Provided photo/

Beau Didier

One to watch
After missing last season, redshirt freshman Beau Didier started swinging a bat in June and should be ready for modified duty when LSU begins fall practice in October.

The big infielder underwent ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) reconstruction, or Tommy John surgery, early last season. In his only at-bat, the Federal Way, Wash., native slammed a pinch-hit home run in his only at-bat last season.

LSU coach Paul Mainieri said Didier will bat in fall practice and be limited to playing first base to protect the rebuilt elbow.

“He looks good,” Mainieri said. “He’s a big, strong that kid might really be something for us.”

Didier will be in the battle for the starting jobs at third base and can also play first base or left field.

Claim to fame
New Tigers sophomore Trey Watkins is expected to vie for playing time in the outfield after carving out NJCAA Division II All-American honors last spring at LSU-Eunice after an eye-popping offensive season: .418 batting average, 95 runs scored and 58 steals in 61 attempts.
 
But Watkins might be just as proud of his accomplishments on another playing field.
 
Watkins played football and baseball at Destrehan and was a starting defensive back for both of the Wildcats 5A state championship teams.
 
When Mainieri asked Watkins if he had ever intercepted former teammate and current LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson in practice, Watkins told him “All the time, Coach.”
 
Jefferson didn’t deny it.
 
“He was a good cornerback and he did get me a few times,” Jefferson said before adding a disclaimer with a smile. “But I wasn’t used to throwing the ball as much back then.”