Chat with Baseball Coach Steve Smith

Chat 10/27/2003 12:00:00 AM

Head coach Steve Smith will answer questions from fans on Wednesday afternoon.

Chat With Baseball Coach Steve Smith
Head coach joined us for an online chat on Oct. 29.

Welcome to BaylorBears.com and OCSN.com's online chat, where Baylor baseball coach Steve Smith joined us on Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Head coach Steve Smith will begin his 10th season as head coach at Baylor in 2004; in his first nine years, he has compiled a 343-203-1 record. Smith led the Bears to their first-ever 50 win season in 1999 and a Big 12 Championship in 2000, and has piloted the team to six straight NCAA appearances. His Bears have the best conference record in the Big 12 since the league began, and through the 2002 season, Smith ranked 39th among active coaches in winning percentage with a .623 mark.

The 2000 Big 12 Coach of the Year, Smith came to Baylor from Mississippi State, where he was an assistant under Ron Polk for five seasons. Prior to that, he served as a graduate assistant at Texas A&M.

A former standout pitcher at Baylor in 1982-1983, Smith led the Southwest Conference with a 1.72 ERA as a junior. He was drafted in the fifth round of the 1983 Major League draft by the San Francisco Giants and played four years of pro ball before moving into the coaching ranks.

An accomplished pitching coach, Smith has tutored six pitchers in the last 12 years who were selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft. He also had at least one pitcher named to the all-conference first team for 11 straight years (1992-2002).

In Smith's nine seasons as head coach, the Bears have produced four first-round draft picks, 10 all-Americans, six Academic All-Americans, one National Player of the Year, one GTE/CoSIDA Academic all-American of the Year, 25 first-team all-conference performers, nine freshman all-Americans, and three conference players of the year. Baylor has also placed 35 players on the Academic All-Big 12 first team in the past seven seasons, a number that leads the Big 12.

Head Coach Steve Smith: Good afternoon. Let's get it started.

Jonathan (Waco): In a recent Heart of the Order , you said you don't expect Jeff Mandel to pitch AND play in the field this year. After his successful fall at the plate, has this changed? If he does play in the field, what position do you see him playing?

Head Coach Steve Smith: We are working with him at first base right now; not so much for this year, but more for the future. Obviously first base is a lot less taxing on the arm. If he continues to progress as a hitter, I think he could become a factor in our outfield this spring fairly quickly. He could also factor in offensively as a DH.

CiCi: Which of your pitchers are fighting for your weekend rotation?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Assuming that we will have all our players back healthy, I think the strongest candidates for the weekend would be McCormick, Taylor, Walker and Theodorakos, at least at the beginning.

JJ (Ft. Worth): Congrats on a fine recruiting class. Who do you see filling the big-bat roles formerly occupied by Durbin and Murphy and how do you expect their production will compare?

Head Coach Steve Smith: I don't think it's fair to expect Murphy and Durbin-type numbers out of anyone yet. There are some guys that have the potential, but obviously need the benefit of time and experience that both Chris and David had going into their final years. I anticipate that several players who have already been in our program for at least a year will provide us some good leadership and offensive production, guys like Reid Brees, Jared Clements, and Chase Gerdes, who have not played a whole lot -- I think they will figure in nicely, as well as Kevin Sevigny and even Tyler Bullock, who had a very good fall for us offensively. Of course, as always, you look to your returning starters to hopefully improve and keep moving forward. We'll expect Michael Griffin and Kyle Reynolds, and hopefully a guy like Josh Ford (who should be able to swing the bat for us by the time spring rolls around) to give us some good offensive punch. We've brought in one junior college outfielder, Mike Pankratz, who has a tremendous amount of potential, and I think will only get better the more he plays.

MIKE ( WEST): ANY BIG NAMES EXPECTED TO SIGN ON NOV. 12 EARLY SIGNING PERIOD AND WHAT NEEDS ARE YOU TRYING TO FILL WITH THIS RECRUITING CLASS?

Head Coach Steve Smith: The NCAA prohibits me from sharing any names. As for needs, our desire (as usual) is to recruit good athletes, with a little less emphasis this year on pitching than in previous years. I also anticipate that we will be able to sign a couple of juco players who should be able to give us some pretty immediate help next year.

