Pitching plans

LSU's pitching for the weekend is as mysterious as this team.

About the only thing we know is Charlie Furbush is throwing the Friday game. Ryan Byrd may or may not throw the Saturday game. And TBA is the starter on Sunday.

The reason for all of the uncertainty is the way Paul Mainieri uses his pitchers. He's trying to win as many games as he can. And that means using Jared Bradford in as many ways as he can.

Here's how Mainieri would like to see the weekend go.

Furbush go deep into Friday's game with a lead, turn it over to Bradford for the save.

Byrd pitch strong on Saturday.

Bradford start on Sunday.

Mainieiri called Braford the key to the team's success today. And Bradford's versatility has allowed LSU to climb back into the race.

The only drawback could be a worn out Bradford when it matters most. But it's a risk Mainieri has to take.