March 5, 2001

Head baseball coach Steve Smith sat down Monday afternoon and chatted with fans online. The following is a transcript of the chat session.

For a complete schedule of Baylor coaches scheduled to chat, click here.

[editor's note: Coach Smith's chat ran so long that some of the earlier questions and answers wrapped off the page.]

Eric: Coach: What is a typical week's schedule for a starting pitcher on your staff if he throws on a Sunday and will come back on 4-5 days rest? Thanks and good luck.

Steve Smith: Monday - lift. Tuesday - long toss. Wednesday - bullpen. Thursday - rest. Friday - pitch. Saturday - starts over.

grifcoop: what can you tell us about the signees for next year, such as Paul Witt from Arkansas?

Steve Smith: Paul Witt is an outstanding athlete from Pine Bluff, Ark. He will be able to play anywhere in the infield, runs extremely well, and has an outstanding throwing arm.

Josh Ford, a catcher, is from Baytown. He has tremendous power and is already a full grown man. He will be a very high draft.

Trey Taylor, a LHP from Mansfield, is also off to an outstanding start and receiving a lot of attention from pro scouts. We will keep our fingers crossed on him as well.

We signed five other players who will all be able to compete for spots as freshmen, and I anticipate that we will sign a couple more this spring.

Steve: To your credit Baylor has built a tremendous program. Right or wrong, now Baylor fans EXPECT a sweep of teams such as Missouri. I attended the game on Sunday and would like an explanation on the poor base running in the bottom of the ninth that definitely cost the Bears a victory in the final game of the series. For the benefit of those not fortunate enough to see what happened, please take us back to this incident (as painful as it may be) and tell us what happened. How can a perfectly executed hit and run with a runner on first not end with runners at the corners? And how does a long fly to deep right not result in a tag and advance to third when it became obvious that the right fielder had a play on the ball?

Steve Smith: Fans don't have a right to expect sweeps of anybody. As for the play you refer to, the runner, David Murphy, was moving on a hit and run that was well executed by Mark Saccomanno. David missed the bag at second and had to stop to go back to the bag. It certainly was a big play at the time, but no bigger than five or six others that occurred throughout the game that led to two unearned runs. As for the tag, he would have definitely been thinking tag with nobody out. With one out, there's more judgement involved, and I agree with you that he could have tagged and made it to third, but without a base hit, it would have been meaningless anyway.

Jim Jennings: Just wanted to once again thank you for the great three years Jason spent at Baylor under your direction. As always we are pulling for the Bears. Jim & Cindy Jennings

Steve Smith: Thanks for the message. Hope you can come see us play some this spring.

Patrick: I was at a college baseball game in Fullerton, CA last weekend, and the announced attendance was about 800. Why is college baseball not as popular as college football or college basketball?

Steve Smith: Attendance in college baseball varies greatly across the country. At some programs, total attendance for a season will exceed football and basketball. One of the major things that works against college baseball attendance is the fact that we are playing our season during some of the coldest months of the year.

Vic: Hi coach , do you still consider yourself a "student of the game" even through all of your accomplishments.

Steve Smith: Not only do I consider myself to be a student of the game, after many games, I don't feel like I am a very good student at all.

buchamps: Coach Smith - Thanks for the top notch program that you, Coach Johniggan, and Coach Thompson have brought to Baylor. A couple of questions: 1) Why do the teams in the SEC seem to have much better offensive production than the teams in the Big 12, save Nebraska. Is this an accurate assessment? 2) What would you attribute Nebraska's offensive superiority to? Better hitters? Mental approach? Thanks for your time. Sic Em Bears!

Steve Smith: I think the SEC has a distinct advantage over the Big 12 as a conference because of weather, and how it affects our northern members. I also think that our southern members of our league are hurt by the strong emphasis on pro baseball. The SEC does not have the same emphasis on pro baseball, i.e., states of Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.

As for Nebraska, they are very athletic, similar to our Baylor teams of 1998-99. They also are the marquee program in the north, and have done a good job keeping northern talent from going south.

Austin Bear: Coach, what is Brehm's injury and when do you expect his return to the rotation?

Steve Smith: Derek has a strain of a tendon in the back of his shoulder. I am cautiously optimistic that he will be back for the Oklahoma series. We sure need him.

John: What happened to the "old dogs" of the late 90's -- Blair, Underdown, Topolski, Jennings, Wells (majors) and Dodson, I always thought he would be the first to go to the show! What about you , and do you keep in touch with them?

