Presser Notes: Jay Johnson previews LSU's 2024 season

LSU head coach Jay Johnson took the podium in LSU’s opening season press conference on Friday afternoon, looking ahead at the season to come, the offseason that passed, and key players on his roster. Here’s a rundown of everything he said, some quoted, some paraphrased.

LSU Jay Johnson presser notes

** Starts off by talking about the team’s approach of the 2024 season being attacking the year rather than defending anything. That continues to be a theme with Johnson this season.

** Johnson talks about Josh Pearson moving to the infield (2nd base) giving them legitimate infield depth, which had been something they were focused on over the offseason. It also gives them flexibility because he could always move back to the outfield. “Having Josh in there gives us five good options in the infield and I feel a lot better about that now.”

** Says they needed to improve the pitching staff and they have done that. With that being the focus, the amount of scholarships on the field players side goes down, so he needed guys that could play multiple positions. Highlights guys like Neal Brown and Jake Brown as guys who are versatile. Says that’s a huge piece for this team with matchups and depth in the field.

** Johnson talks about Christian Little, says he has his scars but that’s where the development happens. He had great moments last year. “When you look at his ability to throw four pitches for strikes, we all believe in his ceiling. He put in a lot of work over the summer on his own and I’m looking forward to the mental side of it because the talent is good enough to show up consistently.”

** Coach Wanaka’s importance with the defense and developing the position players is vital. Highlights Josh Jordan as doing a great job on the recruiting side. Talks about all of the assistant’s work ethic. “Player feedback on coach Yeskie has been phenomenal and that’s why I brought him here, to know exactly what we’re getting out of a pitching coach.” Says Yeskie is even more valuable in games.”

** Says last year’s success helps everyone understand the value of the work they put in. “When you know you’ve put in maximum preparation, you can play with a freedom and a piece of mind.” talks about overcoming the late losses, “Failure is not fatal unless you allow it to be…The only thing I can guarantee them in a college baseball season is adversity.”

** Johnson said he worked hard on getting Hayden Travenski to come back. “With Hayden, he hasn’t had a stretch he’s been healthy, so I believe there’s more on the table for him at LSU.” Says he believes Travinski is going to be one of the best hitters in college baseball. 

** Brady Neal’s injury last year was a blow to the team, but he told him to watch Cade Beloso and watch every at bat he takes and learn from that “because if you can do that along with everything else you can do you’ll leave here really happy.” Says he’s proud of his development and the conversations they have now.

** Jared Jones is positioned to be the starting first baseman and he’s someone Johnson backs. “As long as the mindset is right, we’re ready to go.” Mentions what he did last year when Tre Morgan was hurt and couldn’t play first. Defense at first base is one of the most undervalued things in baseball. Talks about how special Morgan was, but Jones has been more than serviceable so far.

** Says if Kade Anderson hadn’t had the injury he had in high school, it would have been tough to get to college. “He’s really good. We’re trying to bring him a long back from the injury in a smart way because that’s a huge piece of LSU baseball moving forward.”

** Talks about getting Michael Braswell, Justin Loer, and Kade Woods while they were in Omaha and setting the table on three more additions. Says he was on a plane to visit Luke Holman two days after getting home from Omaha. 

** On Zeb Ruddell, “Zeb used his time well while he was redshirting last year. Had a good fall. I love his work ethic and his toughness. He understood the situation last year and he understands it this year. There are at-bats to get this year, but there’s stiff competition.” 

** Raves about Tommy White, again calling him the best hitter in college baseball and talking about his drive, hunger, and toughness. Had surgery on his shoulder right after Omaha, missing fall ball, but kept himself in shape in that time. “You wouldn’t know he didn’t take an at bat in six months. Complete is the word I would use and I’m super excited about him being here again.”

** Gavin Guidry is mainly going to focus on pitching, but he’s such a good athlete, I have no problem with him doing other things. Says they built him up to pitch last year and he’s excited to focus on pitching and see where they can get his ceiling. He trusts him as a competitor and thinks there’s untapped potential with him as a pitcher.”

** On Michael Braswell “It’s hard to imagine our team without him. He’s even better defensively than I thought. I just like how he plays and he makes everyone else around him better.” When he went in the portal Johnson was incredibly aggressive recruiting him and had him visit the day after he entered before the team left for Omaha.

** In terms of wishlist for facilities, Johnson says the player development is No. 1 for him and then two is the fan amenities which he’ll leave to administration.