re: LSU Baseball - 2014 Post Season Thread

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NOLA on Saturday.

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BGT

Day 9: Freshman #3 Kramer Robertson



LSU Profile

Kramer comes from an athletic family. There; that's out of the way. While it's the first thing that will come to mind to most (and will be driven into the ground this spring), KR skills on the field stand on their own. First, he's athletic and a leader; he was a dual-threat quarterback his last two years of high school taking his team deep into the Texas 5A playoffs. But more importantly, in baseball he grades well above average in all facets of the game: fielding, speed, arm strength, hitting for average, and hitting for power (he hit a HR vs. Nola this fall ).

Paul Mainieri Quote:

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Kramer is a very athletic and competitive infielder that comes to us from Midway High School in Waco, Texas. His combination of foot speed, quickness, and arm strength allows him to be a very viable option anywhere on the field. He will be a very tough out at the plate as well. He is one of those kids that just knows how to beat you and always seems to be in the middle of a rally. As a dual-threat quarterback in high school, he led his team deep into the Texas 5A state playoffs as a junior and senior. As the son of Kim Mulkey, Baylor’s women’s basketball coach, he’s been around winning athletic environments his whole life and I think that will bode well for him at LSU.

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Kramer and Kim

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"She [Kim Mulkey] put a ball in my hand at an early age and watching her all these years has inspired me," Robertson said. "Watching her work so hard, her work ethic and to have good morals, to be a good person and don't let other people change who you are has all rubbed off. I hope they have."

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The 5-foot-10, 170-pound shortstop has hit better than .400 each of his four seasons at Midway and landed a scholarship to perennial national power LSU.

"Of course, I'm proud to be known as Kim Mulkey's son," Robertson said. "But I'd like to start making my own legacy and my mom knows and completely supports that. She wants me to be Kramer Robertson and not to just be known as her son."

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"He is definitely confident, but not nearly cocky," Midway baseball coach Paul Offill said. "It's not arrogance, but just a very calm confidence that when the lights go on he's going to get the job done. We've seen it here on the football field, basketball court and baseball diamond."

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Day 10: Freshman #37 Jesse Stallings



LSU Profile

Jesse was and is an excellent RHP prospect for LSU who was touching 90 mph already in his Junior year. Unfortunately, he injured his UCL which required "Tommy John" surgery. But PM still brought him in which is a testament to his projected ability as well as how far medical science has come. It wasn't long ago when TJ meant a 50/50 shot at returning to full strength. Now, it's almost a non-issue where teams (college and pro) don't feel like they're rolling the dice on a guy.

Shoutout to Dr. Field who did an excellent TJ surgery on yours truly and Beau Lowry, LSU trainer who helped with rehab.

Paul Mainieri Quote:

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Coming off his junior year in high school, we felt Jesse had a chance to be one of the better pitchers in the state of Louisiana. Unfortunately, he hurt his arm during his senior year and required Tommy John surgery to reconstruct his throwing elbow. The surgery was performed in April and we expect Jesse to be out for the season and redshirt in 2014. However, he will be under the care of our outstanding medical staff, rehab throughout the year, begin working with Alan Dunn at the appropriate time, and be ready to pitch competitively in the summer of 2014 in preparation for the 2014-15 academic year.

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Day 11: Freshman #4 Cade Stone



LSU Profile

Cade is a left-handed-hitting outfielder (there are 7 total and 3 in this class along!) from West Monroe. Like many other freshman, he brings with him a handful of state and national awards. He's a contact hitter and has plus speed.

Paul Mainieri Quote:

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Cade is another one of those speedy, left-handed hitting outfielders that have become so essential to have on a team in order to have a successful program in the modern college game. He brings a lot of energy to the field and plays extremely hard. Cade possesses a short, quick swing that allows him to consistently find the barrel and provide some pop at times. He also played football in an outstanding program at West Monroe High School where both the football and baseball teams were very successful. He’s a winner.

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Cade Commits---------------------------------------------------------

Day 12: Freshman #38 Troy Whitty



LSU Profile

Troy is a big RHP from the Boston area. PM mentions Anthony Ranaudo as a comparison which is high praise. I can see how that would be an initial reaction for most with Troy's height and big leg kick, but he's got some work to do with his finishing mechanics and secondary pitches if he wants to be elite. In Dunn we trust!

Paul Mainieri Quote:

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Troy is a big right-handed hurler from the Dexter School in Easton, Massachusetts. He has tidy mechanics and knows what he’s doing when he’s on the hill. He has above average arm strength, topping out at 91-92mph, and we think he will only get better in the next couple of years. We see this guy as a person with tremendous potential who with proper coaching and experience can develop into something special. Troy is the kind of guy that could end up looking like former great Anthony Ranaudo by the time he is finished at LSU.

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Whitty Ready to Pitch at LSU

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“I’m very excited,’’ said Whitty, who leaves Saturday and begins classes Aug. 26. “Basically, the goal is to go to Omaha. Every year down there, it’s to make it to Omaha. They did it last year and had an awesome team. I just want to find my role and help out as much as possible."