Steve Smith: I have been able to keep in touch with all of them. Jimmy Blair is completing his student-teaching at a high school here in Waco and will make an outstanding coach. Preston Underdown is currently in the Baylor MBA program. The rest of the guys you mentioned are still active in pro baseball and headed to spring training as we speak.

[editor's note: follow their progress in pro ball by clicking here.]

dwayne: hello coach, things are off to a good start and pitching looks strong. you signed 8 in the early signing period are there other recruits you are looking at for the april signing period, if so what positions? do you think you will lose players to the major league draft ?

Steve Smith: Outside of Shoppach, I don't think we will lose any of our underclassmen. We will have to wait and see on guys like Trey Taylor and Josh Ford. As for other signees, we are looking for hitters with the athletic ability to move around.

Scott H.: Coach, I've known you since we both lived in Brooks Hall in 1980-81 and were part of the dorm Bible Study group. I'm proud of what you've accomplished and thrilled that we have a man of your ability and character as our head coach. My question is, when recruiting a player with pro potential is your philosophy to take a chance (having them for one or two seasons is better than none) or would you prefer the next rung of players with the probability of more stability that comes with a four-year stay?

Steve Smith: We try to always recruit the absolute best player we can find that we feel has a sincere desire to get a college degree. There is a lot of guesswork involved, and you can not afford to take too many chances. With the depth of our current pitching staff, we have been in a position to take some chances the last couple of years. Thanks for your comments, good to hear from you.

sam johnson: how would you compare the players during your playing days to the players of today?

Steve Smith: I could start by saying "spoiled," but I won't. For the most part, the players are much better coached out of high school and junior colleges, which allows them to play at this level well a little sooner than players of my era.

Andy: Hi coach, I have heard alot about the nebraska baseball player Dan Johnson. I heard that he is a top D-1 player. Is he that good and what sre your thoughts on him and his future?

Steve Smith: You heard correctly. He is extremely strong. I wish they could have lost him to the draft last year.

Rick: Coach Smith- How are you. This is Matt Schuldt...a team member in 96-97. Glad to see you success. I wanted to write you that I am now an assistant coach at the local university here in S.D.

Steve Smith: Hey Sonny - thanks for the message. I sent you a media guide today. Glad to hear you're in coaching. Stay in touch.

Dave Hilburn/Sugar Land, TX: There seemed to be some base running blunders in the 9th inning yesterday (late game). What happened? Freshman mistakes or just playing it close to the vest? And what is the latest for next weekend's series?

Steve Smith: I already addressed the baserunning issue of yesterday. As for next weekend, nothing official has been announced. Iowa State is playing today at Kansas State, hopefully we can get an answer tomorrow.

Phil Warner: After winning the Big 12 last year, were you dissappointed in your national ranking? Do you think your team is not getting the credit nationally that they deserve? Will that credibilty increase if Baylor can break this streak of bad luck in the post season. I love Baylor baseball, it's just hard to watch us lose to teams we are able to beat during the regular season. What about rumors that you have been approached to coach the Longhorns, would you ever consider that?

Steve Smith: I honestly don't have an opinion about the national polls. I will say that I think we are a very well-respected program around the country.

bobo: Coach, With many prospects leaving for the majors after they sign a letter of intent to colleges do you think that the NCAA should wait till after tha MLB draft to have national signing day?

Steve Smith: No - I think MLB should modify their draft rules. One change would allow teams to retain the rights of players they draft out of high school who choose to attend college through their junior year. A second change would limit the number of rounds in which a high school player could be drafted, i.e., first five rounds only.

Matt: What do you think about the new rivalry between the University of Nebraska and the Baylor Bears...believe it or not there is a rivalry now!

Steve Smith: I think the rivalry is wonderful and only exists because both of these teams have been so talented the last two-three years.

mark horst: coach smith it is an honor to talk to you, as you are a great representation of what sports should be. i was wondering how much weight training plays in your program?

Steve Smith: It plays a tremendous role, both in the offseason and during the season. We are currently lifting twice a week.

Proud Bear Alum: Since you have had coaching experience in both leagues, how do you compare Big 12 and SEC competition? Keep up the good work, coach! Sic Em bears

Steve Smith: As I have stated before, the Big 12 is challenged by the weather and its effects on our northern members in a way that possibly only Kentucky and Vanderbilt face in the SEC.

Randy Page: Coach, How hard was it for Josh yesterday? To warm up, pitch one inning Saturday night, and warm up Sunday and a quality 5 inning performance on Sunday morning seemed very impressive, especially give what happened to Missouri in the 2nd.

