Dec. 14, 2000
Baylor head baseball coach Steve Smith chatted live with fans on Thursday afternoon, if you missed it, here's a recap.
Mike from at 3:20pm ET
Will Zane Carlson stay in the closer role this year, or is there a chance he might be a weekend starter for you? He's got great stuff, and what a bulldog mentality. I was very impressed seeing him pitch this summer. Good luck this year in the Big 12.
Steve Smith at 3:20pm ET
Zane is going to be our closer. I'm confident that our starting pitching will be good enough to keep Zane in the closer role.
Ping21 from at 3:20pm ET
What, in your opinion, are the 5 best college ballparks in the country (including the beautiful one you've got in Waco)?
Steve Smith at 3:22pm ET
I haven't been to all of them, so I'll list the ones I've actually visited. In no particular order, I'd say Arkansas, Auburn, Mississippi State, Georgia and, of course, Baylor.
Ping21 from at 3:22pm ET
With programs like Baylor, Rice, Texas, Houston and Texas A&M flourishing, do you think Texas is making a claim to join Florida and California as the top college baseball states in the country?
Steve Smith at 3:23pm ET
Texas has always been a great baseball state on par with any other. The emphasis that so many are putting on baseball has certainly made college baseball in the state of Texas very competitive.
Ping21 from at 3:24pm ET
What's your opinion on the latest craze in college baseball -- "free agency" through transfers. Should a mandatory one-year waiting period be instituted to slow things down?
Steve Smith at 3:25pm ET
No. Good programs don't have kids transferring out on a yearly basis. Kids should not be forced to stay at a school where they don't feel comfortable.
JGray from at 3:25pm ET
Hey Coach!
You've got a great tournament to open the season up down here in Houston at Enron Field. With the six teams in that tourney I cant imagine a greater field anywhere except Omaha. Are you looking forward to Baylor, Texas, and Texas Tech vs Rice, houston, and TCU?
Steve Smith at 3:26pm ET
I'm greatly looking forward to it, but it's a tough way to open the season, especially against Rice. Playing in Enron will be a treat for our players.
seanmass from at 3:26pm ET
Steve,
Way to go on a fantastic tenure as coach of the Bears! Two ?'s. Amidst rumors that Baylor doesn't belong in the Big 12, do you think your success as a baseball team has kept Baylor's membership secure in the conference?
Second, is this the year for Omaha?
Steve Smith at 3:28pm ET
Rumors that Baylor doesn't belong in the Big 12 are just that - rumors. They have no substance or validity with or without our baseball program.
As for your second question, I believe we could put ourselves in position to compete for a spot in Omaha come June, as we have the last three years.
Zach Tuthill from at 3:28pm ET
Coach,
I am a student at Baylor University and a huge baseball fan. I have 2 questions. First, who is the best Baylor player you have coached? Second, will the Bears team be better than last year? If so, in what ways?
Thanks,
Zach Tuthill
Steve Smith at 3:29pm ET
Jason Jennings, who is moving rapidly through the Rockies farm system, is the most decorated player I've had here at Baylor.
Our offense should be better this year, as well as the depth on our pitching staff. We should be close to last year's team defensively. The big difference will be the lack of great speed.
bfan from at 3:30pm ET
I know that when you are playing in the big twelve every series is a tough one. How do you get your players motivated for every opponet. Also, I know that you lost some experience on the mound, are you going to have to rely on the young guys more?
Steve Smith at 3:31pm ET
The way to get your club motivated every weekend is to make sure you always have another player ready to take somebody's spot. Competition is a great motivator.
Matt from at 3:31pm ET
Hi Steve,
How important is off-season strength training for a pitcher and how often do your pitchers strength train in the off-season each week? Are free weights the best for building strength specific to the pitching position?
Steve Smith at 3:32pm ET
A total body strength program is essential. Our pitchers lift two times a week during the season and three times a week during the off-season.
