March 18, 2002

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

For archived transcripts of earlier chats, click here.

Matthew (San Antonio): proud of you guys. keep up the good work. who do you see as the main competition left in the league since we have already played (and beaten) UT and Neb? Talk with you soon.

Steve Smith: I think we have a number of teams that are plenty capable of winning the league. In spite of being 4-5, I think Tech is really in pretty good shape, considering who they've played and where. The marathon is just beginning, and we're just trying to keep pace.

Jim Jennings: Steve - Hope to see you guys soon at a game in Waco. We continue to follow the Bears as in our hearts, the #1 College baseball program in the country. You ought to see the little Diesel - Big hands, big feet and real big legs. Jim & Cindy

Steve Smith: Great to hear from you. I have Braden's scholarship papers on my desk. Best wishes.

Travis Coles (White Rock): Is Zane Carlson performing more to the standards he set for himself in 2000 (his freshman season?)

Steve Smith: I think Zane has pitched pretty well to this point. He is dealing with an arm condition that is manageable, but I do not expect him to be 100% all the time this year.

Grant Hunter (Beaumont): What qualities does this 2002 ballclub have that will take them to Omaha - in comparison to your 1999 and 2000 squads?

Steve Smith: The biggest difference between this team and those is our depth in pitching. We'll just have to wait and see if this team can do what those great teams were unable to do.

Gary, Waco: This weekend's sweep of Kansas was a masterpiece of never-say-die, late-inning heroics. The Bears are getting a reputation for these kinds of wins. To what do you attribute this ability to come from behind and do what it takes to win?

Steve Smith: I think that our offensive balance is one of the reasons that we've been able to score throughout the ballgame. Many times, late in games, you may be in a part of the order that makes it difficult to score. This team has shown the ability to start rallies virtually anywhere in the order. They have also done a good job of playing the entire game, regardless of what it appears, they've not waited to turn the switch late in the game. That's just what has happened.

Eric Daniel (Highland Park): Coach- what did losing your first 3 games of the year by one run teach this team?

Steve Smith: I think it illustrated how important it was going to be for us to do the little things well, and to play all 27 outs.

Larry J.: Coach Smith, First of all congratulations on this weekends sweep of Kansas and the season thus far. I just wanted to ask a quick question about Cody Hall. Is he injured or anything or is he just not performing well enough since he isn't pitching much? Looking at the stats on the Internet, he appears to be pitching well or better than some of the others. Thanks and good luck the rest of the season. LWJ

Steve Smith: My primary concern with Cody has been the number of hits allowed. Opponents are hitting .343 against him. He is much better than that, and I'm sure he will get other opportunities as the year goes along.

Doug McAllen (Ft. Worth): Coach- in the case of Trey Taylor - a guy who had significant success as a HS pitcher - is it hard for him to find a rhythm or certain level of consistency when he is not getting the opportunity to pitch as often as he was in HS?

Steve Smith: I don't think that is the issue in terms of his consistency. In his two starts, Trey was pressing terribly. I think he has made some significant strides the last two times out of the bullpen. The bullpen is certainly not his future, but it may be the place he can make the biggest impact on this team this year, much like he did this past Sunday.

Pat, Kingwood: You and your staff do a great job recruiting but only a few jucos are included. What is your philosophy on bringing in the junior college guys?

Steve Smith: In the last couple of years, we have only recruited junior college players when we were unable to get the high school player we wanted.

Tommy Herrera (McGregor): Coach Smith - bench players have typically had a hard time breaking into your lineups over the years? Is that the nature of the beast in college baseball or are your 10-11 players you play most often that superior over the guys you have on the bench?

Steve Smith: So far this year, 17 different position players have appeared in games, with 13 having more than 20 at-bats. With the few number of games that we play, it is difficult to play a lot of different lineups unless injuries force. I think this year our bench is more talented than it has ever been.

William (Sutter Creek): Do you think any of your players will get drafted in the 1st round?

Steve Smith: That is difficult to answer at this point. Steven White and Kyle Edens are both getting a lot of attention professionally right now.

Austin : Coach, congratulations on an incredible season to date. With JT struggling on the mound recently will Sean Walker or Trey Taylor (who looked good yesterday throwing 13 of his 19 pitches for strikes) start getting looks for the third weekend starter?