Steve Smith: He handled it very well. He is not a power pitcher, and relies more on feel. He actually may have been better on Sunday, but I do think he tired.

Proud Bear Alum: This may be too tough to answer-but who is the best player you have coached at BU so far?

Steve Smith: I've had lots of great players, but Jason Jennings would have to be the one I'd like to have to build every team around.

bobo: Coach, Do you like the new Regional/Super Regional format? Last year Miami and FSU (2 teams that usually make a big impact in the CWS) were forced to play eachother in the Super Regional forcing one (Miami) to be knocked out. Do you feel this may lead to less rivalries in the CWS (Miami/FSU in the 1999 championship)? What are its advantages?

Steve Smith: I like the new format. However, I hope that we are able to go to 32 sites, playing a best two-out-of-three series, with winners advancing to eight sites playing a four-team tournament, with the winners advancing to the CWS. This would have a better chance of producing the best teams, as opposed to a team with one dominant pitcher.

Matt Toepfer: Hey coach - Do you think the draft should be moved either after the College World Series or earlier before it. Is is a distraction to the kids playing in Omaha?

Steve Smith: Yes, I think the draft should be moved. It definitely has an impact on players not only at Omaha, but in the regionals as well. I think it should be held after the CWS.

Stan Schwieger: Coach: Just wanted to say thanks for the hours of fun that I have each and everytime that I have attended games at the Ballpark. Two questions: are you going to be able to continue winning playing "small ball?" What is the reason for the power outages the last two years?

Steve Smith: I think we will continue to win as long as we pitch well and play defense. I believe the changes in the bat and the ball have greatly affected the offensive power of many college baseball teams, including ours.

Phil Warner: As a Baylor student from 95-99, I really got to see your program blossom. In 98,99 fan support really started to pick up, has that contiunued with the new park? Do you feel the support of the students? Describe the attitude towards Baylor Baseball now as opposed to when you came to Baylor by the university and by the fans/community of Waco

Steve Smith: Student support has really picked up the last couple of years, and we have sold over 2300 season tickets this year. That is really remarkable, considering that this is only the second year Baylor has ever sold a season ticket in baseball. I am hopeful that in time, our student crowds will grow, and that our fans will have a passion for making Baylor Ballpark a home field advantage.

Paul: How much do you scout future teams? For example, do you know if a particular outfielder has a weaker arm, which hitter can't hit a straight change, etc. Or do college coaches spend all their time on knowing their own team.

Steve Smith: NCAA rules do not allow us to go and personally watch another team, unless we are playing in the same tournament. We do receive information, i.e., phone calls, video tapes, on future opponents as they are available.

justin: Do you expect Oklahoma State to be your biggest challenge for the Big 12 title?

Steve Smith: Oklahoma State is off to a great start and it looks like they will certainly compete for the Big 12 championship this year, along with several others. Our league is very close and will probably be decided by a game or two.

Stacks: I'd like to hear about Coates

Steve Smith: Clay is currently our No. 3 catcher, and will redshirt unless an injury results. He is doing fine.

Michael Grady: Just joined in, so hope I am not rehashing. The last two years especially have been great but frustrating. How are we going to get over the hump of having tremendous teams but failing to make it to Omaha?

Steve Smith: There are a number of outstanding baseball teams around the country who have never been to Omaha. As a program, we have been in seven NCAA regionals and have advanced to Omaha twice. That's not a bad percentage. What we need to do is continue to get to NCAA play every year.

Matt Toepfer: Do you think baseball should be delayed a month or two, so teams start playing in March or April, instead of January or February, where teams in a warmer climate have a huge advantage.

Steve Smith: That would be wonderful, but so far, there is not enough consensus across the country to make such a change. In fact, many schools in the north don't want it changed.

alan c: Why do you think that the pac-10 doesn't get any respect when it comes to baseball?

Steve Smith: On the contrary, I think the Pac-10 is very well respected and will always be among the top 4-5 conferences in the country in any given year.

Sam: How is the clements kid from china spring doing

Steve Smith: Jared is doing fine. He DH'd this weekend against some lefties, and is going to be a good hitter at this level. I would also say that Connally product Cody Hall is doing well.

Davidm: Do you think LSU is the team to beat this year with Skip Bertamn leaving?

Steve Smith: It will be very interesting to watch LSU in Coach Bertman's final year. It is hard to fathom the success that his teams have had over the past 10 years.

