June 13, 2001
Head baseball coach Steve Smith sat down Wednesday afternoon and chatted with fans online. The following is a transcript of the chat session.
For archived transcripts of earlier chats, click here.
Keith Culley, NYC: Coach I was under the impression that the NCAA decided to return to the use of wood bats? Is this still a possibiltiy or has the NCAA decided to stick to the use of alluminum?
Steve Smith: I have several questions regarding bats, so I'll try to answer them all at once. The NCAA, because of safety concerns as well as the integrity of the game, i.e., unbelievable scores, adopted new specifications prior to the 2000 season that were designed to make the aluminum bat perform very comparably to a wooden bat. There is no movement that I'm aware of to eliminate the use of aluminum bats. Originally, aluminum bats were used as a cost savings. Now, the cost of aluminum bats is extremely high, so I don't know how much money is really being saved by using aluminum. I think the issue now would be is if the supply of wood would be great enough to support the entire baseball world. That's a question for the manufacturers.
Sean in San Antonio: Great season once again Coach Smith. Have you started working on next season's non-conference schedule? If so are there any top 25 clubs coming to Waco?
Steve Smith: We will open our season once again in Enron Field. We then travel to USC (they will play in Waco in 2003). Our final weekend before conference play is with Oral Roberts.
Pete (Austin, TX): Last year you lost a couple of key players to the draft, including a top prospect named Sam Hays. How do you think the team would have done this year had you had these players?
Steve Smith: I think our biggest loss from last year's draft was Jace Brewer, who was only a draft-eligible sophomore. He would have been a great player this year as a junior.
Denver: Who do you like in this years College World Series?
Steve Smith: At this point in the Series, I'd have to give the advantage to Miami. But I personally feel from watching that Fullerton probably has the best team.
chris faulkner (boulder, co): I want to publicly thank coach Smith for two outstanding seasons of Baylor baseball. It was a pleasure to work for him and I am forever grateful for the education and work experience.
Steve Smith: Thank you, Chris. That's very special.
Big E: What was the biggest or most important thing you took with you to build your program from Ron Polk? Also, what type of regimen do your pitchers go through each week? Thanks and good luck.
Steve Smith: First of all, I think that I learned that it was very important to never let the bus driver get out of control. Secondly, he was a great model for practice detail and organization. There was nothing that touched the program that he was not aware of. He was wonderfully fair to all players, regardless of their performance. He was always in control of himself, both in victory and defeat. As for pitchers, we long toss virtually every day and do flat ground work at least every other day, depending upon whether they are a starter or a reliever.
Scott (CollegeStation): I noticied several of your recruits were drafted this year. Do you believe you will retain them or will they go pro? I am sure you knew they would be drafted fairly high when they were recruited, do you discuss this with potential recruits prior to signing them?
Steve Smith: We've had a second, third and fourth rounder drafted amongst our signees this year. The third rounder has already signed. I really can't predict what may happen with the second and fourth rounder, but given the amount of money and pressure put upon those guys to sign out of h.s., it would be unusual for them to show up at Baylor. However, I am thrilled that our other signees, all of whom are pro prospects, did not get drafted. I think we will look back and be very proud of this class in the years to come.
Knoxville: Why does college baseball get so little tv coverage. Heck, you can see school buses racing on tv, but can't find a college baseball game?! Have you tried to find the college baseball page on ESPN's website? I am still looking. Did I miss something?
Steve Smith: I could not agree with you more.
COLLEGE STATION: WHAT DO YOU THINK ZANE CARLSON'S FUTURE PROSPECTS ARE? HE IS NOT THAT BIG, BUT SOME TIMES THAT DOESN'T MATTER.
Steve Smith: I think Zane has some tremendous tools, i.e. good velocity (90-93) and movement. Because of his lack of height, he will likely have to prove himself all the way up the ladder. But I noticed just last week that another short right hander who had a 15-year career in pro baseball finally retired, and that's my good friend Jeff Brantley. Jeff is a great inspiration to players like Zane who have great stuff and are great competitors, but don't fit the typical pro pitcher profile.
Alex (Knoxville): What's it going to take for the Bears to get over the playoff hump and make it to the CWS? Sic 'Em BEARS!!!!!
Steve Smith: Like all the other teams out there, we must continue to reach the NCAA Tournament and play very well those two weekends. That's the answer.
Stevenson, Phoenix: After Carlson's great freshman year, this year was one he'd like to have back. Why do you think there was a difference in these two years and what are some things he needs to work on to return to his freshman form?
Steve Smith: First of all, he needs to work on getting his confidence back. Secondly, he needs to quit hanging his slider. Thirdly, he needs to get his emotions under control so that he can make quality pitches in the midst of noise. I have all the confidence in the world in Zane.
