1. LOUISIANA STATE

2008 RECORD. Overall: 49-19 (Advanced to College World Series). Conference: 18-11 / 1^st in SEC (West).

Coach: Paul Mainieri (78-45, 3^rd season at LSU; 942-537 overall in 26 seasons).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. Villanova.

 

OVERVIEW: When you bring back nine full-time or part-time starters from a team that rolled to 23 straight, late-season wins, propelling it to Omaha , you know you’re going to be good. RF Blake Dean, the team’s top hitter, is an offensive force in what may be the best defensive outfield in college baseball. 2B Ryan Schimpf and SS D.J. LeMahieu also may be as good a pair of offensive middle infielders as exists. Add to that Team USA catcher in Micah Gibbs, and the Tigers don’t have a weak spot in the lineup. The pitching staff is young, with three sophomores in the projected starting rotation, but it’s not lacking in talent, either, as the top six arms return. The return of senior RHP Louis Coleman, a 14^th-round pick of the Washington Nationals in the 2008 draft, was an unexpected bonus.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Micah Gibbs (4), So. (.322-2-35).

1B: Sean Ochinko, Jr. (.272-4-21).

2B: Ryan Schimpf, Jr. (.320-12-52, 16 SB).

3B: Derek Helenihi, Sr. (.295-3-43, 12 SB).

SS: D.J. LeMahieu, So. (.337-6-44, 10 SB).

LF: Jared Mitchell, Jr. (.297-6-29, 16 SB).

CF: Leon Landry (1), So. (.271-5-26, 12 SB).

RF: Blake Dean (3), Jr. (*.353-20-*73).

DH: Chad Jones, So. (.154-0-0).

1/Starter: Anthony Ranaudo, So. (1-0, 0.00, 12 IP/13 SO).

2/Starter: Austin Ross, So. (3-1, 2.58, 52 IP/37 SO).

3/Starter: Daniel Bradshaw, So. (4-5, 4.12, 4 SV, 54 IP/52 SO).

Closer: Louis Coleman, Sr. (8-1, *1.94, 2 SV, 55 IP/62 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Jared Mitchell.

Best Overall Hitter: Blake Dean.

Best Power Hitter: Blake Dean.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Blake Dean.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Jared Mitchell (6.4).

Best Base Runner: Jared Mitchell.

Best Defender: Ryan Schimpf.

Best Infield Arm: D.J. LeMahieu.

Best Outfield Arm: Jared Mitchell.

Best Fastball (velocity): Anthony Ranaudo (95 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Paul Bertuccini.

Best Changeup: Daniel Bradshaw.

Best Command: Austin Ross.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Mikie Mahtook, of: Mahtook’s football ability overshadowed his baseball talent in high school, but he’s now dedicated to fulfilling his 5-tool potential on the baseball field. He has center-field speed and middle-of-the-lineup power potential.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT(S): Anthony Ranaudo, rhp / D.J. LeMahieu, ss: The 6-foot-7, 240-pound Ranaudo has intimidating size and intimidating stuff as well, including a fastball that tops at 95 mph. LeMahieu, draft-eligible this year, has great defensive actions for a player his size (6-4, 190) and is just starting to tap into his power potential. Both players are borderline first-rounders. LSU’s sophomore class is so strong that Micah Gibbs and Leon Landry will also be premium drafts.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Jared Mitchell, of: Mitchell’s football career at LSU has impacted his development as a hitter, but he remains a freakishly-athletic player and a potential first-round pick. With Mitchell and teammate Leon Landry both in the same outfield, LSU might have the top two defensive center fielders in the country.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Louis Coleman, rhp: Coleman passed on an opportunity to sign last June for a chance to be LSU’s regular closer. No fewer than five pitchers earned at least two saves in the role a year ago. Coleman has a low-90s fastball and Frisbee-like slider, and is especially tough on hitters from his low three-quarters release point.

--DAVID RAWNSLEY