Baseball is just days away. Jay Johnson’s LSU Tigers are looking to rebound from a season that produced a regional exit in Chapel Hill.
A host of newcomers will take on vital roles while a handful of returners will also be leaned on for a large jump in production. We asked the gang at 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge who they were most excited to see. Here’s what they had to say.
Alondra Villarreal, Audio Producer, Off the Bench: The obvious answer here is Chase Shores, but I am very excited to watch all the newcomers and the transfers this season. Jay Johnson is great at developing players, finding diamonds in the rough and helping them thrive in this program. So, I am very interested to see and follow the new transfer class and see what Jay is able to pull out of them. I’m also very excited to see Kade Anderson this season, who I think has the ability to be a Friday night guy.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: For me it has to be Chase Shores. We’ve heard for two years how special he is, time to see if he can live up to all the hype.
T-Bob Hebert, Co-Host, Off the Bench: Kade Anderson. Growing up, Tom Glavine was my favorite baseball player. There’s something to be said about a dominant lefty that can go deep. If Kade Anderson is hitting 95 and cleaning people up on Friday nights, I might fall in love all over again.
Jacob Hester, Co-Host, Off the Bench: Jake Brown. I’m a little disappointed he dropped No. 18, but he’s a great athlete who hasn’t nearly reached his potential. I think he’ll hit for more power this year and hold down a spot in a competitive outfield.
Charles Hanagriff, Co-Host, Live at Lunch: I’m most interested to see Chase Shores. To win a championship, you have to have an ace. While another ace could emerge (Kade Anderson for example), Shores is the most likely candidate. At 6-foot-8 with a 99 mph fastball, Shores can be an intimidating presence on the mound. When he takes the ball next weekend, he will be pitching in a college game for the first time in 23 months. I’m looking forward to seeing how he looks.
Jacob Beck, Audio Producer, The Hunt Palmer Show: Not one specific player, but the starting pitching. LSU lost both Luke Holman and Gage Jump to the draft, so the Tigers will be replacing their two frontline starters. Can Kade Anderson take the next step? Will Chase Shores finally realize his giant potential? These are the questions LSU will have to answer as the offense might be a little top heavy after losing most of its power production. Jared Jones is a star but how many teams are going to willingly pitch to him with little to no proven production returning? Pitching, more specifically the starting pitching, could determine how far of a postseason run LSU can make this year.
Hunt Palmer, Host, The Hunt Palmer Show: LSU has relied on transfers from Power 5 leagues over the last three seasons—Jacob Berry, Thatcher Hurd, Tommy White, Luke Holman, Gage Jump, Riley Cooper, etc. The year, more of the transfers are coming from lower levels. Daniel Dickinson, a Utah Valley product, fits that bill. His ceiling is very high. He’s got power in the bat and speed to burn. But how does he handle SEC pitching? We won’t know until March. If Dickinson is a 17-home run, 25 steal player at second base, LSU’s lineup becomes scarier. If he struggles to adjust, legitimate power may be in short supply after Jared Jones.
Matt Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: Connor Ware. Everyone wants to know who replaces Griffin Herring. Connor Ware has the potential to be that guy. Since arriving from junior college this fall, he’s looked like a star. Left-hander with two breaking balls and a low 90s heater. He can pitch at any point in the game. Just like Herring. Need him to close? He can do it. Need long middle relief? He’s your guy. Spot start? Yep, he can do that too. Jay Johnson has said since he took the LSU job that one of his best pitchers will always pitch out of the bullpen. We saw it with Riley Cooper. We saw it with Griffin Herring. If Ware’s stuff continues to translate to the top level. He’s the next guy in that line of arms.
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: I’m most interested in seeing Steven Milam in his sophomore year. He is moving from second to shortstop, so switching to the other side to the infield will be a slight adjustment. Can he maintain his power numbers with the bat? Does his team leadership take a step up with him be the high energy guy on the field? He has all the tools to be the guy for the Tigers. Can he put it all together after such a successful freshman season?
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: When Dylan Crews showed up on campus as the No. 13 player in the country, he became the highest-ranked prospect ever to play for the Tigers. Derek Curiel is ranked tenth. When we start talking about a five-tool player who is rated higher than Crews and is expected to be a day one starter, you have my undivided attention. This is the type of talent that forces Jake Brown, Ashton Larson and Josh Pearson into a three-way battle in right field because Curiel has apparently locked down to other corner spot before opening day.