Justin (Bellville): What are your plans for and thoughts about the future of Ron Zboril?
Steve Smith: Ron put together a very respectable season. In order for him to really make an impact in our program and beyond, he has got to be a run producer. He needs to hit more doubles and fewer singles. When he's at first base, our running game comes to a complete halt.
Howard Chicago: It really amazes me how you took this Baylor team from practically nothing to bid in the NCAA tourney. I'm just wondering do you like being the underdogs or being a big name school and have you ever thought about switching to another college.
Steve Smith: Thank you for your comment. I really don't know how to answer your question other than to say I have enjoyed the challenge of making Baylor a big name school.
Sam, St. Louis: IS JARED THEODOKERAS STILL ON THE TEAM AND IF HE IS HOW WELL IS HE DOING?
Steve Smith: Jared has done well here both years. He is currently rehabbing from a minor knee surgery.
Rob (Atlanta, GA): Hi coach. What can you tell Red Sox fans about the Sox top draft pick, Kelly Shoppach?
Steve Smith: Kelly is the real deal as far as a catch-and-throw guy. He is extremely strong, which gives him a lot of upside as a hitter. He has the model makeup for a catcher. He is a wonderful young man with a great deal of humility.
Waco Fan: Coach, I hear PETA is hell in Mississippi. Please stay!!
Steve Smith: I cannot imagine that they can be any worse than they have been here in Texas.
Walter-McGregor,TX: Coach, Congratulations on establishing a great baseball program at Baylor.I look forward to attending the games!My question is: with the loss of Mote,Williams,and possibly Shoppach who is in line to replace them?
Steve Smith: We recruited three h.s infielders who are all capable of playing second or third base. We also recruited two catchers, one right handed hitter and one a left handed hitter, and also have Paul Richmond returning.
Chuck Sacramento: I think ESPN does a great job of covering the College World Series. Do you think there is a lack of coverage of college baseball during the regular season. The College World Series is one of my favorite sporting events to watch.
Steve Smith: Ever since ESPN signed on with major league baseball, the college baseball coverage during the regular season has been limited to other regional cable networks. There is no question that this has limited the exposure of college baseball on a national level.
David, Cincinnati: Would a kid who has got a great glove, solid bat, but ok arm be on a list of possible recruits for you?
Steve Smith: It depends on what position he plays.
Chris (Cape Girardeau, MO): What contributions do you see Ross Bennett making next year for the Bears?
Steve Smith: Ross is playing summer league baseball in Harrisonburg, Virginia, working both in left field and at first base. His arm this past season limited him to only a DH role and pinch hitting, which he was tremendous at. If he can improve himself defensively, it would give us more options in getting him in the lineup.
Art Chapman (Ames, Ia): Coach Smith: Great Season this year. I'm a Cyclone and wanted to know what the Big-12 Coaches think of Iowa State's decision to drop Baseball? If there's a chance would you and other coaches support an effort to bring the sport back?
Steve Smith: Thank you. I was very disappointed, as I'm sure many baseball coaches around the country were, that Iowa State chose to drop baseball. I don't really see how our coaches could influence the administration at Iowa State to reverse their decision.
Shane Hardin, Waco, Texas: Hi Steve, great job the last few years, I've enjoyed coming out to the new park with my friends and watching the. As a graduating senior at baylor, I am curious about what graduating seniors you are going to most miss on the team next year...
Steve Smith: We only had three (Josh Scott, Matt Williams, Trevor Mote), and we'll miss them all.
Truegreen (Dallas): Coach - great season! How did the guys react in the days following the painful defeat by Rice?
Steve Smith: They were extremely disappointed not to have won the regional and had a chance to play Nebraska again. But I will say that they were also very proud of the way in which they played and competed in that final game. I personally thought they represented the Baylor uniform very well.
Dallas: What did you say to the team Monday after they lost the NCAA Regional?
Steve Smith: I actually met with the team on Tuesday morning. I told them that I really enjoyed the Monday game, that they had been a lot of fun to be around, and that they had represented Baylor University and themselves with great distinction.
Truegreen (Dallas): Coach, have you been able to catch any of Kip Wells' recent games to determine what he's doing differently on his current stint - he's overpowerng and seems to have found his groove.
Steve Smith: I have only seen a few clips, but the thing that jumps out at me is that he is throwing strikes. He has reduced his walks tremendously.
Greg: Thanks for another great season. Where do you think we are in building our program and what factors are you looking at?
Steve Smith: I think we are at a point in our program where we will continue to be nationally competitive. We are always trying to improve ourselves in terms of ability, coaching and development. The hurdle to Omaha is a big hurdle. Our players believe, our coaches believe, and we need others to get behind us who also believe.
