Portal Activity (News and Rumors)

[Weezer]

Honestly don’t know the kid or anyone who knows him. I know TN wants him bad and have met with him. But everyone is on him. The ones I’ve heard or read are Miss St and Arkansas, but I definitely think you can never count LSU out. They’ve been awfully quiet on the portal trail thus far and given what they’re losing I do not think it’ll stay that way - and people who know way more than me agree

I know everyone keeps saying TCU, but I honestly think they throw a big NIL deal Chase Burns' way. Whether or not it sways him, I don't know, but I think they make a play for him.

Also, they're probably quiet right now because they're tampering with guys they want from other teams.

 

[WGWTFA98]

Portal is open for two more weeks; we need some more talent from other teams to enter.

There will be more for sure, probably lots more.

 

[Weezer]

There will be more for sure, probably lots more.

Are there any guys currently in the portal that we're pursuing that haven't been mentioned? The only ones left atm we've discussed are Galanie, Amick, and Holman. I was wondering if you've heard any under the radar names?

 

[WGWTFA98]

I know everyone keeps saying TCU, but I honestly think they throw a big NIL deal Chase Burns' way. Whether or not it sways him, I don't know, but I think they make a play for him.

Also, they're probably quiet right now because they're tampering with guys they want from other teams.

Oh I think Burns to TCU is one of the worst kept secrets in the sports world

 

[WGWTFA98]

Are there any guys currently in the portal that we're pursuing that haven't been mentioned? The only ones left atm we've discussed are Galanie, Amick, and Holman. I was wondering if you've heard any under the radar names?

Nah haha I’m not privy to that good of information. What I am privy to is how the whole process works and I can almost guarantee they’ve been in contact in some form or fashion with guys who aren’t even in the portal right now.

Essentially if you’re a big time player you aren’t even entering the portal until you’ve already narrowed down a shortlist and know they have a spot for you

 

[WGWTFA98]

Nah haha I’m not privy to that good of information. What I am privy to is how the whole process works and I can almost guarantee they’ve been in contact in some form or fashion with guys who aren’t even in the portal right now.

Essentially if you’re a big time player you aren’t even entering the portal until you’ve already narrowed down a shortlist and know they have a spot for you

When I say this it doesn’t even necessarily mean any of the direct coaches. There’s all sorts of agents now and they know tons of people. Travel ball coaches, other players on the teams, etc. The other big thing is the whole Corbin/Tony V/Ahuna situation. I think info is gonna be harder to come by this year. Everyone knows tampering happens (and Corbin is a real dbag for what he did) but also know it can’t be as out there as it was last year. It’s a reason Burns hasn’t announced his new spot yet.

 

[lukeneyland]

Getting what looks like a super star catcher and a really exciting pitcher has seriously taken the sting off of losing Burnes. Tennessee Baseball just keeps doing the right things. Tony V is the man

 

[drylo]

From what I’ve gathered from Amick’s cousin that I happened to be friends with (my cousin went to Batesburg-Leesville HS with the Amicks. They’re a wealthy family in that area) and my several friends who are invested in Clemson baseball… There’s not much difference in how Clemson sees Amick and how we see Chase Burns.

Amick was a starter who batted .400 but was unhappy with Bakich for some unknown reason. (People seem to think it’s his playing 1B, but no one’s told me that explicitly that I’ve talked to.) His cousin told me that he’s primarily interested in NIL money.

So with Tony Vitello saying he doesn’t want NIL minded guys, and the Burns situation causing locker room issues all season… why is Amick a take? They seem to be mirror image situations from what I’ve gathered.

Assuming Amick comes here, there is one very important difference between Burns and Amick — one wants to wear the power T, and one doesn’t.

 

[WGWTFA98]

Getting what looks like a super star catcher and a really exciting pitcher has seriously taken the sting off of losing Burnes. Tennessee Baseball just keeps doing the right things. Tony V is the man

As great as Burns was to close the season, he needed to go. Think it will end up better for all parties. I do think he’s receiving bad advice but who am I to judge.

