re: LSU SOFTBALL Adds #3, #4 and #5 2026 Recruits

I can attest that this absolutely is not the case. Daniel is much much better than McKee defensively. I understand they actually premise the decision on offense which is why it is a big time head scratcher for me but I got off that topic awhile back. Time will reveal but I’ve seen McKee bobble multiple balls that were not hit hard at all—luckily with slow runners so she was able to fumble a second or two and still get the out.

Heavener had a rough start but I too think she’ll be fine. I think it’s more she’ll have to get through the freshman rough patches just like all others and isn’t immune to them. It’s Coach Torina’s job to get her mentally ready to deal with that and emerge better.

Saw Vallejo yesterday and she didn’t look great at all. Even the outs looked loud (watched on tv so maybe TigerAss can confirm). Cassanova may be the 4th best arm proving my early guesses wrong--Unless Vallejo is still recovering or just a bad game. Berzon will get hit but she will rarely get hit hard by multiple batters in a row, and I think is the most mentally tough pitcher in the rotation of pitchers.

Strangely enough I actually agree with Casual AND my man TigerAss on Hodge at the same time—making this a momentous occasion LOL. Hodge hasn't proven she's up to the task when elite pitchers are facing her and struggles bad on the outer half of the plate (so does McKee) when there is any velo and/or movement.

Coffey looks unreal. So nice to have her back. If Bergeron and Edwards keep it up this year team may exceed my expectations. And Redoutey looking really solid too with Laneaux emerging as the clear LF choice. These five will be the core of the offense and likely the team will live and die by their collective performances unless our pitchers have hero-performances in the circle. I think Lassiter will be a decent contributor but still doesn't look quite like the Ole Miss Lassiter of last year just yet--trust that is coming.

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I would say both Daniels and McKee are average defenders, not elite at all. Hitting wise McKee brings more punch and Daniels brings more contact and better bunting..
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I can accept your tag of average given that is a subjective tag so depends on how you utilize the term. I still say Daniel has a much better glove than McKee.

My major issue with the idea of McKee providing more pop is that she literally doesn’t provide more pop. The literal definition of pop is reflected in the slugging percentage. Daniel had a higher SP than McKee last year AND she is higher than her so far this year. YES, I agree that McKee swings away a lot more than Daniel who uses her short and mid-range game more often. Yet Daniel still gets more extra base hits than McKee on average and hits for a better average. Physically I agree with you: McKee looks like her leverage would give her a slight power advantage. But if the skill set doesn’t allow you to capitalize on the physical gifts it doesn’t really matter much. It's kind of like a 6 foot 200 lb power hitter who strikes out all the time---If only she were skilled enough to make solid contact regularly.. The numbers just prove it to me.

Not sure I get your point handicap. We are still saying she isn’t good offensively. Nothing has changed. Or maybe you’re saying you already said she struggles against good pitchers. Which she does. She’s enjoying bad pitching right now. At best I see possibly .270 in sec

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Alum, your opinion on next week on the UCLA game? Does lefty or Berzon start? Do they get exposed or prove to everyone they are legit? If they get beat by UCLA do they take a step back and get beat another couple times out there? Should be an interesting week in California
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@Casual: Great questions!!! And yes, that game will be interesting. But to be honest I lose interest after that UCLA game, and the players might feel the same way which can be dangerous for the later games. Utah is a shadow of the team it was in most recent years. Notre Dame and Weber State are not good. Cal Fullerton is 11-5 but have been run ruled (or close to it) by every legitimate opponent they've faced. Combined record of ND, Weber & Utah is 16-30. That's why if LSU can beat UCLA they have a great chance at surpassing the 24-0 start from last year.

I think they have to start Berzon for now though, Casual. In my view, you got to give the ball to the proven Vet even if she has started off shakier than usual: With Heavener waiting in the wings for relief. I think it will be a good game assuming we hold defensively because UCLA will get their barrels on balls and some of them will be hit hard. My take on the potential results:

--A solid win I think has to be proof that the team is legit and deserving of a Top 5 ranking as a team. It would just confirm Berzon is tough. But if we are shocked and the ball is handed to Heavener it could either be a deflating experience or one of the biggest catapults possible to a great season for her. I wouldn't take that chance just yet if I were Torina.

--UCLA pitching will be a great test for our hitters and I think likely exposes some areas of potential improvement in the line up which I still don't think has settled into the most optimal lineup.

--If we hit well against UCLA I will feel extremely good about this team, win or lose. But with a win we feel really good. Doesn't mean the coaching, lineup, pitching or defense couldn't use some improvements & changes to be better equipped for later, but damn sure would be a good indication of what we are made of and where we stand right now as-is before any adjustments.

--Lose to UCLA and you always fear that letdown lost could happen immediately after it, especially if UCLA dominates us. But if we lose in a close game where either team could win with one break or the other it could have similar impact as a win (there are no moral victories, but showing we compete with the best would be nice).

They'll be hyped up for that game. Probably should watch to see if that impacts the team as well.

I searched and it looks like it WONT BE AIRED!!!! WTH?!!!!!!! Both school websites show it is not on TV. And on the ESPN App it shows Cal State game but no UCLA!!! Are they serious?!!!! Top 10 matchup and no TV?!!!

LSU softball will not be seen on TV this week but for only 1 game. I think the Fullerton game will be on ESPN++++++

That sucks.....

IF I were willing to deal with the inconvenience of divorce I’d grab me a flight to go catch those unaired games, but……………

I think we’re all shocked you think LSU is toast given all you do is talk shite and ramble lmao

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Casualobserver1985

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After looking at UCLA schedule I would be surprised if they didn’t beat us solidly, something in the 5-2, 6-1 range.

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I have new-found confidence.

I enjoy trolling and, as such, I recognize a troll. You were the ultimate nega-Beth; now, when troll-fashionable, you are pro Beth. I get it dude, I do the same - just not when it comes to softball.



…and apparently unlike you, I watched Bama v UCLA. A very mediocre Bama team had UCLA on the ropes and choked.