LSU Coach Paul Mainieri begins his sixth season as the skipper for the Tigers who are trying to return to Omaha this season, after not even getting close the last two years. There's a lot of promise on this squad, but there's also a lot of big questions. Here are the top five.

1. How will the Tigers replace Mikie Mahtook's production at the plate?

Mahtook drove in 56 runs and crossed the plate 61 times for the Tigers last season. He accounted for 30% of the runs scored by LSU. One player can't replace Mahtook last season. But LSU's coaches believe they can make up for the loss of Mahtook by getting consistent production from the entire order.

2. Will closer by committee work?

Most managers in baseball like established roles in the bullpen and relievers prefer that as well. LSU will have to sort out those roles as the season goes on this year, but Mainieri still feels good that his bullpen will be improved over a season ago. Junior college transfer Nick Goody will get the first chance to close. He was the Suncoast Conference Pitcher of the Year last season at State College of Florida in Bradenton. Nick Rumbelow, Joe Broussard and left-hander Chris Cotton will also be asked to get key outs.

3. Which newcomers will step-up?

Aaron Nola is one guy Mainieri is looking to see in a pressure situation. The little brother of shortstop Austin Nola, was a standout hurler at Catholic High School in Baton Rouge. He will be used out of the bullpen this season after being voted “Mr. Baseball” for the state of Louisiana.

Tyler Moore is another Baton Rouge product that Mainieri is excited about. Moore could see time at first base or designated hitter, if the sweet swinging left-handed hitter gets off to a good start. Moore hit 15 home runs at Dunham High School last season.

4. Can LSU win the close games this season?

2011 could have been a lot different, but the Tigers lost seven one-run games in the SEC. The focus has been on winning the close games this season. LSU is counting on a more mature starting weekend rotation, a stronger bullpen and improved hitting in the clutch to improve the Tigers fortunes in close games. LSU led the SEC in runs scored last season, but the Tigers had too many games where they were shutout or scored three or less runs.

5. Can LSU host a regional this season?

LSU hasn't hosted a regional since winning the College World Series in 2009. That's two years without NCAA Tournament baseball at the Box and that's two years too many for some fans.

The Tigers will have to perform well within the SEC, because their non-conference schedule will not help LSU's strength of schedule. Baseball America released its projected Field of 64 and there are just two teams on LSU's non-conference schedule that is expected to make a regional. Those two teams are Alcorn State and Southern Miss.

But Baseball America projects LSU hosting a regional, which would make a lot of Tiger fans happy.

Photo courtesy Steve Franz, LSU Athletics