Personally I think he should’ve been happy that the bullpen move saved BOTH his season and his teams season, and that he should’ve loved the challenge of getting to go back to starting next year and attack it with a new focus and fire - the same one he had after he moved to the bullpen. But I think he had people in his ear - specifically an agent from the second that move happened. It’s really sad because I do truly believe that Tony cares about these kids deeply

 

[VolMarine1371]

Logan Chambers has officially entered the portal. Some expect Zach Joyce to be next.

I don’t remember Logan playing much this year. I also don’t remember Joyce pitching much the 2nd half of the season. If he was hurt and not able to pitch I don’t see the issue. But it was clear that this team had some internal issues going on the 1st half of the year. Now Tony is flipping the roster and some kids will be recruited over. It’s a business it happens.

 

[vol_smoothie]

It is a societal problem with a lack of patience. Not sure it can be solved.

Blame parents, cell phones and Tic Toc in that order.

 

[vol_smoothie]

As great as Burns was to close the season, he needed to go. Think it will end up better for all parties. I do think he’s receiving bad advice but who am I to judge.

Personally I think he should’ve been happy that the bullpen move saved BOTH his season and his teams season, and that he should’ve loved the challenge of getting to go back to starting next year and attack it with a new focus and fire - the same one he had after he moved to the bullpen. But I think he had people in his ear - specifically an agent from the second that move happened. It’s really sad because I do truly believe that Tony cares about these kids deeply

Well said. Not sure what Burns' major malfunction is, but I would say the team and the coaches did everything they could to help him.
He ended the season looking great after getting his ass handed to him earlier as a starter. He should be extremely grateful.
Any thoughts on his early season problems as a starter after a very good freshman season in that role ? What changed from last year ?

 

[mr.checkerboards]

Billy Amick is an interesting prospect.
It seems a little odd he would leave a program with a solid head coach and tangible recent success. However he is in the portal.

I have read three articles and a Clemson baseball forum to find out why he is leaving. Clemson fans are in various stages of grief and there is only opinion as to why he is leaving.

Apparently, Amick had little playing time (9 games) his freshman year. He DHed and played 1B. He batted below the Mendoza line and was not considered as a factor for this year.

Of course he is hitting over 400 this year and is a big piece of Clemson"s plan going forward. His entering the portal appears as a surprise to everyone. His head coach flew to the Cape to meet with him this week. If the meeting occurred Amick has not changed his mind.

The consensus seems to be Amick wants to play third base. Blake Wright a 3 year player for Clemson (2b , SS ) may be returning next year and is projected as a third baseman at the next level. (This is all speculation from Clemson fans).

SC beat writers seem to believe Amick is a perfect fit for the Gamecocks. Although they have a third baseman, the belief is that SC's third baseman would change positions to get Amick.

If Amick decides to play at Tennessee, and Zane Denton returns... hopefully Zane would consider a middle infield position.

Zane isnt a SS and C MO will be at second. Zane to DH would be fun tho.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

They want Zane to play 2B. They like his glove, but don’t love his arm. A sentiment out there that some pro scouts feel the same. You’re right CMo is going to play everyday. They are going to see if his athleticism can translate to the OF. They love his athleticism but I’m not sure they love the glove at 2B. I do think you’re right that CMo is playing every day. If he can’t translate to OF then he’s going to stick at 2B

I agree with this on Zane, he doesnt have the arm for the left side of the infield. C MO to the OF makes sense, but it only leaves one spot for DD or Tears.... Im assuming Ensley is back starting in CF.

 

[Weezer]

I agree with this on Zane, he doesnt have the arm for the left side of the infield. C MO to the OF makes sense, but it only leaves one spot for DD or Tears.... Im assuming Ensley is back starting in CF.

