2016 LSU baseball preview: Lineup projections and roster breakdown

Corner Infield

There is not a single player left on the roster that played first base for the LSU baseball team in 2015, with Chris Chinea and Conner Hale being drafted and potential replacement Danny Zardon transferring to Nova Southeastern.

Sophomore Greg Deichmann, who made 11 plate appearances as a pinch-hitter in 2015, struggled with injuries throughout his freshman year. Now healthy, the former Brother Martin High School (New Orleans, LA.) standout could benefit from openings at both corner infield spots.

Deichmann was moved to first base during fall practice. Paul Mainieri liked what he saw after the move, but he could be a better fit at third base. Deichmann’s appeal comes primarily from his power, as he set a school record with 29 home runs in his high school career.

Freshman Brody Wofford and junior college transfer Bryce Adams are also options, but Wofford also has the ability to play outfield. Adams was a JUCO All-American last year, hitting .417 with 15 doubles, seven home runs and 45 RBIs. Mainieri has said that Adams will have a spot in the lineup, and he could be a decent fit as a designated hitter on days when he is not playing in the field.

As for the hot corner, there are two newcomers that have a chance to claim the starting job if Deichmann completes the move to first base. O’Neal Lochridge, Louisiana’s Class 4A Most Outstanding Player of 2015, could receive valuable playing time as a freshman. Another JUCO transfer, Cole Freeman, is a natural middle infielder who moved to third base during the fall.

While first and third base are just as up in the air as nearly every other spot heading into February, it looks like Adams and Deichmann are the top names to look for at first, while Deichmann, Lochridge and Freeman are in the mix at third.

Projected Starting First Baseman: Bryce Adams 

Projected Starting Third Baseman: Greg Deichmann 

Next: Middle Infield