LSU Baseball opens Fall Practice on Saturday

Second-year coach Paul Mainieri and the LSU baseball squad begin their five-week fall practice session at 1 p.m. Saturday in Alex Box Stadium.

The Tigers will engage in fall workouts through October 23. All practices in Alex Box Stadium are open to the public.

“I’m very excited about this Saturday as we start the process of building our 2008 team,” Mainieri said. “I feel like we’re going to have the most competitive fall practice we can possibly have. There is no question in my mind that we will be a much improved team this season.”

LSU opens the 2008 season on February 22 versus Indiana in Alex Box Stadium. The 2008 season will be LSU’s last in Alex Box Stadium, home to the Tigers since 1938. Construction on the New Alex Box Stadium - located roughly 200 yards south of its predecessor - is underway with a scheduled completion date of October 2008. Visit www.MakeYourPitch.net for more information about the new facility.

LSU’s 2008 roster features nine position players with starting experience, including 2006 all-SEC shortstop Michael Hollander and a pair of 2007 Freshmen all-SEC selections – outfielder Blake Dean and catcher Sean Ochinko.

The Tigers return eight pitchers who recorded innings last season, including 2007 all-SEC selection Jared Bradford, LSU’s leader in wins (10) and saves (five).

The veterans are complemented by a talented class of 19 newcomers, including eight players selected in the 2007 Major League draft.

“There’s a lot of excitement within our team right now,” Mainieri said. “The energy level is very high, and we have a group of players that are focused and very serious about bringing LSU back to the top of college baseball. I can sense a tremendous amount of dedication and commitment within this team, and that makes us very excited as coaches.”