LSU baseball looking for another championship run

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By Christopher Gordy

As the temperatures start to warm and the leaves begin to change, it means another season of LSU baseball is just around the corner. The reigning National Champs had their first day of practice last week, and will play their first game of the season in just two weeks. And with a solid core group returning this year, there will once again be high expectations from Tiger fans.

"Our focus is good right now, and we're proud of last year," said Coach Paul Mainieri. "But it's time to start a whole new season."

The Tigers welcome back 15 key players from last year, including seven position players with starting experience. Behind the plate, workhorse Micah Gibbs returns as one of the best defensive catchers in the country. Gibbs said he hopes to improve his numbers at the plate this year, even though what he does behind the plate is most important.

"Coach always tells me to keep playing defense, that's the biggest priority," said Gibbs. "If I go 0-for-4 but I block two balls in the dirt with a runner on at third, then that's two defensive RBI."

LSU will boast one of the better infields in the country as well, with Tyler Hanover switching from third to second base, alongside outstanding shortstop Austin Nola. Redshirt freshman Wet Dellatte will debut as the starting third baseman. And former outfielder/DH Blake Dean will become an everyday starter at first base.

"I think Blake Dean, by the end of the year, will be known as the best defensive first baseman in the SEC," predicted Mainieri. "He looks like he was born to play the position, but he's never played (first base) before in his life."

In the outfield, LSU will have another fast group, with former starter Leon Landry getting another shot after losing his job as a starter last season. Mikie Mahtook also returns after a fantastic stretch last year. Newcomer Trey Watkins will start for the Tigers in left field, and will also lead off. Johnny Dishon, who redshirted last year, will be the fourth outfielder and could earn a starting spot if his bat comes alive.

"We've always had a really athletic outfield," said Landry. "But Trey Watkins and Johnny Dishon will be good additions, along with me and Mahtook. All of us have speed and power."

As for the pitching staff, LSU's ace is Anthony Ranaudo, who will get the Friday night starts for the club. The 6'7" junior said he is ready to be the leader of the pitching staff and embraces the role. Ranaudo pitched 124 innings last season, so he said he rested much of the offseason to be healthy for this season.

Junior Austin Ross will return to the weekend rotation, along with LSU-Eunice transfer Joey Bourgeois. Closer Matty Ott returns to the bullpen, but could see a different role this year.

"I'm going to start out the season as a bullpen guy," said Ott. "But there may be a time when I'm asked to go out there and start some games, and I'll be ready for that."

Former reliever and football player Chad Jones opted to enter his name into the NFL Draft, ending his LSU baseball career. So with Jones gone, and Ott potentially turning into a starter, the role of the bullpen will have to step up for LSU. Paul Bertuccini, Ben Alsup, Daniel Bradshaw and Chris Matulis will all be counted on as the season gets going.

Infielder Grant Dozar will be the Tigers' "ultra utility man," able to fill in at nearly every position. Mainieri said the starting designated hitter as of now is senior Matt Gaudet, who returns after being cut from the team last season because of a numbers game. Dishon and Dozar are also potential candidates to play DH.

And Mainieri said while this team may not be as deep as last year's, he said he likes the fact that every player has gotten better. And he said he doesn't feel the pressure of having to "repeat as champions." He said the idea is to just "win another championship," which is less pressure than repeating. But he said his team is starting to come together and build focus.

"You need a lot of luck and you have to play well at the right time," said Mainieri. "But I do feel like we have a good solid team put together, and we can make another run at a title this year."

Originally Published: Issue 863 - February 3, 2010

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