April 9, 2001

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

Head men's basketball coach Dave Bliss will be our next guest. For a complete schedule of Baylor coaches scheduled to chat, click here.

Steve Smith: Hello everyone. I look forward to answering your questions regarding Baylor baseball or college baseball in general. As far as off-field situations of late, I have said all I am going to say about that. Let's get started!

baylorbear01: Hey Coach Smith, How is Cody Hall doing as a freshman? Do you expect him to start any this year or what about next year?

Steve Smith: Cody is doing great. He really gives us a different look on the mound than the rest of our RHPs. He threw 3 innings this weekend against Dallas Baptist, and showed a lot of composure.

Jeff: Hi Coach Smith. Just a quick word to congratulate you for a great season so far and to thank you for running such a respectable and successful program. I've heard conflicting reports as to whether or not this Saturday's game against Nebraska will be televised on Fox Sports Southwest. Do you know anything about that?

Steve Smith: It was originally on the list to be televised, but Fox dropped it for a number of reasons, so none of the Nebraska series will be televised. Our Sunday game here with Texas Tech on May 13 will be televised at 1 p.m. CT on Fox Sports Southwest.

Bubacker: Coach- We really appreciate the job you do. My question is How much will the cancellation of the ISU series hurt Baylor's chances of winning Back-to-Back BIG XII Baseball titles? Thank you for taking our questions and good luck.

Steve Smith: Hard question to answer. If you can assume that we would have swept, then it might wind up making a difference. But that is a difficult assumption to make. Nebraska did lose two games to weather to Kansas State, so we picked up a little ground there.

Jake: We recently got a new baseball coach at my high school by the name of Greg Drye, he played baseball at Baylor a few years back. Could you possibly tell me about what kind of a player he was and if he brought leadership qualities to the team?

Steve Smith: I have known Greg Drye for a long time. He was a very talented player, and has all the qualities one would look for in a coach. I am glad to know that he is in the profession. You are fortunate to have him.

2000grad: I know that the Pac-10 and the SEC are both very good conferences when it comes to baseball but do you think that they are better than the big twelve top to bottom? I have a hard time believing that those states that serve those conferences produce better players than that serve the big 12. (TEXAS, oklahoma, ETC.)

Steve Smith: Another difficult question to answer, but until the Big 12 produces some wins at Omaha and/or a national championship, it will be difficult for us to lay claim to being the best conference.

Bob Jones: Coach Smith congratulations on whats been an already great season. My question: Are there any sophmores on this year's squad that will be draft-elgible this upcoming summer? Kind of like the rare situation last year with Jace Brewer. Thanks and good luck this weekend.

Steve Smith: Mike Huggins is a redshirt sophomore, so he is draft-eligible. No other true sophomores that I am aware of, like Jace.

leonard: I saw where Clay Coates is at Baylor as a freshman. How did you sign him away from the University of Arkansas. I understand he was the top player in the state last year. How much will he play for the Bears?

Steve Smith: Clay came to camp last summer, which is where we had an opportunity to both see him play and for him to visit Baylor. He is making the transition from the infield to catcher. Time will tell how much of an impact he will make.

2000grad: I was wondering what your thoughts were on the Iowa State baseball news and if you knew of any other big school programs that are in trouble?

Steve Smith: I was very disappointed to see another college baseball program being dropped. This has become all too common in the face of Title IX fears. I have not heard of any other Big 12 programs considering this move.

Dan: What is the likelihood of expanded TV coverage of Big 12 baseball in coming years?

Steve Smith: Your question raises the most important issue being raised by our baseball coaches to our conference office. The last three weekends I have watched SEC baseball here in Waco. 'Nough said.

Zan: Do you expect Zane Carlson to be closer for the rest of his stay at BU, or will he move to starter sometime?

Steve Smith: I don't think Zane will move into a starting role as long as we have the type of staff that we currently have. I can't guarantee that he will always be the closer, that is up to him.

Barry Ray: Hey, Steve. Congrats on taking the conference lead. The hitting seems to have really come on of late (not a moment to soon). Pitching has been solid (to say the least). What is your feeling about fielding percentage right now? Where does it need to be?

