Jay Johnson of LSU Baseball Explains Steven Milam’s Part on Opening Day
Steven Milam’s Role on Opening Day: Jay Johnson’s Strategy for LSU Baseball
Introduction
As the 2025 LSU baseball season approaches, one of the key storylines under Coach Jay Johnson’s leadership is the strategic shifts within the infield, particularly the decision to move sophomore Steven Milam to shortstop. This move, announced just days before LSU’s season opener against Purdue Fort Wayne, represents a significant change in the Tigers’ infield structure. While this shift may appear as a simple positional adjustment, it reflects a deeper understanding of Milam’s skill set, his growth since arriving at LSU, and Johnson’s broader vision for the team’s success.
In this detailed analysis, we will explore Milam’s journey to this pivotal moment, the reasoning behind his transition to shortstop, and how it impacts LSU’s overall strategy for the upcoming season. Additionally, we will examine how Coach Jay Johnson’s philosophy and strategic thinking come into play, influencing the decisions that will shape the Tigers’ 2025 campaign.
The Rise of Steven Milam
Steven Milam arrived at LSU with considerable potential as a versatile and athletic player capable of making an immediate impact on the team. A native of Mississippi, Milam’s baseball pedigree was impressive, and his skills quickly made him a key figure on the Tigers’ roster. Known for his excellent defensive abilities, Milam’s quick reflexes, strong arm, and ability to cover significant ground on the field made him a natural fit for the middle infield. His transition from second base to shortstop is a logical progression, showcasing his growth as a well-rounded player and his ability to adapt to new challenges.
Milam’s freshman season with LSU was a proving ground for his defensive prowess. Despite being a newcomer to the collegiate level, Milam demonstrated an ability to make plays in the field that belied his experience. Starting 60 games at second base, Milam showcased his athleticism, agility, and impressive arm strength. His defensive reliability was a cornerstone for the Tigers’ infield, as he was regularly able to turn double plays, field balls hit sharply, and make strong, accurate throws to first base. These qualities helped cement his place as a key contributor to the Tigers’ defense during the 2024 season.
However, it became clear to Coach Jay Johnson that Milam’s talents could be utilized even more effectively at shortstop. The decision to move him to this more demanding position was rooted in Johnson’s philosophy of maximizing his players’ abilities. A shortstop requires a combination of skills—quick decision-making, strong range, and the ability to lead the infield—that Milam possesses in abundance. His swift reaction time, excellent fielding instincts, and strong arm made him a prime candidate for the position, and the move to shortstop provides a chance to capitalize on his strengths while adding more stability and consistency to the Tigers’ infield defense.
The Strategic Decision: Why Move Milam to Shortstop?
When Jay Johnson addressed the media about the shift, he emphasized that Milam’s move to shortstop was not simply a positional change but a strategic decision meant to enhance the team’s overall performance. Johnson’s coaching philosophy revolves around placing his best defenders in positions where they can make the most significant impact. By moving Milam to shortstop, Johnson is putting a player with outstanding defensive capabilities at a critical position that is essential for controlling the game from the infield.
Johnson’s decision to switch Milam from second base to shortstop also stems from a broader understanding of the team’s needs and how Milam’s skill set aligns with the demands of the position. Shortstop is traditionally considered one of the most important defensive positions on the field, and it requires players to handle a high volume of ground balls, make critical double plays, and showcase excellent communication with the rest of the infield. The player at shortstop is often viewed as the quarterback of the defense, orchestrating plays and ensuring that everything runs smoothly in the infield. Milam’s strong baseball instincts, which Johnson has praised, make him an ideal candidate to take on this responsibility.
In his comments, Johnson noted that Milam’s “really good internal baseball clock” and anticipation of plays were vital to his ability to thrive at shortstop. This “internal clock” refers to a player’s ability to predict the outcome of a play before it happens, helping them position themselves effectively and make quicker, more accurate decisions. This quality is especially important for shortstops, who often face plays where a split-second decision can determine the outcome of an inning. Milam’s ability to read the game and react quickly makes him perfectly suited for the demands of the shortstop position.
Milam’s Defensive Capabilities and Key Strengths
Milam’s defense is perhaps the most compelling reason behind the decision to move him to shortstop. His arm strength, quickness, and fielding range all position him as one of LSU’s top defensive players, and these qualities were critical in Johnson’s thinking as he reassessed the team’s infield alignment.
