Jan. 28, 2002

Head baseball coach Steve Smith sat down Monday afternoon to answer questions from fans online. The following is a transcript of the chat session.

For archived transcripts of earlier chats, click here.

James: Coach, can you tell us who do you believe will replace David Murphy while he is out in right field? Thanks and we are behind you 100%!

Steve Smith: Steve Dorneman is going to get the first shot at it.

Nick(Dallas): Coach, I assume that White and Taylor are going to be the weekend starters. Any idea who is the third weekend starter? Thanks!

Steve Smith: Right now, I'd say it's between Jared Theodorakos and possibly Kyle Edens.

Sam(Woodway): Coach, I had a chance to go to some of the Fall Series and I was really suppressed with Paul Witt and Eric Errante. Can you tell us a little about these two players? Thanks coach for staying at Baylor! You have placed us in a great position!

Steve Smith: Paul is one of the best athletes on our team, and can play a number of positions. His offensive game will dictate how much impact he has this year as a freshman. Eric is what I would call a "blue-collar" player - very hard-working and intelligent. He has shown us a very steady glove and handles the bat well.

John(Waco): Coach, Can you tell me what type of hitting/stealing team we will be this year? What are your thoughts? Good luck coach Smith!

Steve Smith: Without David Murphy in the lineup, we will have to work very hard to be a good offensive team. To lose a big left-handed bat in the middle of the order can change the complexion of a lineup. We will also have to play some young players that are yet unproven. As for stolen bases, we are working hard on that aspect of the game because we don't have the great team speed of several years ago,

Brad Butcher (Atlanta): I have two questions. First, what is it that you said to Trey Taylor to make him spurn the pros and choose to play for you? Second, I am a Baylor grad and now a graduate student at Georgia Tech, and I want to know when you guys are planning to play Georgia Tech here in Atlanta?

Steve Smith: I don't know that I said any one thing that had that big an impact on Trey. He simply took his time and made what he felt was the best decision for his life. We don't have any plans to play Georgia Tech any time soon, but we're not ruling it out, either.

Josh Scott (Downey, CA): I just wanted to say that I am looking forward to seeing you guys come out here when you play USC. I'll be there to support you whole-heartedly. I was also wondering if you had decided who will start as the number one (J.T. or Steven)? ...and whether you had made the decision on the third conference starter yet? Good luck on the upcoming season!!

Steve Smith: Hey Josh - congratulations on graduating, and I look forward to seeing you also. We have 13 non-conference games prior to our first conference series. I am going to use four different starters during that stretch and make a decision after that.

John Boren (Katy, TX): Coach Smith - You've done a great job recruiting talented players that can compete successfully with any other Big 12 program. In fact, I believe you've now had four straight teams capable of winning the league championship and/or winning the league tournament and/or making it to Omaha, yet we only have one Big 12 title and a lot of could've beens and should've beens regarding everything else. What's it going to take to get us to the "next level"?

Steve Smith: John - I appreciate your expertise. There have been many good teams in our league over the same stretch. For anyone to win, they have to be both lucky and good, and they have to play well at the right time.

Shop (Ft. Myers, FL): Good luck. I'll see you at Enron.

Steve Smith: Shelly - good to hear from you.

NEW ORLEANS, LA: COACH SMITH, I, AS A BAYLOR FAN, ALWAYS HAVE FAITH THAT YOU WILL LEAD BAYLOR INTO THE CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY-OFFS AT YEARS END. SO, WHICH TOP RECRUITS CAN YOU ELABORATE ON THAT YOU THINK CAN CONTRIBUTE SIGNIFICANTLY THIS YEAR? AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE GREAT SIGNINGS YOU HAVE SCHEDULED TO ENTER BAYLOR IN THE FALL, 2002. BEST WISHE. BILL COOKSTON, NEW ORLEANS.

Steve Smith: Right now, it looks like Josh Ford, Paul Witt, Trey Taylor and possibly Michael Griffin have the best opportunities to play early. We have a number of returning lettermen on this team, so it may take some time for these younger guys to move past them.

Richmond: Dear Coach Steve, I would like to send mt 16 year old son to your baseball camp this summer and would like to know what the dates are for planning purposes. Please e-mail me at jimmyhassell@juno.con THANKS

Steve Smith: We will be posting those dates on our website, www.GoBaylorBears.com, shortly. Thanks for your interest.

Baseball Nut, Waco: I've been coming to alot of the practices this last week and the players seem tired, hurt and it looks like moral is down. Do you think the practices have been too long?

Steve Smith: I don't think morale is down. In fact, it has been pretty spirited the last two intrasquads. I do agree that we have some guys that are tired. We have worked them very hard.

Lance(Grapevine): Congratulations on seven great years at Baylor. Were glad your staying with us! 2 Questions: Do you think the team suffered a "hangover" in 2001 from the euphoria of the 2000 conference championship? And how would you rate the talent on this squad as compared to the 2000 or 2001 group?

Steve Smith: No, I don't think we suffered from any "hangover". We just didn't play well in the 8th and 9th innings. I think our overall talent is comparable with Murphy healthy. I think our overall pitching is better, and at this point, I am hoping that will make the difference while Murphy is healing and the younger players are getting better.

#1 Baseball Fan-Baylor: Who do you consider your power hitters this year?

Steve Smith: Chris Durbin, David Murphy, Josh Ford, and Mike Huggins are all capable of double digit home runs.

Mike (Waco): Coach, I'm not as familiar with the process in baseball, but I haven't heard the term red shirt very often. In college baseball do many kids red shirt? Reason being, with D. Murphy out 6-8 weeks from his surgery is there a chance he red shirts? Just wondering if his talents are required this year of if they would be better served all year long next year.

