat with power to the left side of the plate. Even if Chinea holds this spot a potential platoon opportunity may open up for the freshman to get at bats vs right handed pitching. Deichmann had as much power as any middle infielder in the nation of last year’s high school class. I can’t reiterate this enough, if he’s slow to put up gaudy numbers immediately; it’s not a cause for panic. With the foot injury he may not get at bats till weeks in but they will come.
In Jared Foster you have an extremely athletic baserunner who when he’s hot is a dangerous hitter and sets the table for the top of the lineup. He pressed last year when Mainieri hit him in the cleanup role to start the year, you could see it from day one. Maybe he’s more comfortable when inserted into late game situations? If Foster doesn’t beat Fraley out for left field look for him to get a few at bats here as well.
Both Jordan twins remind me of the Energizer Bunny/Michael Meyers, they never stop...they play with absolutely everything in their respective tank until the pitch, game, or season is over. Like I’ve mentioned before you look at them in a lineup and nothing wows you and yet their game never lets you down. I’ve been impressed with both of their athleticism to date. Anyone who has watched the little World Series may have noticed Trey Quinn (LSU football), Kennon Fontenot (ULL baseball), Beau Jordan, and Bryce Jordan (LSU baseball) formed quite an explosive lineup growing up over the years.
For now I’ll grade both Chinea and Deichmann at the position as I think both can and will see time here.
Chinea
Power------55
Hitting------55
Speed------45
Fielding----50
Arm---------55
Deichmann
Power------60
Hitting------60
Speed------75
Fielding----50
Arm---------50
GRADE: 50
Chris Chinea Jr. 5’11 220lbs* (26)
Greg Deichmann Fr. 6’2 185lbs (7)
Jared Foster Sr. 6’0 200lbs (17)
Bryce Jordan Fr. 5’9 205lbs (25)
Beau Jordan Fr. 5’9 205lbs (24)
The designated hitting spot quite frankly is going to be a game of musical chairs until the lineup starts to mold by SEC play. As I look at it now if Scivique plays C and Hale is at 1B then you have the option of leaving either Chinea, Deichmann, Foster, or one of the Jordan twins. If Hale is a 2nd and Scivique at C you could have any combination of Chinea, Deichmann, Foster, or Robertson filling in the two open spots at 1B and DH respectively. For all intents and purposes I’ll list Chris Chinea as the starter opening day.
Chris Chinea as discussed during the catcher position may wind up seeing time at designated hitter because he’s much more of a weapon with the bat. What I want to see from him if assigned to this role is the ability to hit in the middle of the order with gap power. If Chris is able to increase his doubles and RBI’s the job will be satisfied. The problem Chris faced last season was the inability to find a starting gig after non-conference play and was unable to find any form of rhythm when constantly in and out of the lineup.
Then we look at Greg Deichmann in this spot and why I like him here. You plug in a freshman like Greg at DH and he instantly adds another bat with power to the left side of the plate. Even if Chinea holds this spot a potential platoon opportunity may open up for the freshman to get at bats vs right handed pitching. Deichmann had as much power as any middle infielder in the nation of last year’s high school class. I can’t reiterate this enough, if he’s slow to put up gaudy numbers immediately; it’s not a cause for panic. With the foot injury he may not get at bats till weeks in but they will come.
In Jared Foster you have an extremely athletic baserunner who when he’s hot is a dangerous hitter and sets the table for the top of the lineup. He pressed last year when Mainieri hit him in the cleanup role to start the year, you could see it from day one. Maybe he’s more comfortable when inserted into late game situations? If Foster doesn’t beat Fraley out for left field look for him to get a few at bats here as well.
Both Jordan twins remind me of the Energizer Bunny/Michael Meyers, they never stop...they play with absolutely everything in their respective tank until the pitch, game, or season is over. Like I’ve mentioned before you look at them in a lineup and nothing wows you and yet their game never lets you down. I’ve been impressed with both of their athleticism to date. Anyone who has watched the little World Series may have noticed Trey Quinn (LSU football), Kennon Fontenot (ULL baseball), Beau Jordan, and Bryce Jordan (LSU baseball) formed quite an explosive lineup growing up over the years.
For now I’ll grade both Chinea and Deichmann at the position as I think both can and will see time here.
Chinea
Power------55
Hitting------55
Speed------45
Fielding----50
Arm---------55
Deichmann
Power------60
Hitting------60
Speed------75
Fielding----50
Arm---------50
GRADE: 50
This post was edited on 2/7/15 at 10:00 am
Posted on 2/6/15 at 9:19 am to Adam4848
fraley and stevenson are basically the same size.
where does fraley's power come from? And why does stevenson have so little power?
where does fraley's power come from? And why does stevenson have so little power?
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