First and foremost, the stadium is even better than I could've imagined. Every detail, perfect. If you haven't laid eyes on it, you need to, pictures do not serve it justice.
Starting Rotation-
The numbers are just silly at this early point in the season. Let's look at some highlights.
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I know it's early and the sample size is small, but geez, can't remember ever having a starting rotation that looks this complete, especially this early in the season. Ginn and Small have struck out 40 batters in 80 at bats, while only walking 2. Ethan Small has struck out 24 opponents in 39 at bats, without walking anyone. Small is pitching out of his mind thus far, JT Ginn is as advertised and more. He looks like a senior out there, can't imagine what he will look like in 2 years. I think him coming to school will turn out to be the right decision for him, he has a chance to be a top 5 pick when he becomes eligible again. Keegan James is going to be one of the better Sunday guys in the SEC, he is hittable, and can't afford to walk guys at the rate he has in the first 2 starts, but overall he is gonna give us a chance to win almost every Sunday. I think we can count on 18 to 20 innings pitched per weekend from our starters, which leaves 7 to 9 innings available for our bullpen, and we have a lot of more than capable guys to choose from.
The Bullpen-
Our pen has me just as excited as our starting rotation. This is the way I see our bullpen breaking down as of now. I am not including Riley Self right now, because I don't know what to do with him. His cutter has pulled a 180, going from unhittable, to BP. I hope Foxhall can help him figure it out but right now he is a liability. In his 9 AB against, he has given up 4 hits without striking out any. I hope he figures it out because he could make a great bullpen elite. Anyway:
Inning Eaters-
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-All 3 of these guys could throw 4 innings or more per weekend, if needed. This is huge because it gives our coaches the confidence to pull a starter early if his stuff isn't working. Liebelt has been the surprise of the year, his stuff is filthy and he is throwing strikes. He avoids solid contact and that is what you want from a first guy out of the pen type guy. Cole Gordon is the Cole Gordon of late 2018, and is probably our best and most reliable guy out of the pen, I'm glad he decided to come back this year. Plumlee has looked alright so far, but I think he is still reacclimating to being on the mound. I expect him to get better as the season goes on, and he will be a very reliable mid week guy and Saturday or Sunday reliever.
Lefties-
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-This was one of my biggest concerns going into the season but Eagan and Barlow have answered the call and more. In 6.2 IP and 25 bats against, they have only given up 5 hits and 2 ER, while striking out 10 and only walking 2. That's good stuff. Eagan has been a good surprise, all though I know some were expecting him to come in and contribute, but you just never know in College Baseball though.
Strike Out Specialists-
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-These are guys that we could get an inning or two from late in the game, 7th and 8th innings type guys, and they are also guys that can come in when strike outs are needed. Obviously, Cerantola has Friday night potential type stuff, but he is still young, if he can get his control sharpened, he could be another huge piece going forward this year. Ginn and Cerantola will be a deady Friday-Saturday 1-2 punch in 2021. Spencer Price is still rehabbing mentally, but we know what he is capable of, he is similar to Cerantola in that he has the potential to be a huge piece going forward. Brandon Smith looks like a steady guy with a talented arm, he can come in and strike some guys out, and maybe even eat a couple innings, I like this guy.
Closer-
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Colby White is the guy I want out there in the 9th to close out the game. I haven't seen many college guys with an arm as powerful as his. This weekend he was throwing his fastball 94-96 while topping out at 97. He has a good offspeed pitch and has shown good command thus far, I'm really pumped about this guy. He has stuff you just don't see often at this level.
The Lineup-
I don't think our lineup has nearly reached it's full potential yet, Rowdy is ice cold at the plate and that won't last forever, got two battles going on at C and 2B and a DH spot to lock down. Once these questions are answered and a lineup solidifies and gels, I think we will have one of the better lineups in the SEC and country.