Steve Smith: No.

Austin: Coach, do you plan on signing any players this April?

Steve Smith: Yes.

Lewis(Albuquerque): Coach Smith: Congratulations on a good start to 2002 season. We dont get any Big 12 coverage here, so would you give me a run down of the team this year. Speed,strengths,weakness", etc. Thanks.

Steve Smith: Right now, we're hitting .307 as a team with pretty good balance -- eight guys have 10 or more RBI. Our leading RBI man right now is a true freshman, Michael Griffin, playing third base. We are much improved defensively over a year ago, and our pitching staff has performed very well, particularly considering the competition we have faced. Please refer to our website at www.GoBaylorBears.com for more information as you follow us. Thanks!

Dave (Waco): Coach Thanks for the great home winning percentage this year!! I notice while you and the media have prided yourself on pitching, your offense has come alive when needed and your pitching has lagged some when in not-so-crucial situations. Do you think that your pitching staff may have been a bit overrated and your offense a bit underrated? Secondly - I noticed that Baseball America stated something to the effect that your team is playing 'well' but not 'outstanding' all season suggesting that the Bears my not have a high caliber (Top 10) team. How do you respond to that? Sic 'em Bears

Steve Smith: As I have said, I think the key to our offense is balance. We have improved in cutting our strikeouts down, and again, I think we have faced some outstanding pitching. But I also believe that our pitching staff has been more than adequate. Steven White has done a good job. Jared Theodorakos is vastly improved, and Justin Taylor has been a workhorse already with 48 innings. Kyle Edens has established himself as possibly the best closer in the country. I think Carlson and Thorp have both stepped up and had great performances at very critical times. I do not concern myself with the opinions of the media.

Dave (Waco): Coach - I feel like I am fighting an up hill battle trying to get the Baylor fans into the game. I was jumping up and down and screaming "Let's Go Bears" during all of the extra innings on Sunday. I was also going nuts on Friday when Durb hit his Grand Slam Single (Robin Ventura did that a couple a years ago for the Mets in exactly the same manner). How can I get the timid Baylor fans to come out of their shell more? I even started the "Tim Hartshorn Fan Club" to get some fans more invloved. Will you hire me on as the mascot for the Games to wander around like the Philly Phanatic? (I really would do it if we could get the crowd involved more!!!)

Steve Smith: Thank you for your efforts and your interest. I am very committed to doing everything I can to educate and inspire our fans. Nothing would please me more than for the Baylor Ballpark to be recognized as one of the great home field advantages in all of college baseball, and for Baylor fans to be known as the classiest baseball fans in college baseball. If I can help you with your efforts, please come see me.

Grossman in Waco: Coach Smith - Is there any point at which the players don't like it when the fans cheer? It looks as if Kyle Edens gets a bit thrown by the 2 strike "Rythmyic Clapping" (to quote Jon Morris). I hear you always say something about the crowd in your post game wrap up on KRZI. Let us know what we can do to make things better for the Bears and worse for the opponents. Congrats on the Sweep of Kansas - I was on the edge of my seat all weekend!!

Steve Smith: First of all, I think the rhythmic clapping is great. But just like fans don't like players to wait til the ninth inning to play, players and coaches don't like fans who wait til the ninth inning to clap. As I have said publicly several times this spring, I think fans should take on the roles of players on the bench. The support and enthusiasm that they would expect out of players on the bench for their teammates on the field is the type of support they should express from their seats.

Jeff: You are doing a terrrific job this season with your team and I look forward to a strong finish with Bear Baseball. I am a Baseball coach and wondered if you could share how you keep the players who are a DH, PH, and play on a limited basis motivated to stay in the game.

Steve Smith: Not always easy. For one thing, I have tried to use them. This team has some depth and I have had the opportunity to play more players this year than in the past. I think you have to recruit players that want to win more than they want to play.