Steve Smith: Overall, our fielding percentage is pretty good. What concerns me is our fielding percentage in conference games only, which has not been good. Hopefully, it will balance out over time.

Dave: Are you frastrated at the somewhat poor defensive performance of the left side of the infield? I know as a regular fan at games, Matt and Sac's performance has been sometimes very shaky. Are there any remedies in the near future?

Steve Smith: I don't feel like we have any great options at the present. Matt and Mark both played well defensively this last weekend. This game is so much about confidence that hopefully, success will breed future success.

Ben K: Do most baseball players have to pay for a portion of their own tuition? If so, what kind of disadvantage does that mean for schools with relatively high costs?

Steve Smith: There has never been a baseball player on any of our teams at Baylor that was not paying something to attend school at Baylor. The average player is paying approximately 60% of the cost to attend, or between $9,000 and $10,000 a year. That means that the average player could walk on at any state school cheaper. Make sense?

Bearclaw: Congrats on fielding another fine team this year! Have you or any of the other coaches pinpointed a specific reason for the recent resurgence of Matt Williams' power numbers?

Steve Smith: I recently told Matt that we do not play in a round ball park. Other than that, I'm not really sure of any new ideas that have been passed along to him.

Ben K: What are the chances of seeing wooden bats in college baseball in the future? Would you support such a move?

Steve Smith: I don't think the chances of wood bats in college baseball are great. Given the changes that have been made in metal bats in the last two years, I think our current situation is fine.

Traynor: Hey Coach, Keep up the good work. Just wanted to know if there are any plans for the Bears to make a trip towards the East Coast in the next few years? Talk to you later. Go Bears.

Steve Smith: Hey Traynor - How's our lovely bride? No plans at the moment. We tend to go west. Stay in touch.

Bradley: What kind of response have you been getting for your games, since opening the new Ballpark. Waco has been know to have horrible fans, is that still true?

Steve Smith: Horrible is a bit drastic. I would say we're still in the developmental phase. I think we will probably be in the top 10 nationally in attendance this year. It takes time to develop traditions that genuinely give you a home field advantage.

Red: How hard is it to recruit in a small town versus the Dallas' and Austins? Did it get alot easier with all the renovations to the ballpark?

Steve Smith: Coming from Mississippi State, which is located in Starkville, Miss., population 14,000, I have never felt that the size of the town had much impact on recruiting. If a player chose not to attend our school because of size of town, I didn't want him.

RJ: After Nebraska's successful series last weekend against Texas, what are your concerns heading into your 3-game series this weekend in Lincoln?

Steve Smith: No. 1 - We've got to find a way to slow down their offense. They are tremendously talented, with a good blend of speed and power, loaded with left-handed hitters. No. 2 - We've got to find a way to score against a very deep and experienced pitching staff. I was glad to see that Texas led all three games in the eighth inning. If we are that fortunate, I will gladly take my chances.

kyle: Hey coach I was wondering if you have off season try-outs. If you do will you please tell me where and when. Thank you.

Steve Smith: NCAA rules prohibit Division I schools from conducting tryouts unless the players are full-time students at that university. Therefore, we conduct walk-on tryouts every fall after school has begun.

BUAlumn'97: Coach Smith I finished Baylor the summer '97, I was a basketabll player and I want to first congratulate you on your accomplishments for years the baseball teams have been overshadowed by a both a mediocre football and basketabll program, now with the addition of Dave Bliss it looks like Baylor athletics as a whole will no longer be considered a the doormat of the Big 12 thanks to the success you baseball team has had nationally.

Steve Smith: Thanks very much for your comment. I, too, am a Baylor grad, and am very optimistic about the future of Baylor athletics.

Bart: I was just wondering why, when each Baylor player comes to bat at the Ballpark, the song snippets were dropped this year from being played.

Steve Smith: No. 1 - I believe in trying to be consistent with what will be allowed during NCAA tournaments. Those song "snippets" will not be allowed in NCAA play. No. 2 - I believe that the music, etc. that occurs during the games should be for the fans - not the players.

Matt: Hey Coach Smith, how is recruiting looking for the upcoming season. Do you think you'll have a strong team????