Roy (Houston): With the major problems surrounding the Basketball program, have you seen any affects on your recruiting?

Head Coach Steve Smith: There clearly has been some impact, but none that I don't believe we can't overcome. I actually believe that the most harmful press that we received had to do with all the speculation surrounding our future in the Big 12. All of that press was without basis, but nonetheless created a lot of fear among recruits. But as I've said before, there are far more players than there are scholarships available in the sport of baseball, so recruiting is often a function of perseverance, and so far we have persevered effectively.

Jonathan (Waco): If Theo isn't scheduled to start throwing off the mound until late this year, will he be ready to start games when the season begins? Or do you think he'll need to start out the season in the bullpen?

Head Coach Steve Smith: That's a difficult question to answer at this time. I think that will depend on how he progresses when he starts to throw off the mound. If there aren't any setbacks, I don't think he will have any problem with almost three months of work off the mound before the start of the season.

Chris (Austin): Every year you and Southwest Texas play (Texas State now) and it usually is a good ballgame. How do they compare every year. Are they getting better?

Head Coach Steve Smith: As I mentioned previously, there are so many good players out there that there are plenty of players for programs like SWT to recruit and compete quite well against those of us who are in major conferences. Ty Harrington has always done a good job in evaluating and recruiting players, and coaching them once he has them. He's recently been able to attract a couple of pretty good baseball people to his staff in Howard Bushong, who had previously been the head coach at SWT in the early 1990s, and most notably former Longhorn and major league pitcher Greg Swindell. I'm sure Ty will have another great year.

BJ: Following the fall stats over the internet, I noticed a player named Thompson who was tearing it up early, before fading a little late. Who is he, and where does he fit in the mix for playing time this season?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Jason Thompson is a redshirt freshman from Trinity HS in Euless. He came to us last year as a left-handed pitcher and outfielder, but has moved over to first base. As you mentioned, he did have a good fall. I think he's still learning the position defensively, and hopefully can become a stronger factor at that position in the future.

Glyndle Feagin, Plainview, Texas: Thanks for bringing us a very successful baseball program that we can truly be proud of. Other than the pitchers who were on the staff for the season, what other pitchers do you think have a legitimate chance to help this year?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Aside from those who threw last year, LHP Cory Van Allen and RHP Jeff Mandel probably stood out more than some of the other new guys in the fall, but guys like Kerr Foster, Jason Corley, and Xerxes Martin also threw well at times. I expect all these guys to continue to develop. Russell Reichenbach, who pitched a few innings last year, also had a good fall, and certainly could be a factor as a LHP out of the bullpen. I also thought that Cody Hall handled himself very well this fall; he had one bad outing that skewed his numbers for the fall, but other than that, he pitched more effectively that he has the last couple of falls.

Austin (Waco): Is Van Allen strictly a left handed arm for us, or will he see some time in the field?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Strictly a left-handed arm.

Ross Bennett (Kansas City): Hey Coach. Hopefully the team?s offseason strength and conditioning is going okay without my strength and speed to guide them. How will this teams offensive strategy be different? More small ball? I look forward to the witty answer.

Head Coach Steve Smith: Hello Russ - miss you already. Hope we don't have to change our offensive philosophy too much -- still emphasize working pitchers, working counts, getting on base, like last year. I'd like to see us cut down our strikeouts. Even without your impressive physique, I think we will be a fairly physical team this year. Take care. Study hard.

SicemZST(Baylor campus): You have set the standards high for Baylor baseball. Will you be disappointed if your team comes up short of the CWS? How will next year's team match up with past Baylor clubs?

Head Coach Steve Smith: No matter how many wins we may manage to put together throughout the course of the season, I think it will always be difficult for us not to be disappointed if we're not playing in Omaha. I think we have a program that is in a good position to continue to attract quality players who have the drive and determination to reach a very high goal. But each team must stand alone, and set its own goals. There are many things that can happen throughout the course of the year that teams have little control over that can affect their ability to get to Omaha. We spend this time of the year trying to work hard on the things we can control.

