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re: Baseball Preview: 2020 Season (Feb 10th - Pro Prospects & SEC Predictions)
Posted on 2/1/20 at 7:26 am to Adam4848
Posted on 2/1/20 at 7:26 am to Adam4848
RELIEF PITCHING
This is going to be the deepest position for LSU outside of Catching and Starting Pitching. Multiple guys coming back from injuries who are healthy along with veterans arms who have been around the block. I like to highlight who I think will be the top 4 and then look at the others.
Matthew Beck Sr. 6'7 233lbs (27)
Matthew Beck has been ole reliable in the bullpen his entire career. He's going to be an inning closer type arm who will see a ton of games multiple times a week. Beck doesn't have an overpowering fastball but he's able to hide it well with his over the top motion and locate it. The curve ball is well above average and has always been able to keep hitters off balance. Every outing he can locate that he's effective for an inning which is all LSU needs.
Matthew Beck
Arm Strength---------45
Movement-------------70
Stamina----------------40
Control-----------------45
Ma'Khail Hilliard Jr. 6'0 150lbs (52)
We get to Ma'Khail Hilliard who spent most of the time in 2019 as a long reliever. What I like about him in this spot is he can be that guy who steps in to get you two outs or five innings, it just depends on how effective he is. Fastball has never been anything over average...curve ball is still arguably the best on the team. Change up has been improving from where it was at the beginning of his career.
Ma'Khail Hillard
Arm Strength---------50
Movement-------------75
Stamina----------------55
Control-----------------65
Jaden Hill So. 6'4 233lbs (44)
Jaden Hill is the type of pitcher who takes your bullpen from really good to phenomenal. In the only two starts from last season Hill was electric and showed glimpses of what's to come. It's been stated that Jaden will only start innings and they're going to use him predetermined for now. In the long term I see him as a true setup man just as they do in the MLB with the door open to become a closer if they wish. Fastball is overpowering and can run up to 95-97mph with a filty change up. Curve ball has been getting over for a strike thus far in the spring.
Jaden Hill
Arm Strength---------75
Movement-------------70
Stamina----------------60
Control-----------------65
Devin Fontenot Jr. 6'1 179lbs (28)
Devin Fontenot has become one of LSU's best relief options the past two years. His funky delivery and above average fastball is enough to keep him in the game for long stretches. Fastball is usually 91-94mph and has the ability to throw a very nice slider. Right now Fontenot is in line to close and the difference in throwing motion between Hill and himself is enough to be a very effective.
Devin Fontenot
Arm Strength---------70
Movement-------------65
Stamina----------------50
Control-----------------55
This is going to be the deepest position for LSU outside of Catching and Starting Pitching. Multiple guys coming back from injuries who are healthy along with veterans arms who have been around the block. I like to highlight who I think will be the top 4 and then look at the others.
Matthew Beck Sr. 6'7 233lbs (27)
Matthew Beck has been ole reliable in the bullpen his entire career. He's going to be an inning closer type arm who will see a ton of games multiple times a week. Beck doesn't have an overpowering fastball but he's able to hide it well with his over the top motion and locate it. The curve ball is well above average and has always been able to keep hitters off balance. Every outing he can locate that he's effective for an inning which is all LSU needs.
Matthew Beck
Arm Strength---------45
Movement-------------70
Stamina----------------40
Control-----------------45
Ma'Khail Hilliard Jr. 6'0 150lbs (52)
We get to Ma'Khail Hilliard who spent most of the time in 2019 as a long reliever. What I like about him in this spot is he can be that guy who steps in to get you two outs or five innings, it just depends on how effective he is. Fastball has never been anything over average...curve ball is still arguably the best on the team. Change up has been improving from where it was at the beginning of his career.
Ma'Khail Hillard
Arm Strength---------50
Movement-------------75
Stamina----------------55
Control-----------------65
Jaden Hill So. 6'4 233lbs (44)
Jaden Hill is the type of pitcher who takes your bullpen from really good to phenomenal. In the only two starts from last season Hill was electric and showed glimpses of what's to come. It's been stated that Jaden will only start innings and they're going to use him predetermined for now. In the long term I see him as a true setup man just as they do in the MLB with the door open to become a closer if they wish. Fastball is overpowering and can run up to 95-97mph with a filty change up. Curve ball has been getting over for a strike thus far in the spring.
Jaden Hill
Arm Strength---------75
Movement-------------70
Stamina----------------60
Control-----------------65
Devin Fontenot Jr. 6'1 179lbs (28)
Devin Fontenot has become one of LSU's best relief options the past two years. His funky delivery and above average fastball is enough to keep him in the game for long stretches. Fastball is usually 91-94mph and has the ability to throw a very nice slider. Right now Fontenot is in line to close and the difference in throwing motion between Hill and himself is enough to be a very effective.
Devin Fontenot
Arm Strength---------70
Movement-------------65
Stamina----------------50
Control-----------------55
This post was edited on 2/9/20 at 10:57 am
1
Posted on 2/1/20 at 7:26 am to Adam4848
RELIEF PITCHING (CONTINUED)
Aaron George is another veteran arm with a huge frame and mix of three pitches who can be another guy to eliminate damage in the middle of innings.
Trent Veitmeier I would most closely compare to Beck. He's got innings and innings of experience and one of the most poised arms of this staff. Fastball is average but he can locate his two off speed pitches and be a good arm to have. Needs to stay away from giving up the big hits and he'll be fine.
Nick Storz is healthy this year and having him in this bullpen will be a true X factor for how LSU can close out games. Fastball can be anywhere from 90-93mph and he has a devastating slider that has great depth for the pitch. To be clear for him to be effective 1-2 innings is all he needs to get through and an arm as talented as his that's very realistic.