One could be DH, or they could alternate DHing and playing in the field. I trust TV to make the pieces fit. Whoever plays will have to produce both at the plate and in the field.

Is the train of thought right now that Denton won't be drafted high enough to leave?

 

[CAVPUT]

I know everyone keeps saying TCU, but I honestly think they throw a big NIL deal Chase Burns' way. Whether or not it sways him, I don't know, but I think they make a play for him.

Also, they're probably quiet right now because they're tampering with guys they want from other teams.

Can't recall which one, but a Vol podcast...247 maybe?...I was listening to made it clear that this split between Burns and the staff was not so amicable. I think the bridges are burned on this one....poor pun intended. Same podcast made comments about chemistry and behind the scenes things this team had to overcome. If I heard correctly, it seems as though a lot of the problems are out the door now so we can turn the page and look to next year. As a coach and team, this league is tough enough. Just don't need the drama some players bring to the mix. Bet Tony V is very, very careful about the fit of any recruit into this culture...both HS and portal.

 

[mr.checkerboards]

One could be DH, or they could alternate DHing and playing in the field. I trust TV to make the pieces fit. Whoever plays will have to produce both at the plate and in the field.

Is the train of thought right now that Denton won't be drafted high enough to leave?

I haven't seen anything on Zane this year, but I think that's why he came back.
I think Burke staying or leaving will factor in too. We have the JUCO 1B/DH to factor in as well. Im not sure what his draft status is either.

 

[NighthawkVol]

I agree with this on Zane, he doesnt have the arm for the left side of the infield. C MO to the OF makes sense, but it only leaves one spot for DD or Tears.... Im assuming Ensley is back starting in CF.

Ensley could get drafted. And if Bradke Lohry bypasses the draft, he’s a 2B, so that could send Moore to the OF.

 

[Zues1]

One could be DH, or they could alternate DHing and playing in the field. I trust TV to make the pieces fit. Whoever plays will have to produce both at the plate and in the field.

Is the train of thought right now that Denton won't be drafted high enough to leave?

Denton to fill the DH role would be awesome. ... for the team

 

[BP4Prez]

Oh I think Burns to TCU is one of the worst kept secrets in the sports world

What’s the connection?

 

[rockytop25]

I haven't seen anything on Zane this year, but I think that's why he came back.
I think Burke staying or leaving will factor in too. We have the JUCO 1B/DH to factor in as well. Im not sure what his draft status is either.

Burke can’t leave…he’s not draft eligible as a sophomore

 

[rockytop25]

What’s the connection?

The 247 pod the other day mentioned there was a connection between Burns agent and TCU

 

[@1RBFjr]

The consensus seems to be Amick wants to play third base. Blake Wright a 3 year player for Clemson (2b , SS ) may be returning next year and is projected as a third baseman at the next level. (This is all speculation from Clemson fans).

SC beat writers seem to believe Amick is a perfect fit for the Gamecocks. Although they have a third baseman, the belief is that SC's third baseman would change positions to get Amick.

Blake can and has also played SS and 2B, so unless he’s locked in at 3B, Clemson may have options if they want to keep Amrick.

FWIW, and I’m not saying this is the Amrick situation, but I know a non-UT player who went in the portal to see what might happen and he got an unexpected call from what I consider a quality ACC program and he’s changing schools. Some players may go in the portal to fish.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Amick’s visit to Rocky Top is today. Hoping we can shut this thing down while he is on campus. If he makes all of his other visits, I like our chances less.

 

[Weezer]

I haven't seen anything on Zane this year, but I think that's why he came back.
I think Burke staying or leaving will factor in too. We have the JUCO 1B/DH to factor in as well. Im not sure what his draft status is either.

Burke isn't draft eligible, is he? Or do you think he might hit the portal?

I'm not familiar with who we have coming in. The solutions may be there. My biggest concern is SS. I mean, other than having a solid bullpen.