The LSU double play tandem was supposed to be one of the only holdovers from last season’s team, but that is now not the case.
LSU coach Paul Mainieri made the decision to have highly-touted freshman JaCoby Jones and junior Tyler Hanover switch positions on the diamond before next weekend’s season opening series against No. 22 Wake Forest.
Jones was slated to play third base for the Tigers this season, keeping the middle of the infield intact from last season.
But Mainieri saw a skill set from Jones in practice that was more conducive to playing second base rather than third.
Playing third base is nothing new to Hanover, who started 53 games at third base as a freshman for the 2009 College World Series champion Tigers.
Hanover’s freshman year was his best offensive season, but his .896 fielding percentage was the lowest of any Tiger starter that season.
Hanover improved his defensive numbers last season at second base, posting a .979 fielding percentage.
The Tigers still have a week to get used to the defensive adjustment before their season-opening series on Feb. 18.
 
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Contact Luke Johnson at [email protected]