Brian: I saw you strikeout 18 batters in a game against Arkansas in 1982. Was that your best athletic performance?
Steve Smith: The only reason I'm responding to this is that I want everyone to know that there is a witness. By the way, you don't happen to have a videotape of this event, do you?
Mike George: Hi Coach Smith, Well done on another successful campaign - you just lost some players to the pros, and you have some new ones coming in - how do we look on paper coming up on the next season of BAYLOR BASEBALL?
Steve Smith: I feel really good about the players that we have returning, in addition to the ones coming in. I do think that the Big 12 Conference next year has a chance to be as talented as it has ever been. I think that is good, because it should prepare all of us to get to Omaha and win there.
Tom Key (Wichita Falls, TX): Was there any serious thought given to revising the 2002 Big XII schedule when ISU announced they were dropping baseball? Can we assume that the schedule will be revised in 2003 to allow for a later starting date for conference play?
Steve Smith: The conference office made a decision not to change the 2002 schedule, so everyone simply has to find an opponent to plug in to their schedule in place of Iowa State. Beginning in 2003, the conference schedule will begin in approximately mid-March and continue uninterrupted to the conference tournament.
Ben (Dallas): I know this happens every year, but how does next season look after losing players to the draft?
Steve Smith: I think it looks exceptionally good, in spite of the fact that we had three players go high in the draft.
Rangers01, Oklahoma City: Coach, what do you think is your number one hole to fill this offseason? What's at the top of your priority list?
Steve Smith: It looks like a couple of freshman are likely to play in the infield. That will be a first for us in several years. With all of our pitching staff returning intact, minus only Josh Scott, I think we can overcome whatever problems inexperience may bring.
David Roalf: What do you think about the Super Regionals being played on neutral turf?
Steve Smith: I like that idea very much, and I am hopeful that is the case in the future, as well as the televising of those super regionals.
Jeff Fro, Dallas: Where do you think the Big 12 ranks in terms of conferences in NCAA competition? It seems that in the past few years, no team has really broken through, especially in the College World Series.
Steve Smith: I think as a conference, we performed very well this year in the postseason. We had five teams in the NCAA Tournament, which was second only to the SEC. Four of these teams had to play on the road, and all four made it to the championship game. Obviously Nebraska was the one team that played at home, and they advanced to the CWS. I think that next year will be a banner year for the Big 12.
Kevin (Englewood, CO): Steve, I've heard numerous times that USC pitcher Mark Prior could/should be in the Cubs starting rotation come August/September. Do you think that is rushing it, even with a player as polished as Prior?
Steve Smith: That all depends on the makeup of the young man. My guess is that he is more prepared for the enviornment of major league baseball after his experiences at USC than any pitcher in the Cubs' minor league system. No minor league game could ever match the pressure that this young man pitched under last Saturday on CBS, and it looked like to me that he was a man among boys.
Waco: Steve, How are guys like Jennings, Bubella, Brewer, Loeb, and Evans doing in the minors? Who is your pick to make it to the Bigs first? Thanks.
Steve Smith: Jason Jennings is doing very well, and I expect him to have a shot at the big leagues at least by next year, if not sooner.
Moderator: For updates on all the Bears in the Pros, click here.
Scott in College Station: Is Kelly the only underclassman you expect to lose this year?
Steve Smith: Yes.
Kevin (Englewood, CO): Steve, In your opinion do you think we will ever see a successful college baseball coach getting a legitimate shot at a pro position as is the case in football and basketball?
Steve Smith: No. Most of the college coaches that have moved into pro baseball are actually working in either scouting or player development. Major league coaching jobs are usually reserved for either former major leaguers or career minor leaguers who work their way up the ladder through pro baseball.
Austin in Waco: Coach Smith, How many of the incoming freshman do you expect to play significantly next year? Also, do you think that Clements and Murphy can provide big numbers next year?
Steve Smith: I expect that all of the position players that we signed to be able to compete for significant time. I also think we will be looking for at least one conference starter that may come from one of the freshmen. I do think both Murphy and Clements will continue to improve.
carl in waco: With your team losing power at the plate, are there any players that have been recruited or coming up that can deliver a punch?
Steve Smith: Josh Ford is one of the best right handed power hitters coming out of high school this year.
Tim (Cabot, AR): Coach, can you tell us about your recruit Paul Witt?
Steve Smith: Paul is an outstanding young man who can hit, run and throw. He can play any position in the infield. He's a winner.
jay, boston: when can second-round draft choice Kelly Shoppach likely emerge in boston? and what potential does 2B Trevor Mote have as a professional?
