A top the right field bleachers at Alex Box Stadium stands “The Intimidator,” a full-size billboard that looms over the outfield. A snarling tiger head dominates the right half of the sign, while the rest is emblazoned by the all-caps “NATIONAL CHAMPIONS” and the six years the Tigers won the College World Series: 1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000 and 2009.
The Intimidator symbolizes many things at once. It stands as a monument to Louisiana State’s dominant position in the sport. Only Southern California has won more national titles than LSU, and only one of its 12 titles (1998) has come since the Tigers won their first. It is what its name suggests, an intimidating force for LSU’s opponents, letting them know that they have entered the home of college baseball royalty. It is also perhaps unwittingly an ever-present reminder to the Tigers of what is expected.
At LSU, Omaha is not the goal, it is an expectation, and national championships are the standard by which the program is measured.
Into this cauldron step the 2023 Tigers and second-year coach Jay Johnson. They are the top-ranked team in the Preseason Top 25 and represent the program’s best chance in the last five years of adding to its championship haul.
LSU’s collection of talent is dizzying. It features a trio of players who were All-Americans a year ago: outfielder Dylan Crews, the 2022 co-Southeastern Conference player of the year and the early favorite to be the No. 1 draft pick this summer; two-way standout Paul Skenes, a two-time All-American; and third baseman Tommy White, the 2022 Freshman of the Year. First baseman Tre’ Morgan is a Preseason All-American and a two-time member of the all-SEC defensive team.
Denne historien er fra February 2023-utgaven av Baseball America.
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Denne historien er fra February 2023-utgaven av Baseball America.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Wood Has Towering Upside- Nationals rookie James Wood also stands 6-foot-7 and also has game-changing power.
Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz are 6-foot7 sluggers who stand out for their power in this year’s MLB Best Tools voting. Wood spent half of this season with Triple-A Rochester before making his MLB debut on July 1. While he was in the International League, he captured managers’ attention. Wood unanimously won Best Power Prospect and also claimed Most Exciting Player in a survey of league skippers. Wood hit .353/.463/.595 with 10 home runs in 52 games for Rochester. His .242 isolated slugging was the best for a player 21 or younger at Triple-A this season.
ROAD BLOCK?
Scholarship expansion puts mid-majors at a major disadvantage on the road to Omaha
ROYALS REVIVAL
A revamped and rejuvenated farm system has Kansas City ready to rebound
SUMMER STANDOUTS
The top prospects in summer college leagues are poised to impact the 2025 draft
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Last year’s Florida Complex League prospect crop has been beset by lengthy injuries to many of its top players, including Yankees pitchers Henry Lalane and Carlos Lagrange, Mets infielder Marco Vargas and Red Sox catcher Johanfran Garcia.
IN WITH THE NEW
The 2024 draft is in the books. The trade deadline is history.
WALCOTT BLASTS OFF
It took some time for Rangers shortstop Sebastian Walcott to find his footing at High-A Hickory.
A RECORD NIGHT FOR COLLEGIANS
Four key takeaways from the 2024 draft
K.C.MASTERPIECE
Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. wins games for the Royals with his bat, glove, speed and baseball IQ. He might be the most tooled-up player in the game.
HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.