Official Grand Canyon at Tennessee Game 2 Thread - 1 PM
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Gilbert
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I think the hardcore UT baseball fans will certainly be restless if we miss the NCAA Tournament again. I know CDS had a huge rebuilding job and had almost nothing to work with, but most that follow UT baseball thought this would be the year. We have a veteran team with lots of experience with pretty good pitching depth. The SEC is tough but that experience and talent should translate to success. There's still a long way to go this season, but it hasn't started out as well as anybody thought it would including fans, players, coaches, and administration. A lot of that has to do with the weather too. I would be disappointed if we miss out again this year, and I expect CDS would tell you the same. I think he expects this team to really compete in the SEC and receive an NCAA bid rather comfortably.
Having said all that, I don't think he is on the hot seat though. I think he is really well liked in Knoxville and by the administration, and I think they realize the situation he inherited. I also think right or wrong baseball is lower on the totem pole at UT and that allows for less pressure and more time for a baseball coach. His track record also speaks for itself. He has been successful everywhere. JMO.
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I agree with much of what you say. In terms of following the baseball team, I'd say I'm a pretty hard core fan.
The fact is that we lost one pitcher last year, one starter needed to be replaced on the pitching front.
At the end of the season I put up a chart that showed how the pitching was improving, I also put up one that showed our offense had remained about the same over CDS' time.
That was the first time that I wondered how we were going to replace Maddox, Smart and Price (who didn't have as good of a year as the year before, but was still one of the top offensive producers on that team.)
That was sort of poo-poo'ed while people instead focused on Kyle Serrano and his control issues and the pitching in general.
Midway through the summer season I expressed concern again because I wasn't seeing it. While Serrano was improving, going longer distances and still walking too many, it was clear that Marks was going to be one "guy", Cox and Martin were resting so there's 2 returning starters, Lee had some really good outings...so again I expressed that I was MORE worried about the hitting than the pitching.
Sometimes I feel like people miss the fact that we played a good game today, I mean it was a good game in general, a good old fashioned who makes the fewest mistakes type game. We had an E and a WP and that was the difference. Stew at the plate with AJ at 2B, that's what you want, we just didn't get it done, bases loaded with Rodgers at the plate in the bottom of the ninth and we don't get the wild pitch from their guy, I was hoping Rodgers would get a base knock, but I'm not surprised he didn't and it's way too early to be devastated by it.
I'm also no baseball expert, but CDS made some good moves today. When he switched to Moberg my first thought was that's a good bunt and it's not in the scouting report, if a guy gets on Moberg at the least will move the guy which he did.
We've missed a lot of games and a lot of practice as you noted and the team played at a very high level today despite that. Sure I'm worried a little and have been all off season, but we have a long way to go.
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Maybe, I mean I've been hearing things on the radio, call in shows, if someone is informed and makes a good argument, which I've yet to hear, really, it's okay by me.
I think people get frustrated, they want results, I get it. Someone decided that three years is enough time, maybe it is, maybe it is not, but to those type folks four is an eternity no matter the situation.
I don't think that's fair.
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I was mainly talking hot seat from the fan's perspective. As for the administration, I agree with Gilbert, I'm sure there is disappointment with the start but they also understand the magnitude the weather has played in it.
Look, here's what I'm talking about. I heard a guy call into Basiliio the other day and he went off on the fact that the team is scrawny and you want big guys on the corners and on and on.
Now, for all I know that guy goes to every game, maybe only looks at the box score or somewhere in between, but I'm sure of one thing.
He's never stood next to VJax, Maggio plays 1B, he's 6-5 240 pounds. AJ is 6-3 195, Lee is 6-5 220, Plunkett is 6-4 220, I mean sure we have a Moberg or two, and yeah we looked scrawny three years ago, but if that's hot seat talk, you know, it's just dismissed in my eyes.
Also, that guy is probably unaware that the lead off hitter for the defending champs is 5-5 150.
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TechnoVol
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I don't disagree and I've danced around it, why not just come out with it...if the same guy or anyone else for that matter wondered aloud about the hitting instruction of our team, or the recruiting of offensive production...
all legitimate, I'd be interested in that discussion.
I can't explain AJ last year, him not hitting for power, has nothing to do with his size, right? His dad being a coach and all makes it harder to explain, right?
A few?
1B Maggio - 6-5, 240
2B Senzel - 6-1, 205
3B Rodgers - 6-1 185, Langhorne - 6-3 195, Moberg - 5-9, 155
SS Simcox - 6-3 195
C - Houser - 6-2 220, Santiago - 5'11 175
RF - Leftridge - 6-1 165, Hall 5-11 175
CF - Jackson - 6-5 205
LF - Stewart - 6-0 205
Plunkett - 6-4 200
Lance - 5-10 175
Lee - 6-5 220
Our pitchers are good sized for the most part, but pitchers come in all shapes and sizes.
I think there has been a shift in the last two years in our recruiting, if one takes the time to look at the first couple of classes and looking at the last couple...I think it's there. Of course, that change won't reflect until next year or later. Aric Thomas has been a good addition IMO and the fact that CDS recognizes the need for Dill says a lot about CDS as a leader. Serrano has not been afraid to change up his staff, most people don't realize what's gone on behind the scenes.
CDS, I believe underestimated how difficult this job would be. He's come close to admitting it. I think it took a year or two for that to truly settle in, had to be humbling. Last year, when Vandy hosted their regional, CDS and Kyle were sitting in the stands, how much fun is that?
I think most assumed Rodgers would take over for Smart, if that's the case are those same people surprised that he didn't have the walk off hit yesterday? I think most thought Senzel would take over for Maddox at 2B, are those same people surprised that Senzel couldn't get the ball out of his glove on a play Maddox made routinely? Who do we have in RF that replaces Price on offense? same questions I've been asking since the end of last season.
I'll add, I think Rodgers and Senzel and Leftridge are gonna be fine, we'd be sunk without Senzel's production at the plate.
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