Lemonis talks MSU baseball at Rotary
Monday may not have been a good day for baseball.
However, it was a good day to talk baseball. That's what Mississippi State head baseball coach Chris Lemonis did at the Starkville Rotary Club's weekly meeting at the Starkville Country Club.
As the rain fell outside, Lemonis gave the Rotarians an update on the state of the baseball team. The Bulldogs are scheduled to open the season at home Friday against Wright State.
Lemonis spent some time reflecting on last year's run by MSU to the College World Series, then he also gave a run down on this year's team.
He admitted up front that it's going to be difficult for the Bulldogs to top what they did last season, especially down the stretch.
“For me, (the first year) was unbelievable,” Lemonis told the Rotarians. “There were so many things happening last year. We get to open up that brand new stadium. It was a fun team to coach. I'm so glad I got to coach Jake Mangum.”
Mangum became the all-time hits leader for not only MSU but also the Southeastern Conference, while Ethan Small became SEC Pitcher of the Year and pitcher JT Ginn was chosen SEC Freshman of the Year.
Once again the Bulldogs are ranked in the top 10 of all the polls. Lemonis said having many experienced players back helps that thinking, but there are several newcomers also.
“It's probably as big a new group as I've ever had,” Lemonis said. “We feel we are playing one of the toughest schedules in the country. We're playing Wright State this weekend and they are picked to win their league.”
Lemonis announced his pitching rotation for the weekend with Ginn starting Friday's 4 p.m. opener, while Christian Macleod getting the nod to begin Saturday's game and Canada native Eric Cerantola starting Sunday. Veterans Riley Self and Spencer Price will anchor the bullpen, but Lemonis said there will also be many new names in the mix for relief work.
Around the infield, Lemonis believes he has the best second base-shortstop combination with Justin Foscue and Jordan Westburg. He said Josh Hatcher is “a natural first baseman,” while there are three options at third base with Landon Jordan, Kamren James and Tanner Leggett. Luke Hancock and Logan Tanner have been working behind the plate.
The outfield will consist of Tanner Allen in right field, Rowdey Jordan in center, and junior college transfer Brandon Pimentel in left.
Lemonis said there are some things “to figure out” in terms of pitching, but feels like the position player group is one of the strongest in the country. He admits that the only thing he has to base that on right now is preseason practice.
“We've still got to go out there and do it against other people,” Lemonis said. “At this time of the year as a head coach, you go to practice and you want to pitch really good and hit really good, but it doesn't work because you are playing against each other. Sometimes our offense makes me nervous about our pitching and vice versa. It's a tough time of the year, but we're excited.”