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“That was basically the goal, to go to one of those schools in the ACC or SEC just because the level of play is so high,’’ said Whitty. “When I got down to LSU, I fell in love with it and couldn’t really say no."

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“It was the campus, the atmosphere, the coaches – especially the coaches. I’d put that up there as No. 1.’’

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Happy valentine baby!!! I got u a great gift, but it's in Baton Rouge.

Day 13: Freshman #27 Danny Zardon



LSU Profile

Danny is an excellent player from south Florida. His arm strength and quick step are ideal for a third baseman, but this year he's in a battle with Kramer Robertson for the open spot at second. His bat is nothing to overlook either. He has a smooth, quick swing and hits mostly for average but projects to add some power once he fills out a little.

Paul Mainieri Quote:

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Danny is a polished infielder from talent-rich south Florida who has played against great competition his whole life. He has soft hands and a great throwing arm that looks effortless but carries with excellent velocity across the infield. Offensively, Danny is a tough out, has above-average plate discipline, and a compact but powerful swing that allows him to hit line drives all over the field. Danny will add depth to our infield with the ability to play any infield position, if need be. For a while we thought we might lose him to the major league draft, so we will be happy to see him in Baton Rouge in August.

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I couldn't find a good article, but here's a pic of him on signing day:

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Day 14: Sophomore #8 Alex Bregman



LSU Profile

Alex Bregman is good at baseball.

2013 Season:

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Recipient of the 2013 Brooks Wallace Award as the nation's best shortstop; also received first-team all-America recognition … named 2013 National Freshman Player of the Year by Collegiate Baseball newspaper, by Baseball America magazine and by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association; voted 2013 SEC Freshman of the Year and first-team all-SEC by the league coaches … batted .369 (104-for-282) with 18 doubles, seven triples, six homers, 52 RBI, 59 runs and 16 steals in 17 attempts … finished the 2013 season No. 2 in the nation in base hits with 104 … named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional, batting .545 (6-for-11) with one double, one HR, three RBI and five runs … No. 2 in the SEC in base hits (104); No. 1 in triples (7); No. 3 in total bases (154); No. 5 in batting average (.369); No. 4 in runs scored (59); No. 3 in doubles (18); No. 4 in slugging percentage (.546) and No. 5 in RBI (52) … hit .373 (47-for-126) in SEC regular-season games with seven doubles, three triples, four homers and 26 RBI … batted .500 (6-for-12) in LSU's three-game sweep of Florida (May 2-4) with two doubles, three RBI and four runs scored … 3-for-7 in April 20 win at Alabama with one homer, one triple, one double, three RBI and one run scored … posted 23-game hit streak from March 6-April 12, batting .495 (48-for-97) during the streak with eight doubles, five triples, two homers and 24 RBI; the streak was the fourth-longest in LSU history … named SEC Player of the Week (March 25) after hitting .692 (9-for-13) in the Auburn series with one double, two RBI, five runs … delivered game-winning walk-off single in bottom of 13th inning March 20 to lift LSU to 2-1 win over Northwestern State … launched three-run homer in ninth inning of Game 2 of Miss. State series (March 16), helping to clinch a 7-3 LSU victory … drove in four runs in LSU's 11-2 win Feb. 26 at Louisiana-Lafayette, blasting his first career collegiate home run, a three-run dinger.

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Bregman Emerging as Leader

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"There is no question that this is Alex's team," Mainieri said. "He's more vocal, he's a great player, and he's the hardest-working guy we have. Everyone on this team looks up to him."

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Day 15: Sophomore #26 Chris Chinea



LSU Profile

Chris had originally committed to play for Miami out of high school, but flipped to LSU in hopes of winning the catcher's spot once Ross left. He was a highly touted hitter with good power potential. Last year, he was able to get a few games experience racking up 47 ABs. He's still looking to get time at catcher, but will likely see time at 1B as well.

2013 Season:

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Played in 31 games (10 starts), batting .277 (13-for-47) with four doubles, 11 RBI and five runs … started in six SEC regular-season contests and hit .273 (6-for-22) in conference games with one double and six RBI … 2-for-4 with one RBI and one run scored vs. Ole Miss (May 18) … doubled and scored a run in LSU's win over New Orleans (May 14) … lined a bases-loaded, three-run double in LSU win over Florida (May 4) … recorded two RBI in LSU win over Auburn (March 24).

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Day 16: Sophomore #12 Hunter Devall



LSU Profile

Hunter is a LHP originally from the small school of Centreville Academy in southern Mississippi where he had a ton of success. He transitioned well enough into a reliever roll last year getting most of his time in non-crucial situations. He spent the summer in the Northwoods League where he racked up 43 SO in 43 innings with a 2.30 ERA.

