Dylan Crews, Tommy White preview LSU baseball, handling expectations

With the season just three weeks away, LSU baseball hosted media on Friday afternoon to talk with head coach Jay Johnson and a myriad of different players and coaches about the upcoming season. The Tigers are the consensus No. 1 team in the country entering the season and loaded with talent as Johnson enters year two in Baton Rouge.

Dylan Crews, one of the top players in the country, enters his third year at LSU with incredibly high expectations as one of the projected top picks in the MLB Draft. Meanwhile, Tommy White transferred to LSU from North Carolina State after racking up the awards as a true freshman with the Wolfpack, including ACC Freshman of the Year.

The two talked about their offseason, focus for improvement, and handling expectations heading into the 2023 campaign. Here’s what they said in their media availability.

Dylan Crews

Goals for improvement this year

“I really want to win a Gold Glove this year. I want to be known as a great defensive player. Another thing is developing my two-strike approach. I’ve been working on that throughout the offseason and it’s been awesome.”

Learning from Jay Johnson

“He’s taught me how to slow the game down and use my eyes. He says if you can’t see the ball you can’t hit the ball, so going back to step one, always seeing the ball first and taking it step by step. Using the resources in the on deck circle and keeping everything simple.”

How this lineup makes eachother better

“It all starts with doing the little things right. Getting the guys over and getting them in. It teaches the younger guys what is brought every single day, if we do that we’ll be a very successful team this year.”

Approaching this year as a leader

“This is my third year around. I’ve been a part of some great teams. I’ve learned from older guys and I think having everyone be their own leader and knowing their role is going to be important for this team. The chemistry on this team is very special and if we keep doing the little things right it should be a fun year.”

On the talent on this roster

“It was awesome to see the transformation from last year to this year. It was great to see guys come over from other schools. I knew all of them so I tried my best to say something to get them over here. I knew they’d like coach Jay and all the coaches here. It’s been awesome. All of the egos are pushed to the side and it’s all one and pulling in the same direction…It’s one of the closest teams I’ve ever been a part of. That’s what’s going to take this team far.”

Arm talent on this team

“The mental side has been awesome for the pitchers. They’re mixing in more pitches than last year and throwing them for strikes. They can throw them in different counts too. It’s been fun to face those guys and I guess it’s going to slow the game down once the season comes.

“Ty Floyd has been tremendous. His growth from last year has been awesome.”

How to improve defensively

“Really just show that I can stay in center field. Doing the little things, like getting live reads off the bat and improving my speed in the weight room and doing whatever I can to improve every single day to improve my outfield skills and make this team better.”

On handling expectations

“We always say we don’t listen to the outside noise. What goes on in the locker room is special and we have eachothers backs. If we trust one another, we can’t promise you anything, but we’ll have the best attitude and effort on the field for sure.”

On what he’s looking forward to

“I’m probably going to lead off this year. It’s important for me to see pitches because I’m not a secret like I was the last two years. It’s important for me to see pitches, get in different counts, get on for these guys and let the guys behind me bring me in.”

Tommy White

On expectations

“We’re just taking it day by day and putting our best foot forward and focused on practice right now.”

The potential of this offense

“The potential is there, we just have to do what we’ve always done. Just continue to get our swings in, see pitches, and get on base.”

On his Tiger tattoo

“I’ve always wanted a Tiger tattoo, it’s just a coincidence that I’m here now. It worked out now because I’m going to be a tiger until I die. It’s a good time to get it.”

Playing third base

“I definitely feel like I’ve gotten more confidence over there since I’ve gotten here. Being out at third base for a couple games last year was tough, but I feel more confident and i’m making plays. I just had to get that confidence back.”

What stuck out about LSU

“When I stepped foot on this field I saw stands in left and right field and I thought that was crazy for college. Being able to play here every single day isn’t something I take for granted.”

On Paul Skenes

“Everything is difficult when facing him. He has a lot of pitches and he knows how to use them. Not only that, but he’s very competitive on the mound and such a dog that he doesn’t want to lose so he gives it everything he has every time he’s out there.”