Well, today is the first practice session for Smoke Lavel and his team, so I thought it would be a good thread. How does everyone feel about the 2006 team? Personally, while I hope I am wrong, I do not have the confidence in this group as I have had in past years. Most of our big bats are gone which means the team will have to rely more on speed for the offense. But in 2006 defense will be the key to success. The problem is we have lost most of our best pitchers. Only Clay Dirks has an ERA of less than 4.00. Clearly, the new guys are going to have to step up to the plate, to use a pun. Am I wrong in my assessment?
We'll be relying on a lot of new guys. Michael Bonura is coming of an injury last year, but he is probably our best starter along with Dirks. With Big Taco probably starting this year the pen might be a little shaky with no Determan. Jarred Bogany is going to have to come in and man one of the outfield spots. Someone is going to have to bring some power other than Jordan Mayer, Harris or Liuzza has to break out of the slump they were in all last season. Could get ugly or this team could suprise some people.
I love all aspects of LSU athletics, hoping they'll do well, but I'm still on a football high and will remain there until next August. :grin:
It won't matter how good they do, I will still support them and I will still be a LSU! fan. I do want them to do good, but if they don't it will be ok. No one will ever be able to say I am a LSU! fan just because we are winning.
I heard he was pitching, but didn't think it was the rotation, figured it was out of the pen considering Bonura, Dirks, and Ramirez are probably the weekend starters.