Outfield-
The outfield is set and everyone knows it. Rowdy is going to get out of this early season sophomore slump, it is just a matter of time. I love having the two switch hitters at the top of the order, and Rowdy will be back up there soon. Their defense has been exceptional too, Rowdy and Mac have made SC Top 10 type catches out there and we all know what Jake can do.
Infield-
1B, 3B, and SS are set with Allen, Foscue and Westburg, respectively. Foscue has really put on some muscle and I think he could be a double digit HR guy. TA will lead the team in RBI and will also probably be a double digit HR guy. Westburg is our hardest hitter, which is evident when looking at the exit Velo charts, he smokes the ball, and is our 3 hole guy. Also on Westburg, I have been impressed with him in the field, wasn't sure about him at SS going into the season but he will be just fine. 2B is still up for grabs between freshman Landon Jordan and JUCO transfer Gunner Halter. This may just be my opinion, but if I were Lemo I'm starting Landon Jardon 3 out 4 games, I think he has more potential and showed that during the fall and spring. He is gonna be a really good one before his career is over, might as well throw him into the fire and get all the freshman out of him early. Also, having Jordan in the lineup will help balance the lineup with respect to lefty-righty balance. Halter will be a good occasional DH, 2B and PH, I just don't love his approach at the plate, but it's still early and this hot take could make me look like an idiot a month down the road.
Catcher and DH-
I think you have to start Hayden Jones in majority of games. His arm is the best we have seen here in a long time. He has a MLB arm, would love to see the pop time on his two throw outs. Jones has been run on twice and thrown both out. Skelton has been run on 5 times and only thrown out 1. That's 4 singles that become doubles, Skelton's arm is a liability. However, Skelton's bat has been impressive, and may finally be showing the potential we were promised. Hayden Jones is a lefty, and has shown that he has plus power potential. I think you put both of these guys in the lineup. Start Hayden Jones 2/3 games, while DHing Skelton and then moving him behind the plate every 3rd game to rest Hayden Jones legs. We have a good pool of DH/PH guys with whichever 2B isn't starting, whichever Catcher isn't starting, Josh Hatcher, Marshall Gilbert, JT Ginn, and Brad Cumbest.
If I were Lemo this would be my starting lineup
1. CF Jake Mangum(S)
2. LF Rowdy Jordan(S)
3. SS Jordan Westburg(R)
4. 1B Tanner Allen(L)
5. RF Elijah MacNamee(R)
6. 3B Justin Foscue(R)
7. C Hayden Jones(L)
8. DH Dustin Skelton(R)
9. 2B Landon Jordan(L)
To sum it all up, this is the most complete team this early in the season at MSU in a long long time. This team could win it all, and in my opinion, is built for tourney play with the depth of our bullpen and strength of our starting rotation. Enjoy the ride.
Starting Rotation-
The numbers are just silly at this early point in the season. Let's look at some highlights.
| Player | GS | IP | ER | AB | H | BB | K's | XBH | b/avg | ERA |
| all 3 starters | 6 | 32 | 5 | 107 | 15 | 8 | 50 | 3 | .140 | 1.41 |
| Ethan Small | 2 | 12 | 2 | 39 | 4 | 0 | 24 | 2 | .103 | 1.50 |
| JT Ginn | 2 | 12 | 2 | 41 | 4 | 2 | 16 | 1 | .098 | 1.50 |
| Keegan James | 2 | 9 | 1 | 27 | 7 | 6 | 10 | 0 | .259 | 1.12 |
| Ginn+Small | 4 | 24 | 4 | 80 | 8 | 2 | 40 | 3 | .100 | 1.50 |
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I know it's early and the sample size is small, but geez, can't remember ever having a starting rotation that looks this complete, especially this early in the season. Ginn and Small have struck out 40 batters in 80 at bats, while only walking 2. Ethan Small has struck out 24 opponents in 39 at bats, without walking anyone. Small is pitching out of his mind thus far, JT Ginn is as advertised and more. He looks like a senior out there, can't imagine what he will look like in 2 years. I think him coming to school will turn out to be the right decision for him, he has a chance to be a top 5 pick when he becomes eligible again. Keegan James is going to be one of the better Sunday guys in the SEC, he is hittable, and can't afford to walk guys at the rate he has in the first 2 starts, but overall he is gonna give us a chance to win almost every Sunday. I think we can count on 18 to 20 innings pitched per weekend from our starters, which leaves 7 to 9 innings available for our bullpen, and we have a lot of more than capable guys to choose from.