Earl in grand prarie: Coach, what kind of impact do you think the draft will have on us this year? I know it is early, but as you recruit for next year, which players do you anticipate going pro (from our current junior class, or soph eligibles like Woody)?

Head Coach Steve Smith: That's a good question, because we do have a large number of draft-eligible underclassmen this year, which always makes recruiting more difficult. In addition to Woody, Mike Pankratz would also be a draft-eligible sophomore. Juniors like Trey Taylor, Sean Walker, Michael Griffin and Josh Ford will also be closely followed. Ford's injury makes his situation even more difficult to predict. We'll just have to wait and see how it all works out.

Jorge (Mexia): Was it just me, or was there a hush of fear hovering over the Baylor Ballpark when Jay "The Rocket" Lockett took the mound a few weeks ago in the Alumni Game? ... Seriously, it was good to see all the former players back on the field.

Head Coach Steve Smith: I sensed the hush as well, but Jay has always had that impact, as we recall, his victory in the 9-1 comeback at the Rice Regional in 2001.

Lance--Dallas: Thanks Coach for for being a fine role model and for the huge success you have brought. The Ballpark and fans have evolved to create a difficult place to play. How can fans further assist this? Any unique traditions would you like to create?

Head Coach Steve Smith: I would like for our fans at our ballpark to be known as a loud place to play, as well as a classy place to play. I would like to have fans who can inspire their team without putting the opposing team down. I'd also like fans who appreciate the difficulty of the game and recognize outstanding play, no matter who does it. You'd like for your fans to be as into the game from the stands as your players are on the bench, who may not be on the field at the time. We've certainly made big strides in recent years, which I am grateful for, but I certainly hope we will continue to grow in that area. We have a lot of be proud of, and we don't need to spend our time putting other people down.

todd nickle, round rock: Coach, thanks for being a bright spot in Baylor athletics. Question (1) What happened in the 8th inning in game 2 of the LSU series? (2) Can we get some games televised? (like the SEC does).

Head Coach Steve Smith: 1) We gave up back-to-back solo home runs. No major mistakes. It was a great game. 2) Television has been at the top of the Big 12 coaches' list since this league began. We are fighting hard to get a "game of the week" package, but this is an issue that is in the hands of our ADs across the league.

Jim (Dallas): Coach, is there anything that you are hoping for in terms of support for your program under the new AD, that wasn't happening under the previous administration?

Head Coach Steve Smith: No. I can't imagine having stronger support than I had during Tom Stanton's tenure as our AD, and I am disappointed that he was not able to see all of his visions and dreams for Baylor athletics through to their ends. Things that were in progress, like installing a new sound system under the roof of the ballpark, are continuing to move forward. And the new administration, although very busy with a variety of issues, has been very supportive.

Kris Radcliffe / Waco: No Question Coach: Would just like to thank you for always being so media friendly and accessible to us. We are excited for the Bears future success and will be "Backing The Bears" all the way, Best Regards, & "Good Luck in 2004" Kris Radcliffe

Head Coach Steve Smith: Kris, thank you for your kind words. I notice some of your competition was coaching first base over at MCC this last week. Any unfulfilled on-field desires in your life?

john (austin): it seams there have been numerous injuries this fall, what setbacks have there been and what do you think is the reason for this.

Head Coach Steve Smith: I don't think there is any thread that ties them all together. It has been players of different ages, at different positions. The only one that I think will have an impact in the spring will be the surgery that was required to repair Josh Ford's shoulder. The repairs needed in his situation were not uncommon to players who have played a lot of baseball in their life; it was certainly not career-threatening, but will take some time to properly rehabilitate before he can throw at game speed.

Bob(Waco): Who will most likely be your starting outfielders

Head Coach Steve Smith: There are a number of guys battling for spots: Reid Brees, Mike Pankratz, Chase Gerdes, Kevin Sevigny, Mike Heldoorn, Seth Fortenberry and Clay Coates are all in the mix.

Josh (Waco): I'm so grateful for all that you do. Are we going to beat Texas this year?

Head Coach Steve Smith: We'll prepare to. It would help if they don't have the lead after seven.

Brad (FT Worth): Coach Smith,I have noticed that many schools use what they call a volunteer coach. Do you have any of these and if so, do they work for the university in any other capacity? Good luck with your upcoming season.

