Everyone in the room could tell LSU coach Paul Mainieri was ecstatic to finally step in front of the podium for the media for the first time in 2013 as he prepared to answer questions.

“I can’t wait to get out of bed on this day every year, because this is when you know it’s officially begun,” Mainieri said.

One topic on everyone’s mind Friday regarded the new look of the left side of the infield. Former Tigers and fan favorites Austin Nola and Tyler Hanover are gone, and two holes were left in need of filling in the 2012-13 off-season.

Mainieri said he’s found the right guys for the job. He especially gushed about his new freshman shortstop Alex Bregman.

“Bregman is going to come right in and be a very vital player,” Mainieri said. “I’m putting a lot on this kid’s shoulders…but I don’t doubt that he can handle it.”

LSU’s coach didn’t fail to mention the competition for the third starting spot in the rotation, and he noted that the final slot would not be filled until roughly a week before the season begins. This also goes for the closer and other bullpen roles.

Mainieri noted that he’s looking for big things out of several juniors on the squad, and he said he’s expecting both catcher Ty Ross and second baseman JaCoby Jones to potentially make the jump to the MLB Draft at season’s end.