Ben Johnson from at 3:32pm ET
Coach Smith, what where some of the highlights from the fall season? It was great to see you and your staff last Easter here in Austin at chapel. Hope my dad's books were helpful. Merry Christmas!!
Steve Smith at 3:33pm ET
Ben ... thanks for your message and your ministry. Fall workouts went well and we're looking forward to this season. We'll be spending Easter in Lincoln this spring. Do you know anybody up there?
Scott from at 3:33pm ET
What is it going to take to get you guys over the hump in the tournament? It seems like Baylor athletes sometimes don't view themselves as national contenders because it's a smaller school and maybe they are not sure they belong (even though they clearly do in several sports), or don't get the recognition of some larger schools. Do you think this is true?
Steve Smith at 3:35pm ET
That kind of confidence only comes with continued success, which are working very hard to establish here at Baylor in all sports.
Mr Politz from at 3:35pm ET
Who was your favorite player to coach while at Mississippi State?
Steve Smith at 3:36pm ET
Gary Rath ... a lefthanded pitcher who was not heavily recruited out of high school and became an All-American and a second-round pick. Gary was also an academic All-American and has pitched in the majors with the Dodgers and Twins.
Kevin Jackson from at 3:37pm ET
Coach Smith, do you consider Ga. Tech's Mark Texiera the premier college player in the country? What other players in the country or in your conference do you think will be most highly sought after in the June 2001 draft?
Steve Smith at 3:38pm ET
Yes, I agree that Mark is probably the best college player in the country. Our catcher, Kelly Shoppach, may be the top pro prospect in the Big 12.
Tyler from
[165.162.2.254], at 3:38pm ET
How did recruiting go this past year and do you have any commitments for next year? How much is the new park helping you out in recruiting
Steve Smith at 3:39pm ET
We signed eight players in November whom we feel very good about. In addition to the stadium, winning has done more for recruiting than anything else.
Chris Ayers from
[216.77.168.6], at 3:40pm ET
Was coaching under Ron Polk an exciting and learning experience for you. If so, what did you learn from him and do you express his styles into your coaching philosophies.
Thanks,
Chris
Steve Smith at 3:41pm ET
Working for Coach Polk has proven to be the greatest blessing in my coaching life. His attention to detail and fairness in dealing with all players are the two qualities I admire most and try to emulate. He raised the standard by which I define a coach.
Ben K. from
[24.160.36.42], at 3:41pm ET
I would like to commend you, your players, and staff on winning the Big 12 Conference Championship last year.
What is the most important factor to look for when evaluating a pitcher. Do you look first for velocity, control or something else?
Steve Smith at 3:42pm ET
Velocity is obviously very important, but arm-action and overall athletic ability are key factors as well.
BU Diehard from
[208.211.231.4], at 3:43pm ET
Why was the NCAA Tournament change its policy last year to allow Oklahoma to host a Regional at the Bricktown Ballpark, rather than at its own on-campus home stadium? Does this signal the start of an "arms race" that will allow other schools to elbow the Baylor Ballpark out of Regional bids by relying on stadiums such as Enron Field, the Dell Diamond, the Ballpark at Arlington, etc.?
Steve Smith at 3:44pm ET
There was no change in policy. Many schools have hosted at off-campus sites in the past, including Oklahoma at All Sports Stadium in the mid-1990s. In fact, the regionals that Baylor won in 1977 and 1978 to advance to Omaha was played at old Arlington Stadium.
Rick Villa from
[208.188.155.171], at 3:44pm ET
Who will be Baylors main players coming back from last years season, who will be the top 3 teams in the Big 12
Steve Smith at 3:46pm ET
Shoppach, Huggins, Carlson, Williams, Scott, Durbin and Saccomanno are a few key returnees.
I expect Nebraska to be strong, along with Baylor, Texas A&M and Oklahoma.
Tony from
[207.243.185.74], at 3:46pm ET
In your opinion, where do you think the Big 12 Conference compares to the other conferences in Baseball? I think it is the best from top to bottom.
