re: What does Ben McDonald say about LSU

Notes:

- there’s panic going on. It’s rough
- he doesn’t see it getting any better because of Rocker and Leiter
- youth is part of it but why are they young?
- where are your players when you have unlimited roster space
- very talented freshmen but it’s tough to lean hard on them in the sec which leads to inconsistency
- no big base hits
- Marceaux and labas have been great
- Hill is a mystery
- no consistency in the bullpen
- if lsu get swept it’s over or even 1-2
- it has to get better in a hurry
- with Hill, it’s all about FB command. He’s not throwing quality strikes.
- he shouldn’t be splitting the plate when you don’t have to
- he flashes brilliance. Thinks he’s fighting mechanics. He’s not very experienced so is having to learn quickly
- what direction is the program going? Paul deserves some of the blame. Talks about 2018 and 2019. Two off years in a row. Last year they were dead last in the sec in BA. no signs it would be a good year. Covid might have saved LSU. An off year again would be 4 straight off years. Florida has been to 7 of the last 10 CWS. Vandy has been 3 of last 6. Arky 4 of last 7. State 3 of last 5. What direction is lsu going compared to them? LSU in a downward trend.
- if you’re the AD you have to look at the trend. Right now it’s down. You can make the case it’s 4 years in a row.
- talks about Bama and those freshman classes that keep coming in. Lsu is held to that standard. He understands the rumblings. Talks about PM winning a ton. But LSU expects more. It’s just not happening.
- he thinks they will play better but that may not be enough vs the opponents coming up
- regarding 29 walks, that bullpen isn’t consistent. Thinks Fontenot has been better but still isn’t there. He loves Floyd and Hellmers. But again true freshmen won’t be consistent.
- whole team needs to look in the mirror. LSU striking out a ton. Need to put more balls in play.
- midweek game is important for momentum
- on Beloso, another mystery. You can tell he doesn’t have a lot of confidence. He has swung it better than the average shows. Hoping the power numbers come back. He’s the only returning multi year starter. They need him to get it going.
- LSU had 38 hits and 11 runs. Pitchers find a way sometimes to get out of those games. These hitters need to do the same. Be less tense and relax and not be overly aggressive. Everyone is looking around waiting for someone else to do it. That comes with experience.
- crews and Morgan are outstanding players. But with them 1 and 2 and relying on them so much there will be troubles
- the backend of the lineup is the big trouble. That has to get better.
- he thinks it can be turned around but it’s about how quick they can do it
- agrees that LSU is right there. They aren’t getting blown out. They could have won 3 or 4 games. Someone will step up and everyone will get confident. They are really close to being a team that can make a run. Fear is the big hole that could come this weekend.