LSU Tigers
Overall Rank: #1
Conference Rank: #1 SEC
LSU Team Page
Last year, Louisiana State made it all the way to the College World Series, where they were knocked out by North Carolina. It was a memorable 2013 for the Tigers, who tied their all-time record for wins and also won the SEC West championship, the SEC tournament and the NCAA Regional and Super Regional crowns. Now, they will be looking to go even further this year, especially given the talented players that fill their roster. With two first-team preseason All-Americans in Aaron Nola and Alex Bregman, it could be another successful year for the Tigers if they are able to stay healthy and consistent.
2013: 57-11, 23-7
2013 Postseason: College World Series
Coach: Paul Mainieri
Field Players:
Alex Bregman and Christian Ibarra were both key offensive and defensive players last year, and both return to take their places in the infield. Otherwise, this is a group with plenty of experienced position players and some talented youngsters, especially Danny Zardon and Kramer Robertson.
Pitchers:
Last year’s star starter Aaron Nola returns to lead a deep pitching staff that has a good mix of youth and experience. Saves leader Chris Cotton may have graduated, but the Tigers should have more than enough to fill the void he leaves.
Who to Watch:
Jared Poche of Lutcher High School in Louisiana is a freshman pitcher who comes to LSU highly-regarded. He arrives as the state’s Mr. Baseball for 2013 and a Louisville Slugger All-American in 2012 and 2013. With a 90mph fastball and plenty of variety, the left-hander looks set to have a very good career with the Tigers.
Final Projection:
The Tigers are always a force to be reckoned with in college baseball, and this year should be no different. A talented group of returning players is bolstered by an exciting intake of freshmen, with the taste of the College World Series last year sure to have them wanting to come back for more. Based on the talent and depth in their roster, LSU should expect another return to the College World Series and may well fancy themselves to go on and win the national championship. They certainly have the players to do so.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Baseball Tournament
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Alex Bregman, IF, 282
Hits: Alex Bregman, IF, 104
Home Runs: Alex Bregman/Christian Ibarra, IF, 6
RBIs: Alex Bregman, IF, 52
Runs: Alex Bregman, IF, 59
Stolen Bases: Alex Bregman, IF, 16
Wins: Aaron Nola, P, 12
Innings Pitched: Aaron Nola, P, 126
Strikeouts: Aaron Nola, P, 122
Saves: None
Madness 2014 MLB Draft Rankings:
#15 Aaron Nola
#118 Mark Laird
Madness 2014 Baseball Recruit Rankings:
#14 Kramer Robertson
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