Steve Smith: I'm very excited about the incoming class. We signed eight guys early and will probably sign two more this week. We will probably lose 1-2 of our signees to the major league draft in June. If that is all we lose, we'll be in great shape. Keep your fingers crossed.

Robert: Coach........How do you see Larry Hays in regard to the best coaches in the game today? Thank You

Steve Smith: I think Coach Hays has done a wonderful job building a consistently competitive program at Texas Tech. He has won over 1000 games as a head coach, which puts him in a very small fraternity. I admire him greatly.

2000grad: I noticed that Texas has signed 5 of the top 100 high school players in the nation. Does the Texas staff have that much of a different approach than you do when it comes to recruiting players that or going to turn pro anyway? It sounds to me that they are taking big chances with that.

Steve Smith: I really can't comment on their approach. I'm sure they are doing what they think is in their best interests. I always try to do what I think is in our best interests.

Robert from Raiderland: Is the new high strike zone in MLB already called like that in NCAA baseball?

Steve Smith: No, the zone has not been changed to the degree that MLB is attempting. There does not seem to be the centralized control and training of college baseball umpires that there is of MLB umps. Therefore, application of the strike zone varies widely in college baseball.

coach24: Just curious - Is Coach Johnigan on his own at 3rd, or does most of the strategy come from you? Obviously sending/holding runners is up to him, but as far as bunts/steals/etc does that come from you? I also read that Shoppach calls the pitches. Is that true as well? Thanks and congratulations on your continued success from a season-ticket holder.

Steve Smith: Coach Johnigan and I communicate via signs from the dugout in certain critical situations. He has a great degree of latitude in running the offense throughout much of the game. I have a tremendous amount of confidence in him.

I have always believed in allowing the pitcher and the catcher to call the game, unless there was some reason for me to assist. Kelly does a great job most of the time.

Skipper: Coach, from time to time negative comments about the team and various players are made by various posters on the bulletin boards and chat rooms. How much, if any, do these comments affect you and the team?

Steve Smith: I never read bulletin boards. I really don't know if the players do or not. I've never heard it discussed.

Bears131: Coach, Is there a team in the Big XII that you see as a rival? I guess I am asking if there is that 1 team you really want to beat, whcih would it be? I know you were at aggieland for awhile, just curious. Thanks and good luck on the remainder of the season.

Steve Smith: I really don't think there is any one team that we want to beat more than another. We all understand that to win the championship will likely require us to beat everyone we face.

Bufan: Ive really noticed lately that Steve White's velocity has dropped recently as i have observed the radar gun behind home. What could this be attributed to? And why has the velocity of Jared Theodorakus has really gone up last year. Does it have to do with the work ethic of these two boys??

Steve Smith: It is not unusual for velocity to vary during the course of a season. In terms of number of innings pitched, this is still a very young season for Steven. I believe that he is still building his arm strength back to the point it was prior to his ever being injured. He works extremely hard, both in the weight room, and I can assure you he has never run more in his life.

Theo's velocity varies widely during the course of a game. One inning, he may touch 90-91 mph, and the next inning he may pitch 85-86. He expends a lot of energy during the course of a game. He, too, works very hard, although because of a chronic knee problem, he does all his conditioning on a stationary bike.

steve f: ok i would pitch inside on jhonson when u play NU at the buck

Steve Smith: Thanks (?)

KEVIN ELLIS: COACH SMITH- CONGRATS ON YOU AND YOUR STAFF'S SUCCESS SINCE YOU'VE TAKEN OVER AT BAYLOR. HAVING PLAYED AT BU LONG AGO, THE TURNAROUND THAT YOU'VE BROUGHT ABOUT IS MAGNIFICENT TO SAY THE LEAST. JUST WANTED TO SAY "KEEP IT UP", AND GOOD LUCK!

Steve Smith: Thanks Kevin. I hope you are doing well.

Harkrider: Hey coach, I was wanting to know when your try-outs are over the summer. I am interested in trying to play for you as a walk on.

Steve Smith: Please refer to a previous answer (above) regarding walk-on tryouts.

Jim B.: I have heard about Nebraska's new stadim. When will they begin to play in it? Also, how many people do you expect to be at Nebraska this weekend?