Brandon Kaminer is a lefty with a nice frame they were able to sign from JUCO. Started his career at Miami, fastball can sneak up to lower 90's and has a very good slider. Because he's the most advanced LHP I would like to see them start him in the bullpen where he can focus on matching up against left handers late in the game. He's an arm to watch out for an LSU in a sense needs him to be effective.
Rye Gunter is an arm I am very excited to see mature. Tall lanky arm from the right side he was able to really elevate his fastball late last season. Still a work in progress but a guy they can start molding during mid week games as necessary.
Chase Costello is another righty with a very nice frame and fastball life. Really struggled at times getting a feel for the game but has major upside and is a very advanced athlete. I'd think they'll get him work in the midweek for now.
Jacob Hasty one of the few freshmen arms is another lefty who Mainieri has stated many times will be groomed as a starter one day. Very nice fastball life from the left side where he's been averaging 89-91mph. Curve ball is an out pitch and he's someone who can become a Sunday starter in time. Control needs to progress and much like some of these younger arms he'll have the luxury of being brought in slow during the midweek games. He's a dark horse to become that fifth or six starter.
Michael Lagarrigue is a local walk on who filled in the 35th spot this spring. He may see some time in mop up duty during mid week games.
My take: There are 2-3 weekend starters who LSU has stacked up in this group. There's multiple veteran arms, power arms, and situation pieces to mix and match how Alan Dunn pleases. Jaden Hill and Nick Storz give LSU truly two elite talents at the back end of the bullpen along with the returning depth. Eric Walker is also a possibility here if he's not starting. Beck, Veitmeier, Hilliard, and Fontenot all have experience in big game moments. LSU does need Kaminer and Hasty to be productive at least in situational outings...if they are then this position will be LSU's strength.
PROJECTIONS:
Long Relief - Ma'Khail Hillard, Nick Storz
Situational Relief - Matthew Beck, Trent Vietmeier, Aaron George, Brandon Kaminer
Set up - Jaden Hill
Closer - Devin Fontenot
Midweek - Jacob Hasty, Rye Gunter, Chase Costello, Michael Lagarrigue
POSITION ADDITIONS:
Jaden Hill (injury)
Nick Storz (injury)
Brandon Kaminer
Jacob Hasty
Michael Lagarrigue
POSITION LOSSES:
Clay Moffit
Todd Peterson
Will Ripoll
Riggs Threadgill
POSITION OVERALL GRADE: 70
Aaron George is another veteran arm with a huge frame and mix of three pitches who can be another guy to eliminate damage in the middle of innings.
Trent Veitmeier I would most closely compare to Beck. He's got innings and innings of experience and one of the most poised arms of this staff. Fastball is average but he can locate his two off speed pitches and be a good arm to have. Needs to stay away from giving up the big hits and he'll be fine.
Nick Storz is healthy this year and having him in this bullpen will be a true X factor for how LSU can close out games. Fastball can be anywhere from 90-93mph and he has a devastating slider that has great depth for the pitch. To be clear for him to be effective 1-2 innings is all he needs to get through and an arm as talented as his that's very realistic.
Brandon Kaminer is a lefty with a nice frame they were able to sign from JUCO. Started his career at Miami, fastball can sneak up to lower 90's and has a very good slider. Because he's the most advanced LHP I would like to see them start him in the bullpen where he can focus on matching up against left handers late in the game. He's an arm to watch out for an LSU in a sense needs him to be effective.
Rye Gunter is an arm I am very excited to see mature. Tall lanky arm from the right side he was able to really elevate his fastball late last season. Still a work in progress but a guy they can start molding during mid week games as necessary.
Chase Costello is another righty with a very nice frame and fastball life. Really struggled at times getting a feel for the game but has major upside and is a very advanced athlete. I'd think they'll get him work in the midweek for now.
Jacob Hasty one of the few freshmen arms is another lefty who Mainieri has stated many times will be groomed as a starter one day. Very nice fastball life from the left side where he's been averaging 89-91mph. Curve ball is an out pitch and he's someone who can become a Sunday starter in time. Control needs to progress and much like some of these younger arms he'll have the luxury of being brought in slow during the midweek games. He's a dark horse to become that fifth or six starter.
Michael Lagarrigue is a local walk on who filled in the 35th spot this spring. He may see some time in mop up duty during mid week games.
My take: There are 2-3 weekend starters who LSU has stacked up in this group. There's multiple veteran arms, power arms, and situation pieces to mix and match how Alan Dunn pleases. Jaden Hill and Nick Storz give LSU truly two elite talents at the back end of the bullpen along with the returning depth. Eric Walker is also a possibility here if he's not starting. Beck, Veitmeier, Hilliard, and Fontenot all have experience in big game moments. LSU does need Kaminer and Hasty to be productive at least in situational outings...if they are then this position will be LSU's strength.
PROJECTIONS:
Long Relief - Ma'Khail Hillard, Nick Storz
Situational Relief - Matthew Beck, Trent Vietmeier, Aaron George, Brandon Kaminer
Set up - Jaden Hill
Closer - Devin Fontenot
Midweek - Jacob Hasty, Rye Gunter, Chase Costello, Michael Lagarrigue
POSITION ADDITIONS:
Jaden Hill (injury)
Nick Storz (injury)
Brandon Kaminer
Jacob Hasty
Michael Lagarrigue
POSITION LOSSES:
Clay Moffit
Todd Peterson
Will Ripoll
Riggs Threadgill
POSITION OVERALL GRADE: 70
This post was edited on 2/9/20 at 9:35 am
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