Robichaux on "The Starting Lineup"
Tony Robichaux was with Cody Junot on "The Starting Lineup" . I'm sure the entire interview will be published on Soundcloud and easily accessible if you follow ESPN1420 or TheStartingLineup on twitter.
But since there are always some who ask for a synopsis, here you go. This might be a little long but I want to get as much info out as possible.
OFF SEASON COACHING MOVES--I won't go into the thought process of the rearranging of the staff because it's pretty long, you can listen to it yourself. But he talked about the selflessness of the staff: Bab agreeing to an administrative position, Freeman staying as a volunteer, JT concentrating on recruiting.
He did address why it took so long:
He had to share his vision with the three coaches and they had to buy in.
They had to create a new position (Bab's).
Maggard had to agree to the position
NCAA had to agree to the position
Human resources had to sign off on the position
They waited until after the CWS to see what would happen with Mississippi State's coaching staff.
THE DECISION TO HIRE JAKE WELLS
Tony said the priorities were 1. hiring a man of character, 2. Someone who had the right approach, 3. Someone who had a reputation as a hitting coach, 4. An Up and Comer
He then spoke how Wells fit all of those qualities. Said he had an offer from Missouri.
He also stressed the recruiting thing with the previous staff was the toughest. We would play on Tuesday and really couldn't go and see players because JT was the hitting coach. Now on those nights we are playing JT will frequently miss the games so he can concentrate on getting better players.
Speaking of recruiting, he is very high on the class we signed and pointed to the completed stadium as a big factor.
HITTING; Said he feels great about the middle infield and the outfield. They have to find:
Catcher: So far, Monica looks good coming back from the injury. Believes he can play defense but probably won't catch every day, at least initially. Likes the depth.
First Base: Possible landing spot for Monica or Lott. Also, Lahare is a prime candidate. Has a labrum issue that could prevent him from throwing a lot. I think (my opinion) Lahare will play there most of the time IF Monica can catch most of the games. Stresses the importance of Monica because of leadership qualities.
Third Base: Lochridge is a lot better. He's pushing Windham.
Outfield: Lots of movable parts. Bourgeois, Lahare, Breaux, Veillon, newcomer Jordan Wiley and Carlton Frank, who also could pitch (lefty). Said its possible none of those guys will be in the lineup every day. They can match up left/right and have as many as seven lefties in the lineup on any given day. (I don't think we've ever had this much outfield depth.
PITCHING--Lots of question marks as we thought. Leger has looked good in bullpens. Believes he'll be fine (of course, he'll bring Gunner along slowly at first). Burk is healthy. But every other spot has to be defined (3rd weekend starter, closer, midweek starter, bullpen). Outside of Frank and redshirt freshman Logan Savoy, did not mention any other newcomers by name. Don't read anything into that. Some of these guys will contribute right away.
There's a lot of other good stuff in the interview. Check it out.
(Oh...and I learned the reason the website doesn't have the roster with the numbers is they still haven't cut to 35. Some decisions have been made, but they won't post the roster until it becomes finalized, which could be the beginning of the week of the first game)
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Originally Posted by talktomewillis
