1) Mike Papierski So. 6’3 205lbs (2)*
2) Jordan Romero Jr. 6’2 225lbs (28)
3) Bryce Jordan So. 5’9 215 lbs (25)

Kade Scivique and Chris Chinea depart, both players who well exceeded expectations a season ago and were each key pieces in LSU’s power surge seen in 2015. As both depart a heralded sophomore will enter the picture. Mike Papierski will start day 1 followed in the pecking order by Jordan Romero, Bryce Jordan, and Chris Reid if needed.

Mike Papierski is both a rare and unique catcher in today’s college game. You look at him physically and swear you’re eyeing an MLB backup catcher, his frame is there, he switch hits with his power coming from the left side, arm strength is well above average…creating a catcher from scratch it’s all there. Papierski did in fact come to LSU a season ago as the highest drafted high school catcher to skip pro ball and attend college. The talent is there it just hasn’t made its way to the stats sheet as of his freshman campaign. We can argue Papierski wasn’t ready as a freshman granted his sample size was small, only 42 at bats, although Mainieri had the luxury of using him as a reserve while he adjusted to the college game. Catching in the SEC is one of the most challenging positions as freshman and Paul Mainieri knew exactly what he was doing grooming Mike under both Scivicque and Chinea. Here we stand in February and there is no way to sugar coat this…if LSU is to make a deep run into the tournament Papierski is going to need to be a mainstay in the heart of the batting order. Mike’s best tool is the glove along with a well above average arm, make no mistake he will be a smooth transition from the ‘15 ALL-SEC Kade Scivicque. It should be noted LSU's pitching staff absolutely loves having the ability to throw any pitch in the dirt without hesitation. In terms of his bat he’ll hit for a higher average as a righty with much more power coming from the left side which is typical, the patience he shows at the plate as this young of an age cannot be emphasized enough, not many empty at bats coming from this young man. Speed is slightly below average to average he won’t steal a base this year however isn’t a liability on the base path. Look for him to hit anywhere from 4-6 in the order as the lineup will shuffle quite a few times before SEC play.

Jordan Romero is another talented big bodied catcher who I see alleviating Papierski in spells as well as contenting for the DH role. Romero a standout from Catholic High and transfer from LSU-Eunice is another hardnosed catcher who excels defensively much like Papierski although his bat hasn’t stood out as of yet.

After Papierski and Romero you have a couple of guys in Bryce Jordan, Chris Reid, and Trent Forshang who can play multipole positions as well as step in behind the plate as needed. As the group rounds out Mike Papierski not only has the best glove of the group but the highest ceiling and will start from day one.

An eye popping stat…Papierski ranked #4 in BB’s last year although he was #12 on the team in recorded at bat’s with 42 while the starters averaged 235. What this tells you is not only does he have great vision but patience which will serve him well as he matures and is able to work counts which will only favor him. Look for a breakout year from Mike Papierski.

Papierski
Power------60
Hitting------55
Speed------45
Fielding----65
Arm---------65

FINAL GRADE: 60

This post was edited on 2/1/16 at 7:47 am

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Posted by Adam4848

Member since Apr 2006

19016 posts

Posted on 2/1/16 at 7:31 am to Adam4848

FIRST BASE

Greg Deichmann 6’2 185lbs So.* (7)
Bryce Adams 6’4 210lbs Jr. (4)
Bryce Jordan 5’9 215lbs So. (25)
Brody Wofford 6’2 180lbs Fr. (14)

First base has been a revolving door under Mainieri ever since 2010. The only player in the past five years who has held down the position for the majority of back to back seasons was Mason Katz in 2012-2013 and yet piecing it together has worked. Make no mistake if there’s a weakness to Paul’s recruiting proficiency it has been without a doubt his tendency of putting all of his eggs in one basket with big bodied corner infielders. Over the years guys such as Joey Gallo ‘12, Nick Longhi ‘13, Bobby Bradley ’14 have all signed pro contracts in the weeks leading up to the deadline…leaving Mainieri to scramble. The college game is unique in that lineups really are pieced together year by year with some coaches putting emphasis solely on defense while others try to get the best 9 hitters no matter where they play. Replacing Chris Chinea will be Greg Deichmann to begin the season.

Greg Deichmann was without a doubt the jewel bat from the #1 recruiting class in 2014. After suffering a stress fracture in his foot exactly a year ago during spring practice the idea of securing a starting spot in the infield was all but lost with the veteran presence in LSU’s lineup. After suffering a slow start in summer ball Greg’s game slowly started taking form as the game started to slow down again for him. You can tell by watching him the patience is coming back, his ankle is healed, and he’s playing loose as he did as a high school senior in 2014 for Brother Martin. Taking a sneak peek into Deichmann’s game it’s immediate he shows all five tools. I think Greg will hit above average this season I see him hovering right around the .300-.315 mark with his power numbers increasing. Deichmann for his frame has such a compact and powerful swing it almost creates a natural loft which shows for major power numbers yet leaves room for an above average number swings and misses. The arm is above average and glove slightly above average, he’s played everywhere on the infield growing up and I don’t see first base giving him trouble defensively with his athleticism. Speed for his frame is plus plus and his greatest tool, he really is an outstanding baserunner. I do like Deichmann at the 5 hole where Mainieri currently has him as power threat/table setter for the bottom of the lineup, I could see him excelling at the 2 hole also given his speed.

Bryce Adams the projectable big bodied first baseman out of Delgado will be pushing for time at 1B, DH, and RF and right now I have him backing up Deichmann. Obvious to the point in Bryce you get a huge target on the right side of the infield with power potential as well as an experienced bat. At 6’4 Adams has your prototypical frame to sit at the first base bag. His upper body strength and leverage will create power on its own especially with these new balls. What he does need to improve on is his strikeouts as he is a big swing and miss casualty. Adam’s if not immediate will make an impact late in games when depth becomes an issue and having a power bat on the bench becomes vital.

Bryce Jordan in my assessment will become the backup for 1B if he doesn’t lock down the DH spot, as opening day looms he still is in a brace but it’s looking like it should be good to go for Cincinnati. For now I’ll cover more on him at the DH spot. Brody Wofford the lanky freshman from Georgia will be backing up 1B and while raw in his game has an exceptional arm. He may be a project now but I think he has a bright future at LSU, he’s one of those sleeper freshman that will improve tremendously from freshman to sophomore year under Cannizaro.

Expect to see Greg Deichmann trot out to first base in 3 weeks when LSU opens up against Cincinnati. Greg is a vocal leader on the infield and like Papierski, Robertson, and Fraley is going to need to show results immediately in the heart of the order. The good news for Tiger fans is when Deichmann’s bat is hot he has the tools to not only become that ALL-SEC type player but All-American.

Power------65
Hitting------60
Speed------70
Fielding----55
Arm---------55

FINAL GRADE: 55

This post was edited on 2/2/16 at 8:08 am

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Posted by ell_13