Head Coach Steve Smith: Under NCAA rules, we are allowed one volunteer assistant, who may not be compenstated in any way by the athletic dept. I have had three different volunteer assistants in 10 years, which is truly amazing. They have all been pitching guys who have done great jobs helping me with our pitchers. My current volunteer is Chris Berry, who is beginning his fifth year as our volunteer asst.

JJ (Ft. Worth): I'm sure in your late-season visit to Lincoln you must have stopped by Rosenblatt as a motivating tool. What are your plans to keep the players keenly focused on Omaha as the ultimate and only objective?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Right now, I'm trying to keep our guys focused on simply getting better. It is just not necessary to remind them of Omaha. They see it everytime they walk out our locker room door.

Barry (Allen, TX): Over recent days, some have suggested that because of the difficulties in the Football and Basketball programs Baylor should leave the Big 12. Has this talk made prospective blue chip baseball recruits nervous about signing with the Bears?

Head Coach Steve Smith: There's really no basis at all for a "Baylor leaving the Big 12" discussion. As I mentioned previously, it is something that certain members of the press have continued to put forth, but fortunately, members of the press don't have a vote. Anyone that does their homework would quickly come to the conclusion that Baylor does not need to defend its position in the Big 12.

Brad (Baton Rouge): Coach, I was very proud of the way your team played in the SR last year. Countless LSU fans stopped me and told me how impressed they were with this team and how talented they were. How are we going to be offensively without Durbin and Murphy?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Only time will tell, but I think we have good athletes ready to step in and compete. My expectations are that we will progress and become a good offensive team. You must remember, though, that we didn't just lose Durbin and Murphy; we had two fifth-year seniors in Ross Bennett and Mark Saccomanno who also were very important offensive players for us and had great years. In all honesty, the thing that this team must replace more than offense is leadership and experience.

Brad (Baton Rouge): What are chances of a home and home series with LSU in the near future? I don't get up to Waco much and really enjoyed watching my team play last year. Thanks and good luck!

Head Coach Steve Smith: We would certainly be open to that, and will continue to make the calls.

Rufus Watkins Class 1987: What is your plan for upcoming year? How is the weightroom training? Do you think we can win the Big 12 and go to the World Series?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Ruf- thanks for your question. Offseason in the weight room is going well. Our guys work extremely hard, and we are trying to improve daily so that we can be in a position to reach the goals that you mentioned.

Chris (Houston): Coach, congradulations on the prior season. What do you anticipate to be the strengths and weaknesses of this years baseball team? And when will we play Rice in Waco?

Head Coach Steve Smith: I believe pitching will be a strength for us, with all the returners that we have back. I can't remember ever having a staff with as many innings pitched and wins returning from a previous year. We play Rice in Waco in May; see our website for the complete schedule.

Bryan (Waco): What will we look like up the middle defensively?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Right now, we have three quality middle infielders ready to play either second or shortstop in Kyle Reynolds, Paul Witt and Drew Sutton. Blake Womble and Jake Rippee are primarily second basemen, and are still probably a click below the first three. But they're young, and athletic, and have improved a lot in the last year.

Jonathan (Waco): Coach, from the stands it seemed like nobody really stepped up this fall and claimed the job at 2b... that seems pretty wide open. At this point, who do you think will get a majority of the playing time there this year?

Head Coach Steve Smith: As I mentioned earlier, Reynolds, Witt and Sutton all played the majority of the innings at SS, so they really didn't have an opportunity to stand out at 2B.

Jonathan (Waco): After a strong fall, what role do you project for Andy Pape this year?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Andy came back much stronger and threw very well this fall. I could see Andy in a lot of different roles, including starting. Given the injury to Sean Walker, Andy's development was even more welcome.

Jeff, Round Rock: Who is your strongest (biggest) player on your team right now. Is it Heldoorn?

Head Coach Steve Smith: Josh Ford, Reid Brees and Mike are all pretty close.

Head Coach Steve Smith: Thanks so much for your great questions. Sorry we couldn't get to all of them. Look forward to another visit soon. Sic 'em Bears!

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