Originally Posted by
rhineaux
_ I wouldn't worry about it too much, although the potential for him leaving is certainly there.
First, like someone already said, he just got a nice new contract. A contract that is littered with incentive bonuses. so, if/when he continues winning at UL, he will be paid. Its unfortunate that we can't give him more cash up front, but at least he will be rewarded for his success.
Secondly, the college baseball world isn't like it used to be. A job at LSU doesn't necessarily mean National Championships. This isn't the 90s, there's a lot more parity in this game these days.
Thirdly, I would contend, though I don't know him or know his feelings, that being able to stay at this program that he's built up to this level, and continuing to build, is just as important to him as moving to a new conference and fighting for regionals there. Like I said, being in the SEC doesn't guaruntee him anything more than he's already been able to earn at UL. I'm sure the amount of pride in seeing this program build into a national power is much greater than the satisfaction that he would gain by moving to a big money school. And, the jump to the SEC or Big XII in baseball isn't equal to the jump that JK Hall made to the big East, and isn't even close to a jump that Bustle or Lee would make. The Sun Belt is a very competitive baseball conference, and was ranked around 6th or 7th last year in overall conference RPI. And finally, unlike in Football and Basketball, Baseball is different in that the non-BCS schools have a great shot at a national championship, as evidenced by Rice and CS-Fullerton in recent years.
Fourth, if he left, it would move him away from his home and family, which I've heard is very important to him.
Overall, he would make more money, but I don't know, at least in my mind, that the extra money, and potentially same/similar results, would offer me the same satisfaction as winning at the smaller program that already has my fingerprints all over it, and requires much more gratifying work. _