LSU Baseball Media Day

By Andrew Valenti, Sports Showtime reporter

The LSU baseball team held its annual media day session with reporters at Alex Box Stadium Friday, marking 21 days until opening day of the 2012 season.

With a No. 8 national ranking in the Baseball America national rankings, Paul Mainieri was optimistic about his team this year; but felt it would be a tough season, especially in conference play.

“This may be the best the SEC’s ever been, quite frankly,” he said. “In the top 11 teams, six are in the SEC. That’s just mind-boggling that one league can have that much talent.”

Mainieri hopes that some new additions and the continued development of returning players will help counter this daunting schedule.

For one, the starting pitching trio of Kevin Gausman, Ryan Eades and Kurt McCune may be one of the best he’s ever had as a head coach.

“I wouldn’t trade this starting rotation for any other starting rotation in the country,” Mainieri said.

Another reason for optimism is the emergence of pitchers sophomore Nick Rumbelow, freshman Aaron Nola and junior college transfer Nick Goody in the bullpen. One of these relievers will take over the closing role from the departed Matty Ott while the others will provide valuable depth.

Mainieri said the Tigers blew three ninth-inning leads in SEC play last year, and that was the difference from placing first in the SEC West and earning a bid to the SEC tournament and a spot in the NCAA tournament.

If the bullpen improves and the starting rotation performs like Mainieri expects, then he feels the offense is good enough to win more games for the Tigers this year. Mainieri said LSU lead the SEC in runs scored and was third in batting average.

LSU opens the season Feb. 17 against Air Force at Alex Box Stadium.

Contact Andrew at avalenti@tigertv.tv