LSU baseball opens their season tonight against the University of Maine tonight at the box and the national college baseball syndicates think highly of Jay Johnson's team as he officially takes over in Baton Rouge.
The Tigers are sitting in the top 10 in several pre-season polls, meaning expectations will be high when things heat up at Alex Box Stadium this weekend. With that in mind here are 10 things to watch for as Johnson's new krewe hits the field for the first time in the 2022 season.
1. The offense should be one of, if not the best in the country
It's a lineup that features holdover sluggers Dylan Crews and Tre' Morgan. The Tigers also have two other highly productive, veteran bats in their lineup in Gavin Dugas and Cade Doughty. LSU also added another big bat to the mix in Jacob Berry, who transferred in from Arizona after an All-American campaign as a freshman. In other words I don't see an easy out in the Tigers lineup, and they'll be more than happy to make opposing pitching staffs earn all 27 of them.
2. The approach at the plate
One of Jay Johnson's biggest calling cards is offensive baseball. He talks about productive and competitive at bats all the time. He expects them every time. I'd be surprised to see LSU hitters chasing pitches out of the strike zone. Johnson also subscribes to the "anyway you can get on" philosophy. Meaning he wants to see his hitters show excellent strike zone awareness, which can and should lead to a high number of walks.
3. Blake Money is the starter tonight...
... and he's a differently looking guy than he was last year as a pudgy freshman. You will see a fastball that will push 96-97 MPH. YIKES! That's serious gas. Money has the perfect last name for a Friday night starter, right? He also has a nasty changeup and breaking pitch. The pitching staff is one of the unknowns for this squad. They have talent to be one of the best staffs in the country, but until the players prove that, it will remain squarely in the category of "to be determined."
4. Aggressive base-running
I'm talking double steals, hit and run, delayed steals -- you name it, there's a good chance we'll see it. LSU will be a nightmare on the basepaths. I'm curious to see who hits in the leadoff spot, but the speedy Giovanni Digiocomo feels like an ideal option. It will be interesting to see who Johnson taps for that spot throughout the opening weekend.
5. Jordan Thompson is the most improved player on the team
At least that's what Johnson says, and he'll now get the chance to prove his coach right. Thompson plays shortstop and has a plus arm and a really good glove. Offensively his game left something to be desired a season ago. Thompson was kind of feast or famine at the plate last year, but he's another returning player that could be a breakout candidate in 2022.
6. Tre' Morgan in the outfield?
Watch for that to happen. Morgan might be the best defensive first baseman I've ever seen, but I can see the logic behind getting him action in the grassier areas of the field to expand his repertoire. He has really good speed and that just feels more valuable being used running down balls that others might not have a chance at. I think at the next level, Morgan probably profiles as an outfielder, anyway. It'd be a move that will increase Morgan's pro value, whenever it happens. I still expect to see Morgan at first base often, but how he fares in whatever outfield spot he lands in will be an interesting subplot to watch for.
7. Cade Beloso's progress
Belosi was a player I was concerned for when Johnson took the reins from Paul Mainieri. He's a slugger, but last year struggled mightily at the plate. I didn't think he was going to be on the roster, but Coach JJ said the team has him "back to being productive" at the plate. That's really encouraging, and he'll be another player with a chance to begin proving his coach right this weekend.
Related
8. Devin Fontenot ... the starter?
The fiery veteran will play a big role on the Tigers pitching staff this season, one way or another. He's made his mark as a closer over the last three seasons in Baton Rouge, but I think the coaching staff is going to extend him as a guy that potentially starts in the weekend rotation or develops into a mid-week option. How he holds up at the beginning of games -- as opposed to the end -- will be a key thing to watch for.
9. Tyler McManus is perhaps the most intriguing player
McManus is a catcher that can absolutely mash at the plate. T-Mac is a graduate transfer from Samford college and a local kid from Slidell. If LSU can get good production from a traditionally light-hitting position, it's all the more reason why this offense could be a nightmare to face night in and night out.
10. I wouldn't want Jay Johnson's job!
We joked last night on sports talk about the difficulties he's going to have filling out a lineup. He's got plenty of options and that's a problem any skipper would be fine to have.
But hey, college baseball is back! Thank you! No COVID restrictions, no masks, nothing but the Purple and Gold boys playing a game they love -- and one we all love to watch.