Steve Smith: Because most of the talented players sign professional contracts after their third year, i.e., like a David Murphy, it doesn't make a lot of sense to redshirt those players. There are cases where redshirting does make sense, in situations where 1) the player has a likely chance of being in school for five years, and 2) would likely play more as a fifth-year senior than in his current year.

Winchester: Why does the Valley League (summer baseball) seem to have to settle for what many consider 2nd tier players? It seems they are in a constant battle with getting the best when it comes to the Cape. Your players have been among the best in the Valley and probably would have been overshadowed in the Cape. Why are college coaches hesitant to send their best young stars?

Steve Smith: There are many quality summer leagues, including both the Valley and the Cape. In the final analysis, the players make the decision on where they want to play. Those that have the option of going to the Cape Cod usually take it.

D. Gibson: Coach - What does the injury to Murphy do to the middle infield, assuming that Witt will move to the outfield to help fill the gap left by Murphy.

Steve Smith: Not much impact on the middle infield. Trey Webb and Eric Errante are playing very well there. Witt does become a factor in the outfield if he is needed there. We are giving him some work there now.

Miller: What kind of impact will Trey Webb have for your team this year? Is he an upgrade over Saccomanno?

Steve Smith: I am looking forward to watching Trey play. Time will tell how well he will play.

Nick(Ft. Worth): Thanks coach Smith for taking your time to answer our questions! I noticed that Al Carter of the "Dallas Morning News" had us picked sixth in the conference. Carter has been wrong on us many of times. My question is... can you tell us about the other teams in the Big 12 and where the Big 12 stacks up against the rest of the nation?

Steve Smith: In defense of Al Carter (please no nasty e-mails), at least he tries to defend his rankings by making an analysis of each team. I think the Big 12 will be as strong this year as it has ever been. I think there are possibly seven teams that could win our league. Many teams have a good nucleus of returning players, as well as a couple of good new players. I was not at all offended by Al's evaluation. As we all know, it will ultimately be decided on the field.

Dan, Oklahoma: Do you know which pitcher will start in the season opener and have you determined the rotation for the tournament at Enron?

Steve Smith: I will make a decision on that at the end of this week.

Tim(Houston): Coach, what are your feelings about playing in Dodger Stadium against USC?

Steve Smith: I think it's a wonderful opportunity for both teams and their fans. I know that our guys are very excited about playing USC, period, much less playing them in Dodger Stadium.

Dale (Irving): Coach, I can't help but think that if we only had bigger TVs in the locker rooms that we might be able to lure better recruits. What do you think, and is there any effort being made?

Steve Smith: We have one 62-inch, and it has served us well. But if you would like to add another, give me a call.

Ted(Ft Worth): I noticed that UL Lafayette was in the Astros Classic. Do you know who else might be in this tournament in the coming years? Thanks coach Smith!

Steve Smith: Beginning in 2003, the Classic will become a six-team event. Rice and Houston will both play in it annually. Baylor and Texas A&M will play in it in 2003 with two other teams yet to be named completing the field. In 2004, Texas and Texas Tech will play, and Baylor and TAMU will not. This rotation will continue for the foreseeable future.

Brock (baton Rouge): Any words of advice on sore arms besides not throwing? And, who are 5 players off of your club that are top 15 round draft eligible players? Thanks and good luck.

Steve Smith: Depends on where the soreness is. I would get a good orthopedic who is familiar with throwing injuries to make the prescription. As for top-15 round drafts this year, Steven White, Chris Durbin, Mike Huggins, Kyle Edens, Zane Carlson, Justin Taylor, Jared Theodorakos are the draft-eligible players that I think fall into that category.

Dave in Waco: Coach, I was wondering if you have pinned down any starting positions other than Durbins? I also noticed that Tim Hartshorn's name wasn't near the top of the list for outfield. Don't we need his speed on the base paths? And lastly, what can I expect to see from the players (speed, power, motivation?) at the home opener next Tuesday and at the Enron College Classic? Thanks for your comments!

Steve Smith: Just a few. Hartshorn has not been able to play the last two intrasquads because of a hamstring pull. I don't think it's serious. I think you should always expect to see our players play hard.

Robby Miller: Hello, sir-- Ive been watching BU baseball for 3 years now, and I really appreciate the work that you've done for this program. My question is about Josh Ford, how does he compare to recent cathcers like Shoppach?

Steve Smith: Josh is far more polished offensively than Kelly was as a freshman. Kelly was better defensively.

Chuck Allen (Waco): Can you tell us the early season 'picture' of the bullpen? Looking so forward to using the two season seats Merle and I got Saturday afternoon! Sic 'em, Coach!

Steve Smith: Thanks for buying seats. As for the bullpen, looks like early that will consist of Paul Thorp, Zane Carlson, Cody Hall, Trey Taylor, Sean Walker, Ryan Bennett and Abe Woody. That is assuming that Justin Taylor, Steven White, Jared Theodorakos, and Kyle Edens are being used to start.

Tom(Waco): I was at a practice last week when Hildorn sit a ball off the center field wall and seemed to have alot of power in his swing. Where is he playing?

Steve Smith: Mike Heldoorn works in left field. He does have some pop in his bat.

neil in austin: how many players will you take to Enron field?

Steve Smith: At least nine. Possibly more. I have 37 bodies from which to choose.

roy letbetter(houston): Thanks for your great work at Baylor, do you feel Baylor will be your home until retirement? or do you have aspirations towards pro baseball? I look foward to the coming games at Enron(AKA) field!!

Steve Smith: It's a long time til retirement (hopefully). I have no aspirations for professional baseball. I am very proud to be the baseball coach at Baylor University, because of the wonderful support of the fans and many friends we have here in Waco.

Steve Smith: Gotta go to practice, look forward to our next chat. Hope to see you and 3,000 more on Feb. 5.