2013 Season:

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Appeared in 16 games (one start), posting a 3-0 mark and a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings with five walks and 15 strikeouts … longest outing of the season came on April 2 versus Alcorn State as he worked four shutout innings, limiting the Braves to one hit with two walks and three strikeouts … fired two scoreless innings against Sacred Heart on March 6, allowing three hits with one walk and three strikeouts … worked a scoreless inning versus Brown (March 2) with two strikeouts.

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Devall Adjusts to New Role

We all know that, but whos is you?

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Opening night is on valentines

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thanks champ.

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Just another baseball fan.

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But my wife already made me promise to take her to the game for a VD date.

Day 17: Sophomore #9 Mark Laird



LSU Profile

Mark, as a freshman on last year's team, was an integral part of LSU's successful season. He was in the lineup for his defense but provided plenty of offensive spark at the top of the order especially in the early part of the year and again in the post season. Mark is from Monroe, LA, and his biggest fan is none other than Jase Robertson of Duck Dynasty fame.

2013 Season:

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Played in 63 games (59 starts – 33 in right field; 26 in center field) … batted .307 (74-for-241) with seven doubles, one triple, 18 RBI, 48 runs and six stolen bases … 5-for-9 (.556) in the College World Series with one double … hit a team-best .400 (14-for-35) in all of LSU's postseason games with one double, two RBI and three runs … batted .478 (11-for-23) in five NCAA Tournament games with one double, one RBI and three runs … 5-for-9 (.556) in NCAA Super Regional vs. Oklahoma with one RBI and two runs … 2-for-5 with one double, one RBI and two runs scored in win over McNeese State (April 30) … batted .500 (6-for-12) against Auburn (March 22-24), recording one double and one RBI while scoring seven runs in three games … 4-for-5 vs. Washington (March 10) with one RBI and one run scored; also 4-for-5 vs. BYU (Feb. 21) with one double and two runs scored.

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What He Can Do-------------------------------------------------------------

Day 18: Sophomore #55 Hunter Newman



LSU Profile

Hunter is a RHP from Savannah, GA. He's got a fluid, low-effort motion topping out in the low 90s which makes him ideal as a starter. He'll compete for a weekend spot this year, although he may be needed more in a young and untested bullpen.

2013 Season:

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Appeared in 13 games (three starts), posting a 2-0 mark and a 2.55 ERA in 24.2 innings with 11 walks and 16 strikeouts … opponents hit just .160 against him during the year … earned first LSU victory in first career college start versus McNeese State (April 30), firing three shutout innings with one strikeout … defeated New Orleans (May 14) by working five shutout innings and allowing just one hit with three strikeouts … LSU's starting pitcher in SEC Tournament semifinal win over Arkansas (May 25), as he limited the Razorbacks to one unearned run on no hits with three strikeouts …posted a season-high four strikeouts in three relief innings versus Sacred Heart (March 6).

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Newman Helps 1-Hit Hogs to Take LSU to SEC Championship

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Hunter Newman, who's season resume really only includes a good start against UNO (possibly the worst team in D1), got the start and performed well above expectations against one of the top 20 teams in the nation. Newman went 4 innings complete with no hits and 3 Ks. Newman gave up a total of 4 walks and 2 hit batters, but was able to handle the pressure.

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Day 19: Sophomore #45 Russell Reynolds



LSU Profile

Russel is a promising RHP from right here in Baton Rouge (Parkview seems to pump out an ace yearly). Unfortunately, he tore his labrum in his throwing shoulder and will likely miss the 2014 season with a medical redshirt. A labrum injury can be a tedious thing which result in one of the more painful rehabs. We wish him a quick and easy recovery!

2013 Season:

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Appeared in seven games (four starts) prior to season-ending shoulder injury, posting a 1-0 mark and a 1.89 ERA in 19 innings with three walks and eight strikeouts … earned first career collegiate win on March 26 at Tulane, limiting the Green Wave to one unearned run on four hits in seven innings with one walk and four strikeouts … pitched five shutout innings in a starting role versus Northwestern State (March 20), allowing three hits with no walks and two strikeouts … fired two shutout innings in first career collegiate start versus Nicholls State (March 13), limiting the Colonels to one hit with no walks and one strikeout.

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Day 20: Sophomore #44 Mitch Sewald



LSU Profile

Mitch is a RHP from the New Orleans area who got very limited action last year as a freshman. He had an excellent summer with a 2.41 ERA, 7 saves, and 30 SO in 41 innings. Mitch will most likely remain a reliever and be relied upon heavily this year out of the pen.

2013 Season:

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Made two relief appearances for the Tigers, posting a 0.00 ERA in 3.1 innings with no walks and three strikeouts … made first career collegiate appearance versus Southern in Metairie, La. (April 9), firing two shutout innings while allowing two hits with one strikeout … worked 1.1 innings versus McNeese State (April 30), allowing two unearned runs on two hits with no walks and two strikeouts.

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I thought you were getting me a gift for my newborn.

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that's what I thought too

I've slowed down a lot this week. I have to stay away from the rant cause I just don't think I could hold my tongue if I clicked on most of these threads.