Baseball Preview: 2017 Edition Feb 10th - Prospects & SEC Prediction

CATCHER

1) Mike Papierski Jr. 6’3 225lbs (2)*
2) Nick Coomes Jr. 5’11 196lbs (13)
3) Jordan Romero Sr. 6’2 213lbs (28)
4) Rankin Woley Fr. 6’0 215lbs (22)

The catching position while not as deep as in recent years will show veteran depth behind what looks to be Michael Papierski, Nick Coomes, Jordan Romero, and Rankin Woley in that order.

Michael Papierski, the highest drafted catcher of his high school class to attend college, has already shown consistency behind the plate at the collegiate level along with a superb arm in which he’s continued to refine throughout the first two years on campus. One of the physical attributes MLB organizations love about Michael is his giant frame in which he’s been able to add 25lbs over the past two seasons and yet still looks like he’ll be able to add more without hindering his game. Diving straight into it, the downfall Papierski has faced has been hitting with consistency against SEC pitching. Now while Papierski’s bat was a bit raw coming out of high school I admit inaccurately projected a big spike in his offensive game a season ago, it just didn’t come to fruition. What Papierski is excellent at is reading pitches which is not shocking given his position, a season ago he drew a walk approximately every 7.2 at bats only behind Chris Reid at 6.2 at bats respectively. Between tweaking his left and right handed approaches and focusing solely on hitting from the right side during May of last year it became evident he wasn’t comfortable and tried simplifying his approach mid-season. While this approach gives him more control over the bat and thus a more level swing through the zone he still says he hits for more power from the left side of the plate. At the same time I’m hearing he has not completely given up hitting from the left side, I do have full confidence Gibbs a switch hitter himself will be able to make any adjustments necessary and this won't be a week on week off thing. Make no mistake, Michael is the best catcher on this team and besides (Michael Rivera-Florida & Jason Delay-Vanderbilt) has the best defensive tools in the southeastern conference. It’s not a surprise and it shouldn’t be to those that have watched the games closely, you’ll notice the pitchers tend to be far more comfortable when Papierski is behind the plate. Well above average defensive catchers are worth their weight in gold for what they strictly do on defense, the way they manage the infield, and the way they hold athletic base stealing teams in check for the most part. As Papierski enters his third season at LSU expect him to get more comfortable hitting as all players do, he does have great upper body strength. LSU doesn’t need Papierski to be an ALL-SEC performer at the plate but if he can figure it out he’ll make the lineup that much stronger at the back end of the lineup. If I had to guess he’ll sit around 6-8 in the order. Speed is slightly below average and Papierski is not an aggressive baserunner.

Nick Coomes the top JUCO transfer of the incoming class has been taking reps at catcher this spring in what looks to be the grooming for Nick to slide in behind Papierski given Jordan Romero’s nagging shoulder injury which is not ready for live ball. While Nick played primarily 3B at LSU-Eunice in 2016 he can realistically find himself at either C, DH, 3B, or 1B given the situation and where he’s needed. What I like about Coomes is his patient approach at the plate, doesn’t get fooled often and like fellow high school teammate Jordan Romero has great lower body strength with plus power and the ability to pull balls into the gaps and out of the park on mistake pitches. Coomes will bring a power bat with gap to gap power, he actually runs well for his stature and isn't a liability on the base paths. He’ll help relieve Papierski on consecutive days but don’t be surprised at all if he makes his way into the lineup at DH.

Jordan Romero who I have backing up Papierski and Coomes honestly will be more of a valuable asset at DH given his shoulder injury. Due to the nature of shoulder injuries you can’t rush or expedite recovery and in my opinion it’s going to be a week to week prognosis…all this being said I think he’ll continue to be listed on the catching depth chart due to the nature of the position and he’s still able to catch bullpen. Even with the setback Jordan Romero is one of LSU’s best power threats behind Greg Deichmann and has always been one of the best fastball hitters on the team. Look for Romero to see time at C of DH this season with an extremely dark horse pick of playing 1B if he is absolutely needed.

Rankin Woley is an extremely well built and strong freshman out of Georgia who will need a season behind the veteran’s before breaking out of his shell. This is a kid who’s played all over the diamond and actually can move for his frame. Mainieri will be able to plug and play him when need be, I see him at a corner infield spot or catcher down the road.

My take: The catching position isn’t what the team will be built around but does retain two veterans who bring two entirely different approaches both behind the plate and in the box. With Papierski you’re getting a phenomenal defensive catcher who will limit other teams on the base paths while Coomes and Romero when hot fit in as the ideal power threat to protect Greg Deichmann in the 5 hole when the Tigers enter SEC pitching.

Michael Papierski

Power------55
Hitting------55
Speed------45
Fielding----65
Arm---------70

FINAL GRADE: 60

Friggin IN

I like LSU baseball.

Finally! Best thread on the rant year after year! Thanks for all the work you put in on these, Adam! It is much appreciated.

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Adam4848

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GOAT TR poster

You guys think Romero and Adams will have a role this year? Romero kind of fizzled out last year. Would like to see bigger bodies at the plate.

Thank you so much for your preview. I look forward to this each year.

Note: Very sorry to learn of Bryce Jordan's injury and am concerned about how this will effect the batting order.