Steve Smith: I assume they will begin play next spring. This Saturday is their spring football game at Nebraska. How many people do you think will be there? I'm bringing 35 with me.

Damion Smith: congrats coach on your success it is hard for us out here on the east caost to keep up with the athletic programs back at baylor but we alumin would love for you guys to come out east hopefully the DC metro area. Good luckon the rest of your season

Steve Smith: Thanks Damion for your message.

steve f: Dave VanHorn i think is a better coach

Steve Smith: He probably is.

Jim B.: With Big 12 competition heating up, who do you expect to be near the top at the end of the season?

Steve Smith: I think it will be very close, as it has been. Looks like Nebraska, Texas, and Baylor.

excalibear: how important is winning the big 12 tourney?

Steve Smith: Depends. If you are a team already assured of an NCAA bid, then it is not as important as it would be if you were not.

Bill: What do you credit some of Zane's recent struggles with?

Steve Smith: I think some of it has to do with teams having better information on Zane this year than they did last year. But most of the problem is still in the fact that Zane must locate his pitches, just like any other pitcher must. That is what we have been working on.

BaylorALum: Ive been noticing Carlson has had some tough luck situations (bloop hits, bad calls). Plus doesnt seem to be getting lefthanded hitters out. But on the other hand Kyle Edens has been doing better. Hes not as inconsistent as last year. What are the chances of Edens taking over the closer role?

Steve Smith: There is no question that Zane is not as effective against left handed hitters as he is against righties. That was true last year. Both Kyle Edens and Paul Thorp have developed greatly this year, and either could close if the need presented itself.

Southlake Bear: Coach Smith, You are a doing a MARVELOUS job! Is the Heldorn kid from Carroll playing for BU this year?

Steve Smith: Thank you. Michael is redshirting this year, but has been playing well in our intrasquad games.

1MizzouFan: Coach, do you think that pushing back the baseball season a month would help the northern schools compete?

Steve Smith: Without a doubt.

Jim B.: Coach you play Rice tomorrow night, could you tell us some of their strengths and/or weaknesses?

Steve Smith: Pitching is most definitely their strength. They have struggled defensively at times, and have had to make some changes in their defensive lineup. They have also had a couple of injuries that have affected the team. That makes their success to this point all the more remarkable.

Jim B.: How well do you think your team matches up with Rice, your opponent tomorrow?

Steve Smith: I think we are both very similar. Pitching is our strength, and our defense is not always consistent. I think we are as close as the scores of our first two games indicate (both one-run games).

brasky7: Hey Coach, How do you go about recruiting players, since you're in season at the same time as them, do you go mostly on what you've heard, or does it help for interested players to contact you? Good luck for the rest of the season, except against OU and OSU.

Steve Smith: Good question. Most of our recruiting actually takes place during the summer, prior to their senior year in high school. We are able to do some limited recruiting during the spring, but as you observe, that is difficult. We do not rely on someone else's opinion.

Jeff: Right now, about the only thing our home crowd does to promote a home field advantage is to clap when there is a 2-strike count on an opposing hitter. Specifically, what are some things we as fans could do to fire up the Bears and make Baylor Ballpark a tough place for a visiting team to win?

Steve Smith: Let me try to answer this. Our fans and particularly our students (who have the most energy) need to recognize that every time we have a runner on base, it's like having a fast break opportunity. Every time the opposing team has a runner on base, it's like a goal-line stand. We need a more coordinated effort between our game operations in the press box and our fans, but the students can lead the way. Thanks for your question.

BUBaller: I have noticed that Theodorakos is a pretty big boy out there on the mound and has problems covering bunts. Is there any chance that you have him on a weight loss program or some kind of agilities program. I think that he could be a top notch pitcher and get drafted pretty high if he could improve his physical appearance. Good Luck on the season.

Steve Smith: Would you mind sending him your observations direct? He has an e-mail address on campus. Thanks.

Jim B.: Tomorrow you play the #1 team in the nation in Rice, how do you prepare your team for a team like that, if it is any different?

Steve Smith: We don't really prepare any differently. We focus on trying to improve every day, understanding that there is no one on our schedule that we can't beat, and that there is no one on our schedule that can't beat us.

volsfan: how do you feel about the difference in competiton in the southeast compared to the midwest,if any difference.