Jim-Houston: Being a Baylor University graduate, today I am saddened by the conduct that I observed over the weekend by Baylor adult fans. I made the trip to Waco this weekend to observe a very well played baseball series by two outstanding baseball teams. I am very concerned by the behavior of many Baylor fans...personal insults and remarks to the opposing players and umpires...not at all the kind of role modeling that we, as adults, should be displaying for our students and our players. The Baylor baseball team is to be commended for their behaviors, the respect shown to their opposition, and their quality of play on the field. However, we as the Baylor baseball community leave much to be desired in conducting ourselves as responsible followers of a class program such as Baylor University. I do not understand how it is within good sportsmanship for the young man to be beating on a trash can on top of the opposing dugout...a real show of poor sportsmanship as well as the Baylor fans sitting near the Kansas dugout yelling obscenties to the young men. Coach Smith, this is in no way a reflection of the true leader that you are or the quality of baseball program that you lead. We as the Baylor baseball community owe you and our opponents more respect than what we have been displaying.

Steve Smith: Thank you very much for your comments. I am responding ro your question in large part to give all the opportunity a chance to read it. First of all, there is no place for profanity in college athletics or anywhere, as far as I'm concerned. I personally am unaware of that taking place at our Ballpark. I do not think, however, that the mere beating of a drum is a sign of poor sportsmanship. If the owners of the box seats above the dugouts would attend games regularly, I'm sure our drummer could be relocated to the student section. Again, I would prefer that our fans spend their energy trying to inspire and encourage our team, as opposed to intimidating and discouraging the opposing team. Thank you again.

David (Shreveport): What will Fr. Sean Walker's role be as the season progresses?

Steve Smith: Midweek starter, long man on the weekend.

Super Dave (Sugar Land): When is the next HOTO meeting? By the way, this is a great bunch of guys to watch play and get to know. They never quit.

Steve Smith: Heart of the Order is this coming Thursday. Thanks.

Greg: What do you see as Trey Taylor's role the rest of the year? He seemed pretty sharp yesterday.

Steve Smith: Left-handed guy out of the bullpen on weekends. Possible midweek starter.

Brad(Arlington): Coach, Great job so far this season. Who is your number three starter and is there someone that you see can take that spot from him. Also, what is up with Stephen White's control? It is coming and going and it seems like he can't find any consistency. Thank you and see you in Omaha!!!

Steve Smith: Our three starters are White, Theodorakos and Justin Taylor. As for White's command, it needs to get better. How do you like that answer?

Mike (Waco): Hey coach, This team has an INCREDIBLE "never say die" mentality. I must admit I walked into the stadium Sunday, held up my Dr. Pepper, and said "Here's hoping we get rid of the suspense early in this game!" Well...our bunch went out to The Hill in the 11th(because that is where we witnessed the previous two come backs and we are a little superstitious) and lo and behold Webb and Witt do the damage immediately. Great comebacks this weekend! P.S. We will proceed to The Hill much sooner next time. Just doing our part on the team. Also, what's up with the lights that are blinding the left side of the infield? Can they be repostitioned so as not to shine in the guys eyes?

Steve Smith: We are having the bank of lights that are lined up with third base checked. I am very concerned with that. It appears that a couple of the lamps are shining directly at third base. Every ballpark has certain nuances with the lights, but we need to get that one fixed.

Dallas_Bear: What has been the biggest factor in Kyle Edens stepping up and becoming a dominant closer this year?

Steve Smith: He has made a minor adjustment in his delivery that has had a major impact on his stuff. That began last summer and his confidence has simply grown since then.

Brad(Arlington): What did you think of Tim Hartshorn's performances so far this season while Murph was healing? Do you find that as a great sign going into the Big XII Tournament and the NCAA's?

Steve Smith: Tim got off to a great start, but has struggled for consistency over the last two weeks. He is still doing a good job for us, though, and I know he will get his hits.

Doug, Waco: If you lose all three weekend pitchers to the pros this year, will you look at the JUCO route?

Steve Smith: We will only sign additional players as a result of losing high school signees to the draft. It will be very difficult to sign quality juco players that late. That is why it is important to continue to develop young arms in your program. Hopefully the young pitchers we have will be ready to step up next year.

Mike (Waco): Coach, Can you let us in on what was going on in the Kansas dugout this weekend and why our fans got water thrown on them by a player?

Steve Smith: I do not know the specifics. I think it is fair to assume that the Kansas players became agitated with comments from the stands, especially in light of the misfortune that was occurring on the field. We have all, as players and coaches, been subjected to unkind remarks from spectators. It does not justify throwing anything into the stands.