Steve Smith at 3:47pm ET
Because of geography, we will always have to work very hard to be the best baseball conference in the country. However, in any given year, I believe the Big 12 is just as competitive as the ACC, SEC and Pac-10 conferences.
gibsondp from
[152.163.194.208], at 3:48pm ET
Coach, how well do we recruit against Texas and aTm when we go head to head?
Steve Smith at 3:51pm ET
You have to measure recruiting success over time and how well you perform on the field. We're 11-3 against Texas and roughly .500 against A&M over the last four years. We currently have the best winning percentage (79-36) in league games of any team since the Big 12 began baseball competition in 1997.
The H-Town BU Source from
[146.135.27.10], at 3:52pm ET
Steve, is your team excited about playing in the College Classic next February at Enron Field, a tournament that will include Houston, Rice, Baylor, Texas, TCU, and Texas Tech? Also, was curious to know why the Aggies declined to take part in this event...
Steve Smith at 3:52pm ET
I believe A&M already had a scheduling commitment. It is my understanding that they will participate in the tournament the following year.
Adam from
[63.89.150.173], at 3:53pm ET
Do you ever see your self going back to Mississippi State to be the head coach?
Steve Smith at 3:54pm ET
I'm a native Mississippian and my mother still lives in the state. We really enjoyed our time in Starkville, but Baylor is a great place and we have built a solid foundation for the future here, which makes me very excited about staying in Waco.
matt heinicke from
[64.12.103.51], at 3:55pm ET
hey what is your favorite game you have ever been in?
Steve Smith at 3:56pm ET
The third game of the series against Kansas State last year, when we had already clinched the outright Big 12 championship. I let my assistants run the game for the first two innings. It was a very relaxed atmosphere, which coaching rarely allows.
Eugene from
[216.98.87.119], at 3:56pm ET
If you had a chance to be a Major League Manager which team would you like to manage and why?
Steve Smith at 3:57pm ET
Texas Rangers ... because they pay well and the shortstop position isn't a problem
goGiants#1 from
[63.97.74.144], at 3:57pm ET
Do you think these big contracts will ever affect college baseball? Kids skipping to go straight to the majors? I know the game of baseball is turning me a true fan away!
Steve Smith at 3:58pm ET
These contracts may actually send more players to college because of reducing the farm system and/or the amount of money big league clubs have to spend on signing bonuses for high school prospects.
faulkner from
[172.139.106.216], at 3:58pm ET
seeing as baylor has had 3 pitchers drafted in the 1st round the last 3 years there are some big shoes to fill. who might be filling those shoes as friday night starter this year?
Steve Smith at 3:59pm ET
Steven White has the best stuff if he is healthy, and I believe he will be. Josh Scott has the most experienced and is very capable. And there are others ...
#1 Baylor Fan from
[206.50.88.2], at 3:59pm ET
Who will be hitting in the DH spot???
Steve Smith at 3:59pm ET
Depends, but most likely Ron Zboril, Jared Clements or Ross Bennett.
GrowlingBear from
[129.62.16.17], at 4:00pm ET
Coach Smith, as an alum and season ticket holder I want to thank you and the players for all of your hard work.
Steve Smith at 4:00pm ET
Thanks.
Waco Tiger from
[63.80.24.32], at 4:00pm ET
Coach,
Do you ever think that you can convince the LSU Tigers to come play against Baylor in Waco for a three game series?
Waco Tiger
Steve Smith at 4:02pm ET
That will always be very difficult given the large crowds LSU attracts in Baton Rouge. They tend to play most of their non-conference games at home to increase revenues ... and wins. But with the pending coaching change there, they may be more open to such proposals, and we'll look into that.
We do have a home series this year with Cal State Fullerton (Feb. 9-11) and Southern Cal is scheduled to be in Waco in the next couple seasons.
goGiants#1 from
[63.97.74.144], at 4:02pm ET
Coach with the team you have now what do you think your chances of winning it all is?