Steve Smith: I think the competition is very comparable.

Greg: How do you think Dereek Brehm looked Saturday Night?

Steve Smith: I thought he looked very good. He threw strikes and seemed to be very composed.

Charlie: What do you think of Oklahoma State's chances of winning the College World Series this year??

Steve Smith: Right now, they're as good as anybody else's.

Wex: How great was it for your kids to start the season with that tourney at Enron with such strong teams, like Rice, Texas, and UH, and of course the Bears?

Steve Smith: It was a wonderful experience. The guys didn't have to worry about weather, etc., and just got to focus on playing the first three games of the season. It was a very positive experience.

Dan McGuane: Hello Coach Smith, I am the coach of a high school baseball team here in Californ ia. The team consists of some very good talent. There are three boys in particular that are exceptional ball players. My question is this, how can I find out where or when I can get them into baseball camps. When I was in school (in Omaha NE, a place I'm sure you would like to see this June.) our coach was always able to find camps for us to attend. This I feel would be beneficial to the entire team to develop and enhance their skills. It also might help these boys get noticed by some college teams other than just the local schools. Thanks for your help and your time being here to field questions.

Steve Smith: Please check the websites of the schools that these players would be interested. Click here for information about Baylor's camps.

DaveMac: Hey Coach, as a semi-frequent at the baseball games, I have always noticed that the number of student fans is always overpowered by the number of alumni and Waco Locals. What can be done around campus to further promote the baseball games. With a team that is ranked 9th in one pole and 12th in the other, that is something that should be witnessed and supported by many more students than it already is.

Steve Smith: While I know attendance varies by game, I have been very pleased with our students. We have had a number of student organizations that have conducted functions in connection with home games. I think the key with students as well as older fans is insuring that they have an enjoyable time at the Ballpark, win or lose. Those are the things we need to work on.

five pound: Coach, how are former players like Jeremy Dodson and Jason Jennings doing in the minors?

Steve Smith: Jeremy has spent the last two years in AA with the Royals and is beginning his third season. It will be important for him to show improvement offensively this year. He is one of the more highly regarded defensive outfielders in pro baseball, because of his arm.

Jason Jennings had a great spring training and is beginning the year at AA with the Rockies. Barring injury, he has a nice future ahead of him.

Click here to see current stats of Bears in the Pros.

Baseball Fan: Coach, are you on board with plans to move the graphics board from the football stadium to the baseball field? With other schools getting true video replay boards at their stadiums, shouldn't we do this as well?

Steve Smith: I'm not real excited about moving the graphics board from football. It does not accomplish what we would want or what you would want. I think Texas A&M has raised the bar on video capabilities at college baseball stadiums. We shouldn't do anything less.

Wade: How many host schools do you see for the NCAA's this year from the Big 12? Second, how many Big 12 teams will make the tourney?

Steve Smith: A little too early to make that call. If the season ended today, I think our top 3 teams would host, and hopefully we would get six in.

excalibear: should we participate in the tourney if we are already assured an NCAA bid?

Steve Smith: Yes. It is a great experience for the players as well as good preparation for the NCAA tournament.

Bears131: Would you agree that not starting our Big gun in the Big XII title game last year really hurt us when seeding came about for the regionals?? Would take the same strategy this year?

Steve Smith: No, I really don't. If I had started Chad Hawkins, I would have run the risk of him not being ready to pitch the following Friday. I wish I would have had Justin Taylor available, but had already used him to secure the win against Texas Tech.

Charlie: Oklahoma State is going to win the win the Big 12 tourney!

Steve Smith: Thanks for the information.

Baseball Fan: Do you ever get the idea that sometimes Baylor gets slighted by the Big XII Conference office? Specifically, we win the Big XII Championship last year, then Nebraska wins the Big XII Tournament Championship. Immediately after the tournament, the conference website is offering Nebraska Championship T-shirts, but offered none for BU.

Steve Smith: No, I don't think the conference office slights any particular school over another.