Cory & April Lieder: Hey Coach, April and I want to tell thank you for all your hard work and continued success at Baylor. We are excited about the team every year! Thanks for all you do!

Steve Smith: Hope y'all are both doing fine.

Brad(Arlington): Coach, I have seen the team against Oral Roberts and UT-Arlington and in both those games Trey Webb seems to be the best short stop that you have had at Baylor since the 98-99 seasons. Is he the core of you middle defense?

Steve Smith: I agree. I think Trey has played tremendously well, and that our infield defense is much improved over last year. I would not trade Trey for any shortstop that I have seen so far.

Bart (Dallas): Coach Smith, congratulations on getting this season off to a great start. You get a lot of well-deserved acclaim for your on-field results, but one thing that doesn't get nearly as much attention as it should is the outstanding academic record of your young men. Can you tell us what your team GPA is and how it compares to the BU student body as a whole, as well as to the other teams in the Big XII?

Steve Smith: Thank you for your kind remarks. Our team GPAs typically run between 2.85 and 2.95. This team had the best fall semester of any team I've ever been around. The overall GPA was 3.1, with 19 out of 37 players with a 3.0 or better and 11 with a 3.5 or better. As a team, we only had one F. Hopefully they will continue to do well. Thank you for your question.

Doug, Waco: Overall, we do not seem mearly as big (statue) as we were several years ago. Is this by design or do we just have smaller players?

Steve Smith: Some of our bigger players are not playing right now. We are still above average size-wize for a college baseball team, but our goal is not to recruit big players, but to recruit good players.

Greg (Waco): How is Josh Ford coming along?

Steve Smith: I think Josh is doing fine. He is working very hard offensively and is doing a good job when he gets the opportunity to play. As with most freshmen, the first year is a big learning experience. I think he is handling it quite well.

Jon D (Waco): The program has gained more respect over the years and this undoubtedly helps recruiting. Do you find a change in the way you recruit, or the locations of where you recruit?

Steve Smith: Yes. We signed 11 players during the early signing period, 10 of them from the state of Texas. Recruiting has definitely changed.

Scott Evans (Albuquerque): First, we still check on the Bears, almost daily and very happy to see well-deserved success. Second, there have been some "issues" regarding "heckling" at home and on the road over the past several years. I have seen everything from harmless humor to some confrontations between fans that turned ugly because of very personal attacks on players in the presence of fans/parents. Is this a Big XII phenomenon? Did you see the same things in the SEC?

Steve Smith: Hey Scott - hope Kyle's rehab is going well. Fan behavior is certainly not only a Big 12 issue. In fact, I would say the worst place that we have been this year was the University of Houston, where alcohol is sold during games. Not a very good combination.

KC (Frisco): Coach, great work so far this year. Who would you say is the team MVP so far, and to whom do you look to carry the team in a leadership role the rest of the way?

Steve Smith: One of the reasons this team has been so successful is that there is no clear MVP. We have good upperclassmen leadership.

Clint: Coach Smith, Congratulations, BBAmerica has you guys ranked number 8, thats awsome! Well gotta get to practice, have a HS game tomorrow to prepare for. Good Luck, will come to WACO soon to see you guys. Clint

Steve Smith: Hey Clint - thanks for your message. Come see us when you can.

David (Shreveport): Have the shoes left behind by Kelly Shoppach been filled?

Steve Smith: Kelly took his shoes with him. Right now, I have nine guys trying to replace his numbers offensively.

Shane: Coach - how do you see the Big XII tourney different this year? What was the reason for the change from Oklahoma City to the Ballpark in Arlington?

Steve Smith: Arlington outbid Oklahoma City.

Kenneth (Waco): What are the chances of players to walk on to the Baylor baseball team, and what should a player be working on in the next year or so to be able to catch your eye.

Steve Smith: The chances of successfully walking on are completely tied to the ability of the player walking on. We have had a number of good players walk on here, and one mediocre head coach.

JMessina(San Antonio): Coach Smith: I wanted to commend you and your players' efforts thus far this season. I had the pleasure of seeing you play (unfortunately loss) in Austin on that cold saturday. After hearing such a disgusting crowd like that, I am extremely impressed with you, your players, and our fans for the poise and class. Keep up the good work!