The Bullpen-
Our pen has me just as excited as our starting rotation. This is the way I see our bullpen breaking down as of now. I am not including Riley Self right now, because I don't know what to do with him. His cutter has pulled a 180, going from unhittable, to BP. I hope Foxhall can help him figure it out but right now he is a liability. In his 9 AB against, he has given up 4 hits without striking out any. I hope he figures it out because he could make a great bullpen elite. Anyway:
Inning Eaters-
| Player | App | IP | ER | AB | H | BB | K's | XBH | b/avg | ERA |
| all 3 players | 8 | 15.1 | 3 | 59 | 11 | 7 | 17 | 0 | 0.186 | 1.79 |
| Cole Gordon | 3 | 5.0 | 0 | 17 | 2 | 4 | 8 | 0 | .118 | 0.00 |
| Jared Liebelt | 3 | 3.2 | 0 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 | .077 | 0.00 |
| Peyton Plumlee | 2 | 6.2 | 3 | 29 | 8 | 1 | 5 | 0 | .276 | 4.05 |
| Gordon+Liebelt | 6 | 8.2 | 0 | 30 | 3 | 6 | 12 | 0 | .100 | 0.00 |
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-All 3 of these guys could throw 4 innings or more per weekend, if needed. This is huge because it gives our coaches the confidence to pull a starter early if his stuff isn't working. Liebelt has been the surprise of the year, his stuff is filthy and he is throwing strikes. He avoids solid contact and that is what you want from a first guy out of the pen type guy. Cole Gordon is the Cole Gordon of late 2018, and is probably our best and most reliable guy out of the pen, I'm glad he decided to come back this year. Plumlee has looked alright so far, but I think he is still reacclimating to being on the mound. I expect him to get better as the season goes on, and he will be a very reliable mid week guy and Saturday or Sunday reliever.
Lefties-
| Player | App | IP | ER | AB | H | BB | K's | XBH | b/avg | ERA |
| Trysten Barlow | 3 | 3.1 | 1 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 0 | .231 | 2.70 |
| Jack Eagan | 2 | 3.2 | 1 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 6 | 1 | .167 | 2.45 |
| Barlow+Eagan | 5 | 7.0 | 2 | 25 | 5 | 2 | 10 | 1 | .200 | 2.57 |
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-This was one of my biggest concerns going into the season but Eagan and Barlow have answered the call and more. In 6.2 IP and 25 bats against, they have only given up 5 hits and 2 ER, while striking out 10 and only walking 2. That's good stuff. Eagan has been a good surprise, all though I know some were expecting him to come in and contribute, but you just never know in College Baseball though.
Strike Out Specialists-
| Player | App | IP | ER | AB | H | BB | K's | XBH | b/avg | ERA |
| All 3 players | 5 | 5.1 | 1 | 18 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 1 | .167 | 1.76 |
| Brandon Smith | 3 | 3.1 | 1 | 11 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 1 | .182 | 2.70 |
| Eric Cerantola | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | .000 | 0.00 |
| Spencer Price | 1 | 1.0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | .250 | 0.00 |
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-These are guys that we could get an inning or two from late in the game, 7th and 8th innings type guys, and they are also guys that can come in when strike outs are needed. Obviously, Cerantola has Friday night potential type stuff, but he is still young, if he can get his control sharpened, he could be another huge piece going forward this year. Ginn and Cerantola will be a deady Friday-Saturday 1-2 punch in 2021. Spencer Price is still rehabbing mentally, but we know what he is capable of, he is similar to Cerantola in that he has the potential to be a huge piece going forward. Brandon Smith looks like a steady guy with a talented arm, he can come in and strike some guys out, and maybe even eat a couple innings, I like this guy.