Steve Smith: Depending on Boston's needs, I think Kelly is the type of player that could move quickly. Defense is so important behind the plate, and he is exceptional. Trevor's potential as a professional revolves around his ability to play any infield position as well as hit from both sides of the plate. He is a very heady player, and will be a favorite of every manager that he plays for.
John Dallas: Coach, do you think that Josh Scott was "tired" when you pulled him out of that last Rice game? It seemed like he was doing well.
Steve Smith: I asked Josh after the 8th inning if he had gotten his second wind. Josh has always been very honest about how he felt. He wavered slightly on his answer. We were at a point in their lineup where we were facing the 7-8-9 hitters, all of whom were right handed. They had no left handed hitting available on the bench. I felt like if I were going to pull Josh with a runner on base, I might as well let Zane start the inning and give him some room for error. The situation for Zane could not have been better. We just did not get it done.
Baylor Prof: What did you think the team did best this year? If you can say, what was most disappointing?
Steve Smith: I would say that overall, our starting pitching was very solid, particularly the first 3/4 of the season. The biggest difference between 2001 and 2000 was our defense on the left side of the infield and our inability to consistently close games.
Big K: Wow these are tough hard hitting questions. Given the fact that you've now pulled Josh Scott with leads in two huge post season games, what was your thinking when you pulled him during the last game with Rice, and what do you think went wrong with Carlson in not only that game but during the entire season?
Steve Smith: Please see earlier responses.
Bill: What methods do you reccomend for strengthening you arm?
Steve Smith: Long toss daily.
Ramsey (New York): Steve, are you frustrated or encouraged by the fact that we are hit harder by the draft every year than ever before? By the way, thanks to you and your wife for hosting me at your home for Welcome Week four years ago. I am in fact marrying a girl in two months whom I met that week. Thanks!
Steve Smith: Congratulations, and best wishes. I am less frustrated than ever before. I think we really dodged the draft last year, regardless of what happens to our three signees.
Big O: Given the fact that the loss of Brewer hurt even more because we got no offensive production from the shortstop position, is Trey Webb the answer next year?
Steve Smith: Possibly, but there will be competition from freshmen as well.
Chris(Gulfport MS): Coach Smith, I am a former camper of yours from msu. You and Coach Hoot are an influence on me becoming a baseball coach and I was wodering what your advice would be to any future coaches.
Steve Smith: Hey Chris, Thanks for your message. My advice would be to surround yourself with very good people and listen to them, and then make your own decisions. Don't listen to talk radio and never visit a chat room.
ashley estes: hey coach, do you think that josh ford could turn into a player like kelly shoppach? hi colleen!
Steve Smith: Hi Ashley, Kelly Shoppach's shoes are big to fill. Josh is a more advanced hitter coming out of h.s. than Kelly was. We will work very hard to help him become the best catcher that he can be. Have a good summer.
Mike (Hutchinson, KS): Is Baylor going to come up and play the Shox sometime soon. I think it would be a great matchup !!!
Steve Smith: We are currently not scheduled to play Wichita State, but I agree they would certainly be a test.
Glenn: Coach, congratulations on another fine season. I look at who we are losing off of this team. I assume all underclassmen will be back except Shoppach and it looks to me like we'll be better next year. Is this what you are thinking as well?
Steve Smith: I think we have a great deal of potential if our pitching will perform up to its capability.
Joe Torre of the NYY: Coach Smith ....... I was wondering if maybe you would like me and the guys (Yanks) to come down to Baylor and show your Bears all about the MLB ? How about it ?
Steve Smith: We would welcome you to the Baylor Ballpark anytime you would like to come. We would even hit with wood bats that night, so as not to scare you or possibly injure some of your stars.
Jeff, San Antonio: Which teams, besides Baylor, do you think will lead the Big XII next year overall, in hitting, and in pitching?
Steve Smith: I think Texas A&M and Texas will be much improved, and I expect Nebraska to continue to be strong. Most of the rest of ourleague is experiencing too much turnover to know at this time how good they will be.
RJ (Houston): I'm sure we will lose Shoppach, but what about Huggins? Also, what kind of year did Ford have? He was a phenom as a junior.
Steve Smith: I don't think we'll lose Huggins. Ford had a good year when he was healthy. He did miss part of the season with a broken hand. I think he's going to be a great player.
Mike Austin: In terms of kids starting to throw a curve ball--At what age do you feel it's ok for a kid to start learning how to throw a curve?Congrats on a great season!
Steve Smith: I think that you must make sure that the pitch is taught correctly. If the player has a sound delivery, I would think around age 12-13 you can begin introducing it on a limited basis.
Steve Smith: Thanks to everyone that submitted questions. I'm sorry that I could not answer them all. To the Baylor fans in our area, I appreciate all the support and positive comments regarding our season. Take care and thank you again!
