Last season LSU had great success versus the SEC West winning four of five series. They struggled against other teams and missed the postseason for the second consecutive season. Year two of the Paul Mainieri era features a load of new players to supplement a strong sophomore class.

Six of the top eight hitters return along with five of the top eight pitchers. Add in an 18-man signing class including eight players who were drafted in June's Major League Baseball draft and you have what should be a better LSU club.

"I am very optimistic about this season because we have so much more depth than last year," said LSU head coach Paul Maineiri. "I believe that the combination of the nation's No. 1 recruiting class with our returning players gives us a chance to be a much-improved ball club in 2008."

"I really like the group of players at LSU, exciting young kids mixed with enough experience to make a nice run if the pitching can mature fast enough," said an MLB scout. "Hollander, Ochinko and Mitchell must have solid seasons and lead the young kids. Freshman DJ LeMahieu and Chad Jones can develop into real impact players. California Junior College transfers Matt Clark and Rene Escobar must hit. The pitching staff is led by Jared Bradford but he is going to need help. Look for JC transfer Ryan Verdugo to pick up some slack. Lefthanded pitcher Blake Martin needs to show he can compete and stay healthy and at least one freshman must step up and pitch in the rotation for them to have success. I do think they are on the right track for future success."

Last season's leading hitter outfielder Blake Dean (.316/7/46) is one of three top sophomores returning. Catcher Sean Ochinko (.277/7/32) and outfielder Jared Mitchell (.258/3/21) are back with a year under belt. Veteran infielder Michael Hollander (.279/5/26) moves over to third base. Outfielder Ryan Schimpf (.262/4/11) is another returnee who had a good fall.

The Tigers have high hopes for several new bats. Matt Clark, Rene Escobar, D.J. LeMahieu could all start in the infield. Catcher Micah Gibbs will backup Ochinko and Leon Landry, Chad Jones, and Cody Reine are all in the outfield mix.

Few pitchers meant as much to their club as Jared Bradford (10-4/4.21/5 svs) did last season. As a starter and reliever, Bradford was vital in the Tigers' weekend success. This season the plan is to start him and leave him there since the pitching depth is much improved.

Ryan Byrd (6-2/4.74), Louis Coleman (2-3/5.59/4 svs), Nolan Cain (0-1/3.00/1 sv) and Paul Bertuccini (1-2/3.32/4 svs) all return. Look for big seasons out of newcomers Jordan Brown, Ryan Verdugo, and Blake Martin (medical redshirt in '07).

LSU's non-conference schedule features games with Tulane, Rice, Louisiana-Lafayette, Indiana, Michigan State, Stetson, New Orleans, and Southern Miss.

In SEC play, LSU hosts Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Mississippi State. They visit Tennessee, Florida, Ole Miss, Kentucky, and Auburn.

LSU plays one final season at Alex Box Stadium, the 70-year-old facility that will serve as the Tigers' home for one final season. Construction has begun on the New Alex Box Stadium, which will open in 2009 ... LSU hit just .256 as a team with only 40 home runs. This season they could easily hit thirty points higher with twenty more home runs ... Mainieri said LSU had the best fall practice he had ever been associated with.

Strengths: Depth; Talent level

Weaknesses: Unproven newcomers; Closer

LSU has more talent this year giving them more options. They were giant-killers a season ago which should give the returning players confidence they can play with anyone. This is a Regional team with a chance to do more if the newcomers are as good as projected.