Steve Smith at 4:04pm ET
Just as good as they were last year. If we're healthy and playing well come June, we feel we can compete with any team we face.
David from
[216.98.87.119], at 4:04pm ET
Coach who do you plan to lead off this up coming season
Steve Smith at 4:04pm ET
Either Chris Durbin or Tim Hartshorn, if I can figure out a way to get Tim in the lineup.
faulkner from
[172.139.106.216], at 4:05pm ET
its been heard that kip wells attributes much of his success to your excellent coaching. what's your secret to developing such high quality pitchers?
Steve Smith at 4:05pm ET
The key to developing good pitchers is recruiting good pitchers and keeping them healthy.
Rick Villa from
[208.188.155.171], at 4:06pm ET
Who will be top 3 Big 12 teams, who do you think is the best player coming back from last year in the league this upcoming season?
Steve Smith at 4:07pm ET
I would say that Nebraska pitcher Shane Komine is our league's best returnee.
Dan from
[63.252.227.25], at 4:07pm ET
Highly touted Oklahoma prospect Kole Strayhorn committed to Baylor but signed with Texas. What's the story on that?
Steve Smith at 4:08pm ET
Some people have a difficult time making good decisions and keeping their word.
BULLDOG from
[150.176.80.201], at 4:08pm ET
COACH,
WHATS UP. DO YOU HAVE ANY PLAYERS FROM FLORIDA?
Steve Smith at 4:08pm ET
Not yet.
David from
[216.98.87.119], at 4:08pm ET
when the ranking come out where do you figure to be?
Steve Smith at 4:09pm ET
I have no idea, given the number of players we lost from last year's team. It's hard to know how other people view you. If I had a vote, I'd put us in the top 20.
Theo from
[152.163.197.52], at 4:10pm ET
coach this is pretty big time!!!
we have 12inches of snow up here.
Steve Smith at 4:11pm ET
Hey Jerry ... maybe when the snow melts you can start to work on that two-mile time.
faulkner from
[172.139.106.216], at 4:13pm ET
recruiting has improved tremendously the past few years. what types of things do you do to impress the recruits when they come to visit?
Steve Smith at 4:14pm ET
We show them our facilities and introduce them our players. Then we take to eat dinner with our beautiful diamond girls.
GS from
[64.217.53.243], at 4:14pm ET
Coach Smith:
It seems that when it comes to recruiting, you would have to be careful about determining which prospects are likely to enter professional baseball and which are likely to enter college. How do you determine which prospects to recruit and which to pass up?
Steve Smith at 4:16pm ET
Great question. It is a very difficult process. The goal is to sign the best player you possibly can that, in your opinion, has the best chance of actually attending school. Sometimes it workes, sometimes it doesn't. You count on the players and their parents being honest with you about their goals and ambitions and how important an education really is to them.
Joe from
[207.113.6.5], at 4:17pm ET
Would you like to see an increase in the number of baseball scholarships that the NCAA allows a school to give? (My undestanding is that the NCAA allows something like 12 baseball scholarships that have to be divided among over 20 players).
Steve Smith at 4:18pm ET
We're getting short on time ... we'll go until 3:30 p.m. central time.
Joe, getting more scholarships is probably not a realistic expectation. FYI, we get 11.7 to divide up as many ways as we'd like.
Anthony Dougless from
[165.230.33.204], at 4:19pm ET
Coach,
How would Baylor match up against a team in the northeast. Being from the northeast I am obviously very partial however I feel baseball in this area is every bit as strong as in places such as Texas and Florida. Take for example Seton Hall and Rutgers. What are your feelings?
Steve Smith at 4:20pm ET
I believe there are a lot of outstanding teams in the northeast. They are always very difficult to play in regional tournaments. I would love to see college baseball become as popular in the north and midwest as it is in the southern and western parts of the country. That would be great for our game.
Waco Tiger from
[63.80.24.32], at 4:21pm ET
Hey Steve,
I can't believe that you included all the SEC West ballparks, but failed to include LSU's park. Why?
