The Slant Gets A New Look; Not Giving Up On Baseball

I'm sure you have noticed that the site has a new look today.  In efforts to continually improve, I've given the old girl a few upgrades.  The new look is a lot cleaner and makes for an overall better impression.  The biggest functional change is that all of the links to the recruiting pages are now along the top of the site rather than on the side. 

You'll also notice some links at the top for "Roster Breakdown By Class" which is a feature I hope to have up and running soon.  I'll of course let you know it's ready. 

In the meantime, feel free to let me know what you think about the new look.  Anyone is always welcome to hit the "Comments" feature on each post and leave some feedback.  Also feel free to let me know if you've got any ideas for any features or articles that the site currently lacks.  You're always welcome to shoot me an e-mail at lsu.newsletter@gmail.com

BASEBALL

LSU lost two of three to Vanderbilt last weekend and has now lost three consecutive series.  As a result, their league record is now a pedestrian 12-12.  The pitching staff is inconsistent.  Staff ace Anthony Ranaudo can't get going.  The hitters leave too many runners on base.  Lastly, the lineup, regardless of who is playing on a particular day, has holes. 

Having said all that, I'm not ready to give up on this LSU Baseball team. Why do I continue to hold out hope?

Left-fielder and leadoff hitter Trey Watkins may return to the lineup this weekend.  His presence will allow Mikie Mahtook to slide back down the batting order.  Mahtook is one of LSU's best players, but he has a big swing and strikes out a bit too much for a leadoff hitter.  Having him back at the 5 or 6 hole again will benefit LSU a great deal, especially if Watkins can pick up where he left off before his injury. 

Over the last two weeks, left fielder Alex Edward has been hitting the ball well and when Watkins returns, he'll reportedly move to third base to try and fill a hole there. 

I still have a feeling that Ranaudo is going to find his groove at this point.  However, he needs to find it soon since only two weekends remain in the regular season. 

Both Jordan Rittiner and Austin Ross had good starts for LSU last weekend. 

Could the dominos start to fall in LSU's favor?  It's a lot of "ifs" but I'm not ruling out the possibility that LSU get hot down the stretch.  16 teams are going to host Regionals and at this point, it doesn't look like LSU will be one of them. But I can promise you that none of the 16 regional hosts want to see LSU in their bracket.

RECRUITING

Some rumors are circulating that St. Augustine High School teammates Trai Turner and Renaldo Thomas are planning to commit to LSU soon.  It's not breaking news that LSU leads for both guys, but it would be nice to get them on board.