David: Coach, i just would like to congratulate you on the succesful season so far. But i would like to comment about a few things i notice. First you have three or four player that stand on the top steps every ball game and do some drill team type dance during the game. i think its obnoxious, and should not be done throughout the game. They are even do it when yall are losing. I believe one of the kids is josh scott, and after his last few outings he should maybe thinking about his pitching instead of doing some dance.

Another comment is that i notice 2 different type of attitudes from your hitters and pitchers. I notice that the hitters seem not to have any intensity, while your pitchers seem to get fired up and take it to the opponets. Why the 2 different attitudes? What are your comments about the 3 or 4 guys?

Steve Smith: I have not noticed anything in our dugout that has been a distraction to us. Occasionally, guys (usually pitchers or non-starters) get carried away during the game, not realizing that their actions or attitudes may affect their teammates, and apparently the fans. I thank you for your observation, and I will share your message with the team.

Greg: Josh has had two rough outings. Any concern there?

Steve Smith: Josh has always been a big-game pitcher for us, so I am confident he will bounce back. All of our pitchers have been so consistent this year that we have been spoiled. Fortunately, I think we have enough depth that if I handle it right, we can win in spite of a poor performance on the mound here and there.

Skipper: Coach, thanks for spending this time with us today. Appreciate the job you've done for Baylor Baseball and the class way you represent our University. Best of luck the rest of the way.

Steve Smith: Thank you very much for your comment.

Barry Ray: How do you balance the need for your team to be loose with the need for it to be focused. It already looks like the pressure of winning is taking its toll on the top 25. Is there a good indicator that the team is tightening up?

Steve Smith: I'm not sure that this team even knows where it is ranked. They certainly haven't been tight. While the conference race is close and exciting, what these guys are playing for is really a chance to go to Omaha. Like all baseball teams, even major league teams, they make mistakes. I don't believe that has anything to do with them being tight or unfocused. They are simply human. Watch SportsCenter tonight, and you'll see what I'm talking about.

wondering: hey coach is your mother-in-law the traveling companion for Miss Texas?

Steve Smith: No.

Dave: what is the most important thing you look for in a high school pitcher when you are recruiting them.

Steve Smith: Good grades and the ability to miss bats.

Bearclaw: Will you make efforts (or you have already) to schedule games in future seasons with perenially ranked teams like Florida St. or LSU, for instance?

Steve Smith: Yes. We begin a home-and-home with USC in 2002, and just completed a home-and-home with Cal St. Fullerton. With Iowa State dropping baseball, we will have an additional weekend series to schedule.

Barry Ray: With the completion of Spring Football, has Aaron Karas returned to baseball, or is he going to stay with football for the rest of the year?

Steve Smith: Yes he has.

the professor: Coach Smith - Congratulations on your 250th win - we hope there are many more and they're all for BU!! Ross Bennett was having a tough time cracking the line-up earlier in the year, but has recently gotten some at-bats and done very well with them...is he playing his way into a bigger role?

Steve Smith: Thank you. Ross has had a tough time getting into the lineup on a regular basis because he is limited to the DH role. Both Ron Zboril and Paul Richmond had been doing very well there, but Ross has come up big off the bench and earned an opportunity this past weekend.

excalibear: if you had to rank them, what are the top 5 high school baseball programs in the state of texas?

Steve Smith: There are too many to list without offending someone.

boxster: Coach, Thanks for running such a quality program. Is Michael Clements with the team? Is he the heir apparent to Shoppach at catcher. Also, have you talked to Kelly about using some of his signing bonus next year to buy some season tickets for BU baseball? Sic'em.

Steve Smith: Michael Clements is currently at Navarro College. I'm hoping we won't need Kelly to buy any of our season tickets.

Russ in Wichita: Coach if you could get someone to watch the garage sale that my wife conveniently planned this weekend, I could make it up to Lincoln. I already told her that when we make the trip for the regional, she has to wait outside of George's before the Friday night game while we "discuss" strategy. Good Luck this weekend and Sic 'Em Bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steve Smith: Russ - your message seems an appropriate one to end with today. My heart goes out to you, you really are in a no-win situation. Maybe you'll make a little money to pay for that trip to the regional, and we'll try to get back to Omaha. Give your wife the dates.

Thanks to everybody for an enjoyable discussion.