Les Smith Heading Home

[CajunT]

_ There have been a couple different rumors on here, but one is he is going to Juco to get drafted and the other was D2 in Tenn. So if he goes to D2 he wouldn't be able to get drafted for 2 more years just like at UL. _

His father is driving the train, don't believe the Coach Rob nonsense.

[Ballfan]

_ Have you spoken to Mr.Smith? _

many times,about this very subject..I have known about Les and Benzel for over a month..I did not want to say anything until their exit interviews were conducted

[Ballfan]

_ His father is driving the train, don't believe the Coach Rob nonsense. _

not true

[cajunbaseball1]

_ His father is driving the train, don't believe the Coach Rob nonsense. _

I'm just saying...If he leaves for a D2 school it wasn't because he wanted to get drafted. So there would be an issue of him wanting to be closer to home or he didn't like something in our program. Now if he goes JUCO then I think you can speculate on the fact maybe the draft played into his decision...or he wanted to go play a year there and go to a different D1.

How sure are we that he's leaving anyway?

[Textitan]

Ballfan...did you get cut by Robe or something? Seems like there is an ax to grind to me.

[CajunT]

_ I'm just saying...If he leaves for a D2 school it wasn't because he wanted to get drafted. So there would be an issue of him wanting to be closer to home or he didn't like something in our program. Now if he goes JUCO then I think you can speculate on the fact maybe the draft played into his decision...or he wanted to go play a year there and go to a different D1.

How sure are we that he's leaving anyway? _

I spoke to Smith after the rumors started earlier this month. He told me then everything is fine and, that he was a little homesick and his father was pushing him to play closer to home. I haven't spoken to him since the end of the tournament, but it is no secret his father has dreams of him playing in the majors and is the driving force behind it. I don't know if its final, but if its made official this one is not on Rob. Some people are here to grind an axe.

[CajunRed]

Something else for everyone to keep in mind...Part of the problem with Les was Coach Trahan and the way he coaches hitter's...To be as brief as possible: He over-coaches:He put's too much in the player's head to think about..As a hitter you CANNOT be over-thinking at the plate

I must have missed something. Les was a pretty darn good hitter as a true freshman... and you are saying Coach Trahan messed him up somehow?

[cajunbaseball1]

_ I spoke to Smith after the rumors started earlier this month. He told me then everything is fine and, that he was a little homesick and his father was pushing him to play closer to home. I haven't spoken to him since the end of the tournament, but it is no secret his father has dreams of him playing in the majors and is the driving force behind it. I don't know if its final, but if its made official this one is not on Rob. Some people are here to grind an axe. _

Gotcha. But, to me what D2 school could give him the chance to be drafted like UL? I think there is probably some merrit to the Dad wanting him to go pro, but I also believe if the kid loved the school and the coach then there would be no transfer talk. But, if he does go Juco I'm on your side .

[CajunT]

_ Gotcha. But, to me what D2 school could give him the chance to be drafted like UL? I think there is probably some merrit to the Dad wanting him to go pro, but I also believe if the kid loved the school and the coach then there would be no transfer talk. But, if he does go Juco I'm on your side . _

The Juco's have contacted his father. That is all I can say at this point.

[cajunbaseball1]

_ The Juco's have contacted his father. That is all I can say at this point. _

Oh that's for sure. I bet they are all licking their lips at that kid now if they weren't before he signed here. Well goodluck to him and his family if it is true. Fun to watch him this year. And I hope the move pays off for him.

[Dad04]

_ His father is driving the train, don't believe the Coach Rob nonsense. _

If he stays four years and makes all conference, will you comment on his wonderful family? Seems to me like they have done a decent job raising him so far. Only about 50% of college freshman graduate where they first enroll in, athlete or not. Things happen.

[CajunT]

If he stays four years and makes all conference, will you comment on his wonderful family? Seems to me like they have done a decent job raising him so far. Only about 50% of college freshman graduate where they first enroll in, athlete or not. Things happen. _

Dad04, he is a good kid and I don't dislike his father. But there are some fathers that live their lives through their children. People shouldn't blame a coach in these matters, because he can only do so much in trying to keep an athlete in the program while outside forces are pulling him in another direction. In this particular case, there is nothing Rob could or can do to keep him in the program if he has made a decision to leave this program. Things happen do, but I don't agree that all things fall at the feet of the coaching staff. Do you?