Milam’s strong arm is one of his standout attributes. Throughout his freshman season, he demonstrated an ability to make difficult throws from second base, often exhibiting a high degree of accuracy over long distances. This is an essential quality for a shortstop, who is regularly called upon to make long, cross-body throws to first base, sometimes requiring pinpoint precision to beat fast runners. Milam’s arm strength will not only help him make these throws but also allow him to cover more ground in the hole between shortstop and third base, an area of the field where quick reflexes and precise throws are crucial.
Equally important is Milam’s quickness. His speed allows him to cover a significant amount of ground and position himself effectively for plays on both sides of the diamond. Shortstops are frequently required to track balls hit into the gap, ranging toward second base or toward third, and Milam’s speed gives him a distinct advantage in these situations. His agility on the field, coupled with his natural athleticism, makes him a formidable presence in the infield and allows him to react quickly to even the most challenging ground balls.
Moreover, Milam’s decision-making ability sets him apart. Coach Johnson has frequently spoken about Milam’s ability to read plays and act swiftly. This skill is vital for a shortstop, as the position often requires players to make split-second decisions that can drastically impact the outcome of a play. Whether it’s deciding when to make a throw to second base for a force out, or when to hold the ball and wait for the play to develop, Milam’s keen instincts give him the upper hand in these critical moments.
The Role of Michael Braswell and the Infield Adjustments
With Milam moving to shortstop, LSU’s infield will undergo another adjustment, as Michael Braswell transitions from shortstop to third base. Braswell, who has significant experience at shortstop, including starting 64 games at the position for LSU in 2024, is a versatile player capable of excelling at multiple infield spots. His ability to play third base will provide the Tigers with additional flexibility in the infield and help maintain defensive consistency.
Braswell’s move to third base also aligns with Coach Johnson’s emphasis on versatility and depth. Third base is a demanding position that requires a player to handle high-velocity ground balls, particularly with left-handed hitters pulling balls into the left side of the infield. Braswell’s defensive skills, including his ability to read balls off the bat and make quick, accurate throws, will make him an asset at third base. His familiarity with the infield dynamics and his ability to quickly adjust to different positions will allow the Tigers to maintain a high level of defensive play.
This shift also gives LSU the opportunity to optimize the skills of both Milam and Braswell, ensuring that each player is positioned where they can make the greatest impact on the game. The versatility of the infield, with Milam at shortstop and Braswell at third, is a testament to the depth of LSU’s roster and Coach Johnson’s ability to make decisions that align with the team’s overall strengths.
LSU’s Infield Depth and Overall Strategy
The infield shifts do not stop with Milam and Braswell. LSU’s infield is deep and versatile, with other players stepping into key roles. Jared Jones returns at first base after a standout 2024 season, providing both offensive power and defensive stability. Jones’s presence in the lineup will give the Tigers a consistent force at the plate, while his defensive abilities at first base will anchor the infield.
Additionally, LSU has added new talent to the mix, including Daniel Dickinson, a junior transfer from Utah Valley. Dickinson brings impressive speed and hitting abilities to the Tigers, having stolen 32 bases last season while maintaining a .367 batting average. His quickness and ability to handle second base give LSU more options and further solidify the team’s depth. This influx of talent, combined with the defensive adjustments, will allow the Tigers to maintain a high level of performance both offensively and defensively.
Coach Johnson’s ability to manage this depth and create a flexible infield lineup is a key factor in LSU’s potential for success in 2025. The versatility of players like Milam, Braswell, Jones, and Dickinson gives the team a level of adaptability that will be crucial throughout the season. Whether dealing with injuries, matchups, or changing game situations, the Tigers’ infield depth provides a safety net that ensures the team remains competitive in any scenario.
A Promising Future for LSU Baseball
As LSU prepares for its 2025 season, Steven Milam’s move to shortstop is just one of the many strategic decisions that Jay Johnson has made to enhance the team’s chances of success. This positional shift, combined with the overall depth and versatility of the Tigers’ roster, sets the stage for a promising season. Milam’s defensive capabilities, coupled with his growth as a player, make him an ideal fit for shortstop, and his presence at this critical position will be key to LSU’s success.
Coach Johnson’s emphasis on maximizing player strengths and fostering adaptability will ensure that the Tigers are well-prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. As the season unfolds, the combination of Milam’s skills at shortstop, Braswell’s versatility, and the overall depth of LSU’s infield will provide the Tigers with a strong foundation for a successful campaign. The 2025 LSU Baseball team is primed for success, and with players like Milam leading the way, the Tigers will be a force to be reckoned with in the SEC and beyond.
