Just four months ago, the LSU baseball team was defeated by the Florida Gators in the 2017 World Series Championship Series.  

Since that time, sophomores Josh Smith and Jake Slaughter have had time to reflect and improve their games during the offseason.
Smith played for the Harwich Mariners with junior left fielder Antoine Duplantis for summer ball while Slaughter spent time with Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox in Cape Cod. Smith batted .382 with 12 RBI while Slaughter posted a .225 batting average with 2 RBI’s in 12 games.
Slaughter wanted to use the summer ball experience as a way of becoming more disciplined at the plate while also taking reps at third base.
“I was just trying to go out there and have fun,” Slaughter said. “I went to the field every morning and just worked until the game time.  As far as batting I’ve been really focusing on approach but there are some noticeable differences that come along with what I’ve been trying to do.”
The Tigers lost the middle of their infield when seniors Cole Freeman and Kramer Robertson left for the MLB draft. Slaughter has been taking reps at third base and at second after spending much of his time at first base last season.  
“I’ve played third and second my whole life,” Slaughter said. “I just took a couple months off from playing it.”
Smith was recruited to LSU as a shortstop but when Robertson decided to come back for his senior year, Smith was bumped to third base.  Smith has now spent the offseason transitioning to shortstop but notices a difference between high school and college batters.
“Guys are faster and hit the ball harder,” Smith said. “You have to be closer to perfect than in high school. Coach Mainieri preaches on the small things so you really have to focus on that.”
The Tigers also have some new faces on the roster this season. Smith and Slaughter have been impressed by freshmen outfielders Daniel Cabrera and Nick Webre.
“They’re really polished hitters,” Smith said. “They already have three or four hits in scrimmages so they’re going to be ready to play when the year comes around.”
Smith started 71 of 72 games for the Tigers at third base this year and is starting to take on more of a leadership role through example this season.  
With eighteen new faces on this season’s roster, Smith has many guys he can talk too.
“Just trying to show some of the guys how I was taught to do it,” Smith said.  “Not trying to talk everybody up or down but just coming out everyday to work.