Dave Deaconson: Got on late. Sorry if already asked. Has Matt Williams shown that we can expect a repeat of last year and not his soph. year?

Steve Smith: Hello Dave - I don't know that it is fair to expect Matt to repeat his sophomore year with the changes in the bats and the ball. Hopefully his batting average and RBI will improve.

Matt Meves: Coach Smith- What was your biggest win as Baylor head coach?

Steve Smith: That would have to be Game Two at Kansas State last year, clinching the Big 12 Championship outright.

Matthew Osborne: Hello coach, who do you do you think has the best coaches at recruiting? Thank You, and good luck next year.

Steve Smith: The key to success in college baseball and probably college athletics in general is not the ability to recruit, but rather the ability to evaluate. There are a lot of examples of high profile, highly recruited players who do not perform well at the next level. There are also plenty of examples of players who were not highly recruited, that became stars.

Dave Hilburn/Sugar Land, TX: How much of a difference does football success (or lack thereof) make on baseball recruiting?

Steve Smith: Unfortunately, because we are doing the bulk of our recruiting in the fall, I do think it is a factor in the minds of some recruits. I have resolved myself that I don't want those type of players here. I want players who are making their college baseball decisions for the right reasons. None of those reasons include the quality of your college football program.

Jim: I am aware of the changes in the bat specifications but could you please tell me what changes have occurred in the baseball itself?

Steve Smith: The NCAA changed the ball used for the championships from a Wilson to a Rawlings, and all major conferences followed suit. The Rawlings ball does not travel like either the Wilson or the Diamond that was used in the Big 12.

big 12: why is baylors baseball team able to compete with the best, while the football and basketball team remain in the cellar of the big 12...what is the difference in recruiting?

Steve Smith: Our baseball program enjoys the advantage of weather over many of our other Big 12 schools. Weather does not give our football or our basketball programs an edge.

Brad: How is J. Taylor doing regarding your plans for him? I was hoping he would be a starter sooner after watching him in high school. I don't see stats much but I am hoping the Dunanville product can contribute more and more and keep Baylor where they are.

Steve Smith: Justin has been an incredible pitcher out of the bullpen, which makes it very difficult for me to start him. He did start this past Sunday against Missouri in game 3 of the series due to an injury. He was outstanding, but now I don't have him for Tuesday or Wednesday.

Randy Page/Waco: Coach, there was some great baserunning last weekend. Mote's scoring from 1st on Durbin's ball off the left field wall in the 9th Friday showed great focus and discipline. I think many of us, including the radio announcer, thought the ball was gone. Any let up by Trevor, and he would not have scored. Trevor has been a great addition to the Bears.

Steve Smith: No question about Trevor's contributions to our team so far. I would also like to say that our baserunning in the first game on Sunday was tremendous. It is a shame that that has been overshadowed by the late inning mistake in game three.

Phil Warner: How has Tom Stanton helped Baylor Baseball? A lot of people have been very critical of him over the past few years, myself included. Being a source of pride for the university instead of shame like the football team. Is he doing enough to promote your program in cities like Dallas, and Houston where there are many top tier recruits?

Steve Smith: Without both Tom and Dr. Sloan, it is difficult for me to imagine the Baylor Ballpark being a reality. Enough said.

Jdub: How does Baylor rank among other Big 12 schools in baseball attendance? I attended nearly all home games as a student 1993-1997-and never could figure out why more students didn't come out. Now there is no excuse-top notch team and top notch park.

Steve Smith: We ranked 14th nationally last season and should move up this year with the additional season tickets we have sold. As for our league, we are probably fourth behind Texas, Texas A&M and Texas Tech, but I think our better days are yet to come.

Shawn: What role does Chris Faulkner play in helping your team reach the national Championship this year?

Steve Smith: Chris makes sure that our clothes are washed and dried. It is a very thankless job. He is amongst the very best we have ever had in doing this thankless job, so now I am publicly thanking him.

Greg: Who is better Bears or Nebraska

Steve Smith: I think the Bears are, but I am biased.

Marv: Is there a major difference between being a college coach and a major league manager?

Steve Smith: Major league managers don't have to recruit, etc.

Bully: Who's a better coach, you or Polky?

Steve Smith: The easiest question of the day: Ron Polk.

Jim: Coach I am a loyal supporter of UCLA baseball and am thrilled with our early season success. I just wanted to share with you that after attending this chat and the way you have been candid in your responses I can't help but wish you and your program the best of luck.