Steve Smith: Thank you. I must confess that my wife thought the fans in Austin were among the most polite she had met in our league. Maybe you had bad seats. Thanks again.

Jon D in Waco: The baseball program has continually improved and garnered respect. This undoubtedly helps with recruiting in that more top players would consider coming to Baylor to play. Do you feel that your staffs approach or style of recruiting has changed because of this? Do you focus more on 'hotbeds' of baseball recruiting and does scouting become even more important? Thanks for your time.

Steve Smith: We have not changed our approach. We have been committed from the beginning to finding the best possible players wherever we could. I am just proud that we are able to recruit more Texas players than ever before.

Ben LA: What happened with the home run /single in the KU game the other day?

Steve Smith: The situation: bases loaded, 1 out, bottom of the ninth, down 3-2. Our batter, Chris Durbin, hits a home run over the left field fence into the wind. The base runner at first base inexplicably went halfway to second and began retreating to first base as though he might possibly tag and advance should the ball be caught. As I indicated, the wind was blowing in from left field, and balls had been dying out there all night. Our batter passed the base runner at first base. By rule, the batter is then automatically out. By rule, since the ball was hit out of the park with less than 2 outs, all preceding runners score. But his home run only went down as a single with 3 RBI.

Stuart: Congratulations on a great week last week, especially the sweep of Kansas. I really liked the change in lineup that you first used Saturday afternoon moving Ross to the 2 hole. I think it added more pop to the top of the lineup than what Trey and Tim have been providing recently. I know that pinch hitting Jared for Ross when the opposition brings in a lefty is statistically a good move, but I was wondering if Ross really struggles against lefties to the point that it is an automatic move for you?

Steve Smith: No, it's not automatic. In fact, I have hit Ross eight times against lefthanded pitching. He has responded with one hit. On the contrary, he's hitting .480 against rights. Jared Clements is 6-for-19 against lefties (.316).

Greg (Houston): Coach, do you any feeling yet which of the fall signees will be available next year at Baylor?

Steve Smith: We did not enter the fall recruitng period naively and are prepared as best we can be for whatever decisions regarding professional baseball some of our signees may make. If they will do their homework and make a decision with their head as opposed to their heart, we will be fine. Stay tuned.

gfeagin, plainview: what is your evaluation of the kansas series? How important do you think that it was to sweep kansas. what did you think of their pitching? also we are very proud of the job you and your coaches are doing. Baylor baseball is really something to be proud of. Thanks!

Steve Smith: Thank you for your comment. It is very early in the season, and right now, we are just trying to keep pace in the "marathon." Nebraska and Texas both swept this past weekend, as well, so we kept pace with them. I thought overall we played well. I also thought Kansas played well, but that we took advantage of the few mistakes they made late in games.

BROCK from Cape Girardeau: Hey coach I was just wondering why someone like Ross Bennet who is hitting over .430, is not given more press and not recognized for his contributions to the team. I was also wondering why you always pinch run for Ross (who is the stolen base career leader at Cape Central high school) and Errante?

Steve Smith: I only pinch run in situations where I think it may be extremely important to score that particular run. We've got some speed on the bench, we might as well use it. As for the press, the season is young.

Chris (Waco): Coach, regarding the # of balks that JT has had called against him this year: is there anything that he can do to change his delivery from the stretch that can reduce the chances of being called for a balk without having an impact on his effectiveness. I know that you have questioned some of the calls that have been made, perhaps you can help us understand what he is doing that makes the umpires believe he is balking.

Steve Smith: Justin reaches the set position with his hands higher than most pitchers. There is nothing wrong with that. I think it is a little deceiving to some umpires because he does set high, and when he begins his delivery, he does not raise his hands. I have asked him to make sure that he checks runners once he reaches the set position so that there is no mistaking that he stopped. I have reviewed on video the last four balks that were called. Those calls were ridiculous.

Bart (Waco): I have heard rumors about several instances within the teams chemistry. Is it true that Justin Taylor's recent struggles can be attributed to heartache from Zane Carlson's recent decision to end their relationship? What are your feelings on this and do you have any ideas for a rebound guy for JT to get involved with?

Steve Smith: Lockett.

Steve Smith: Enjoyed the session. Lots of great sessions. Those of you that can, please make your presence known at the Ballpark. Sic 'em Bears!