FSU baseball: Watching the CWS and where they must improve

FSU baseball is rebuilding its roster and hiring new coaching staff after recent departures. The first year under Link Jarrett was trying, but I’ve pointed out what needs to happen to get FSU back to respectability.

However, watching the College World Series Final between LSU and Florida the past few nights helped gauge how far away the Noles are from competing at that level.

Ironically, as bad as the Noles were in 2023, they were competitive with rival Florida Gators in the three losses. FSU led into the seventh inning in game one, into the eighth inning in game two, and had a lead into the fifth inning in game three.

However, there’s a talent gap between teams like Florida and LSU. All we have to do is look at the upcoming MLB Draft. I mentioned several times this year FSU baseball is an incredibly young team, and that’s evident when you look at the players at UF and LSU compared to FSU.

FSU baseball players must hit the strength and conditioning program hard.

Their players are huge and powerful. It’s why they have multiple pitchers throwing 95 mph+ and multiple guys with double-digit home runs. LSU has EIGHT guys with 11 or more home runs. Florida had six games with 12 or more home runs.

FSU had two guys with double-digit home runs, sophomore James Tibbs (17) and freshman Cam Smith (12). It’s the pitching depth and talent separating those programs the most. LSU had eight pitchers with 30+ innings pitched and four with 60+ innings.

Florida had eight pitchers with 30+ innings and five with 50+ innings. FSU had six pitchers with 30+ innings and three with 50+ innings. Guess where FSU lost most of their games? When the bullpen blew leads late, or the starting pitcher never got out of the first or second inning.

Link Jarrett is acquiring the requisite arms to build pitching depth from the transfer portal. The Micah Posey hire at pitching coach is a great move, as he has track record of recruiting power arms and developing them.

The best hitters on the team were freshmen and sophomore, so I expect the offense to be better next year. It’ll take a bit, and the transfer portal could speed up the process. However, FSU has a ways to go before they can consistently play with elite teams.

The good news? I believe they’re on the right track.