Steve Smith: Thanks so much, and best of luck to the Bruins!

HITTER: How are all the young freshman doing? Do they show that they can give you some encouragement?

Steve Smith: I am really pleased with our freshmen, most of whom are not playing right now. I believe players like Trey Webb, Jared Clements, David Murphy, Clay Coates, Cody Hall and others will be nice players in time.

Phil Warner: Best coach at baylor you, Bliss or Steele(*grin*)?

Steve Smith: Bliss is the oldest, so I'll go with him.

John: Do you believ that college should go to a composite bat? I was at the Hormen Classic this weekend and a pitcher almost lost his eye because of a comebacker (linedrive).

Steve Smith: I'm very sorry to hear about the injury, but those things can happen with a wood bat, as well. I don't think our game will ever be without risk to the pitcher, no matter what type of bat we use.

Bubba: Coach, I think it says alot about your program that you are able to sign players like Josh Ford. If he does not go pro, what type of impact do you think he could have? Keep up the good work.

Steve Smith: Thanks Bubba. I think Josh would have a phenomenal impact in many ways. He has rare power, but is also a very humble young man. He is definitely a Baylor-type player.

bearkat: coach, the series i think that will determine the conference championship this year will be between the Bears and Nebraska. do yu think this is possible or is there another series in which you thnk that will determine the championship?

Steve Smith: All of them will count the same. I'm sure most fans wrote us off last year after we got swept at Tech. That just goes to show you can't lose it in one weekend any more than you can win it in one weekend. We must play well over 11 weeks. It is not a sprint, it is a marathon.

orange: Coach, is there too much emphasis on the postseason in college baseball?

Steve Smith: No, I don't think there is too much on the postseason. I think there is not enough emphasis on the regular season. We need more TV coverage around the country. The college game has never been better, and not enough people are being exposed to it.

bearkat: coach, what did you say to David Murphy after his errant baserunning in the bottom of the ninth during the final game on sunday?

Steve Smith: I called David at home to tell him not to let one mistake overshadow the fact that he had a great day, both offensively and defensively.

tiffythetitan: I believe you played Cal State Fullerton a couple of weeks ago...what did you think of Kirk Saarloos and Jon Smith?

Steve Smith: Saarloos was outstanding in every way. Jon Smith didn't have his best command, but pitched like you would expect a senior to pitch.

rico tesio: how much of an impact does the success of the conference have on your recruiting. and how much of an effect does a team like oklahoma state have in recruiting kids out of texas.

Steve Smith: The success of the conference has a major impact when it comes to recruiting nationally. We have a strong reputation as a conference around the country, and our conference tournament is the most heavily attended baseball tournament this side of Omaha. To date, OSU has not been a major factor in our recruiting in the state of Texas. (knock on wood)

Thomas Laughlin: What do you expect from Zane Carlson?

Steve Smith: I expect Zane to have more good days than he does bad days. I think he will have a shot at the national save record if he stays in college baseball for four years.

Matt Toepfer: Last year South Carolina got off to a tremendous start, I think they were 40-1 through the regular season. But still didn't make it to Omaha. As a coach do you worry about having too much success early on the year and players getting content and feeling like they will walk through regionals and super regionals?

Steve Smith: Your question makes a great point. The best teams don't always get to Omaha. It's usually the team that's playing the best in June.

Phil Warner: When I was in High school the best pitchers in TX either went to UT or turned pro... how have teams like Baylor, A&M, Rice, TX Tech been able to keep recruits from the pro game or is it just the more and more HS seniors are choosing college... thus imporving the entire college game?

Steve Smith: All of those programs have made major investments in their baseball programs, which simply gives players more choices.

Scarlet Knights: Coach: I would like your thoughts on an early season showcase tournament like a format of the pre-season NIT. Seeing as the College World Series is such a huge event, why not do one in the pre-season as well.

I played in college at Rutgers and would love for Northern Schools to show that they can play with the big boys down south if given a chance. Obviousily you have an advantage in being able to play one game during the week and then on weekends, do you think there will ever be a solution for the Northern teams to not have to play three games during the week and then three-four games on the weekend to catch up to the teams that play in the south.

Steve Smith: There are a number of early season tournaments around the country. With the start of conference play so different from one conference to another, it would be hard to have one national tournament at the beginning.

Steve Smith: Time to go... I appreciate all of the questions from around the country. Sorry that I couldn't get to all of them. I'll be back April 9. Until then, Sic 'Em Bears!