Closer-
| Player | App | IP | ER | AB | H | BB | K's | XBH | b/avg | ERA |
| Colby White | 2 | 2.0 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | .143 | 0.00 |
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Colby White is the guy I want out there in the 9th to close out the game. I haven't seen many college guys with an arm as powerful as his. This weekend he was throwing his fastball 94-96 while topping out at 97. He has a good offspeed pitch and has shown good command thus far, I'm really pumped about this guy. He has stuff you just don't see often at this level.
The Lineup-
I don't think our lineup has nearly reached it's full potential yet, Rowdy is ice cold at the plate and that won't last forever, got two battles going on at C and 2B and a DH spot to lock down. Once these questions are answered and a lineup solidifies and gels, I think we will have one of the better lineups in the SEC and country.
Outfield-
The outfield is set and everyone knows it. Rowdy is going to get out of this early season sophomore slump, it is just a matter of time. I love having the two switch hitters at the top of the order, and Rowdy will be back up there soon. Their defense has been exceptional too, Rowdy and Mac have made SC Top 10 type catches out there and we all know what Jake can do.
Infield-
1B, 3B, and SS are set with Allen, Foscue and Westburg, respectively. Foscue has really put on some muscle and I think he could be a double digit HR guy. TA will lead the team in RBI and will also probably be a double digit HR guy. Westburg is our hardest hitter, which is evident when looking at the exit Velo charts, he smokes the ball, and is our 3 hole guy. Also on Westburg, I have been impressed with him in the field, wasn't sure about him at SS going into the season but he will be just fine. 2B is still up for grabs between freshman Landon Jordan and JUCO transfer Gunner Halter. This may just be my opinion, but if I were Lemo I'm starting Landon Jardon 3 out 4 games, I think he has more potential and showed that during the fall and spring. He is gonna be a really good one before his career is over, might as well throw him into the fire and get all the freshman out of him early. Also, having Jordan in the lineup will help balance the lineup with respect to lefty-righty balance. Halter will be a good occasional DH, 2B and PH, I just don't love his approach at the plate, but it's still early and this hot take could make me look like an idiot a month down the road.
Catcher and DH-
I think you have to start Hayden Jones in majority of games. His arm is the best we have seen here in a long time. He has a MLB arm, would love to see the pop time on his two throw outs. Jones has been run on twice and thrown both out. Skelton has been run on 5 times and only thrown out 1. That's 4 singles that become doubles, Skelton's arm is a liability. However, Skelton's bat has been impressive, and may finally be showing the potential we were promised. Hayden Jones is a lefty, and has shown that he has plus power potential. I think you put both of these guys in the lineup. Start Hayden Jones 2/3 games, while DHing Skelton and then moving him behind the plate every 3rd game to rest Hayden Jones legs. We have a good pool of DH/PH guys with whichever 2B isn't starting, whichever Catcher isn't starting, Josh Hatcher, Marshall Gilbert, JT Ginn, and Brad Cumbest.
If I were Lemo this would be my starting lineup
1. CF Jake Mangum(S)
2. LF Rowdy Jordan(S)
3. SS Jordan Westburg(R)
4. 1B Tanner Allen(L)
5. RF Elijah MacNamee(R)
6. 3B Justin Foscue(R)
7. C Hayden Jones(L)
8. DH Dustin Skelton(R)
9. 2B Landon Jordan(L)
To sum it all up, this is the most complete team this early in the season at MSU in a long long time. This team could win it all, and in my opinion, is built for tourney play with the depth of our bullpen and strength of our starting rotation. Enjoy the ride.