Steve Smith at 4:21pm ET
Alex Box is a very tough place to play, and I know LSU is very proud of it. However, I understand LSU is planning to build a new stadium, and I'm sure it will be a crown jewel.
BU Diehard from
[208.211.231.4], at 4:22pm ET
The SEC has a television package that puts baseball games on the regional sports cable channel, as well across satellite networks nationwide. Has the Big XII looked at doing something similar with FOX Sports Southwest?
Steve Smith at 4:22pm ET
The Big 12 already has an agreement with Fox Southwest, as well as with College Sports Southeast.
Zach Tuthill from
[205.188.199.22], at 4:23pm ET
Last year Baylor played Texas on Easter Sunday in Austin. I think a double-header on Saturday would be much better than playing on Easter Sunday. Your thoughts?
Steve Smith at 4:24pm ET
I agree. The Big 12 baseball coaches proposed this and we were turned down by the Big 12 ADs.
Tom from
[152.163.206.202], at 4:25pm ET
Coach Smith
There are a lot of stroies that circulate about southern teams in the Big XII that offer scholarship money that they don't have or only offer the scholarship for a semester. Is that true and does baylor cut guys and bring in Juco's at semester based on this philosophy?
Steve Smith at 4:28pm ET
Scholarship money must always be initially offered for a full year. You can only put returning players on semester scholarships. There are a few programs around the country who do regularly over-recruit, often resulting in players leaving their programs. The way to end this is for players and parents to cease signing with those institutions in the first place.
Matt from
[207.55.166.66], at 4:28pm ET
Will Baylor have a Christmas time youth baseball camp this year?
Steve Smith at 4:29pm ET
Yes ... we have a pitcher/catcher/hitter camp (Dec. 29-30). Call (254) 710-CAMP for more information.
Tom from
[152.163.206.202], at 4:30pm ET
last year against missouri we took two of three from them but the tigers came back in the tourney to beat nebraska and almost beat them the second time....are they a team on the rise in the Big XII. I have seen their recruiting class and it seems to be very impressive...Did we try to recruit any of those kids?
Steve Smith at 4:30pm ET
Just a couple more questions.
Tim Jamieson does a great job with Missouri's program. He works very hard recruiting and runs a first-class program.
SweetDaddy from
[209.214.10.89], at 4:32pm ET
Do you think college coaches get a bad rap as abusers of young pitchers or do you think there is something to what the pro scouts say?
Steve Smith at 4:33pm ET
I definitely think college programs get a bad rap. The vast majority of college coaches take extremely good care of their pitcher's arms. Everyone needs to start paying more attention to the abuse major league pitcher's arms take during the playoffs.
T Ranger from
[152.163.205.69], at 4:34pm ET
Coach, you received what I thought was some unfair criticism for not throwing your ace the last 2 years in the Big 12 Tournament Final, only to save them for regional play. The Huskers proceeded to make "Big 12 Champions" paraphanelia, despite the fact they merely won a conference tournament. Do you think Nebraska can maintain their recent success? They have a new ballpark on the way.
Steve Smith at 4:38pm ET
Last question ... First of all, Nebraska had a great club last year and did an amazing thing by coming back through the loser's bracket to win our tournament. As I mentioned earlier, they will be very strong again this year. As for my choice of starting pitchers, I chose to take advantage of the tournament championship game to prepare for the upcoming NCAA regional. Steven White had not pitched in several weeks and I needed to know before the NCAAs if he would be available to not. In hindsight, I would have liked to have had Justin Taylor available to start the championship game, but I had used him to ensure the win against Texas Tech the day before. Starting Chad Hawkins was never an option because of his lack of durability. You may have noticed that Chad did not make it through the summer after signing with the Texas Rangers.
Steve Smith at 4:38pm ET
Thanks for all your questions. I enjoyed our time together. Hope to see you at the Baylor Ballpark this spring.
