re: When's the last time a LSU pitcher was also in the hitting lineup?

Skip, Smoke and PM never recruited those guys; or at least, they sorted things out to focus on whatever they were better- pitcher or batter.

Tulane had a few back in the day.

Since college plays by the AL (DH) rule, it makes sense not to have a guy do both. I get that somebody might be the best player overall and do both well, but you risk messing up his pitching rest and rehab routine by having him bat and/or play a position on days he doesn't pitch.

I guess the rationale is this: perhaps Lange can swing the bat, but do you risk him getting HBP or tweaking a hamstring running out a ground ball, early in the season? If he gets dinged up, you might destroy your chances to do anything, and odds are you have another guy as skilled with the bat to throw out there.

And if you don't start the season doing it, then he's likely to be rusty at the plate later on.

I SUPPOSE you might go the other way, let someone like Deichman come in and throw some fastballs if your pen is empty, gotta figure he can bring the heat (if he can find the plate). Still a big risk.