The Official Western Kentucky @ Tennessee Fall Exhibition Game Thread (Friday 10/25/24) (7PM EST First Horizon Park Nashville)

[MAD]

Even the whistler was spotted at the Vols game.

 

[WillisWG]

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

I wonder what attendance was like for these Tennessee fall exhibition games before Vitello came to town?

I’ve heard in podcast that media didn’t even send anyone over to the games.

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

Abernathy gonna give Backus a reaaaaaal run for his money I think.

Just my thoughts, when healthy LF Abernathy, CF Ensley, RF Bargo. I think DH is the only position open. That’s of course everyone healthy.

 

[NighthawkVol]

Just my thoughts, when healthy LF Abernathy, CF Ensley, RF Bargo. I think DH is the only position open. That’s of course everyone healthy.

You don’t think Chapman wins a spot? I think he’s one of the OF spots and Bargo is DH if Abernathy starts.

 

[NighthawkVol]

View attachment 691133
Ladies and gentlemen, it’ll be like Christian Moore never left.

Prob won’t have 30 HR season but will make up for it in the field. And that’s not to say he doesn’t have pop, he obviously does. But Moore is a lot to live up to.

I feel like Jay will be in the outfield this year but take a middle infield spot the next season

I’d rather see him take the CF spot after Ensley leaves. Curley, Antigua, and Marin can cover the infield.

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

You don’t think Chapman wins a spot? I think he’s one of the OF spots and Bargo is DH if Abernathy starts.

Fair point, Chapman’s high K’s is what I wonder. I understand the development should reduce his number of K’s. Just need to see him and the other freshman.

 

[darsinewman]

Fun game last night in Nashville. By the end of 14 innings, the crowd was super thin and quiet. Felt like the pre-Tony days at LNS, only funner. I don’t post during games because I’d rather not miss any of the action while I’m posting, but I’ll just say we are going to be fine this year. The Ole Miss transfers are a really good addition. Doyle pitched out of his hat several times, channeling his inner Zander. And of course Fischer is just mashing balls. Abernathy is as fast as advertised. Levi Clark has some massive legs, and when he gets full contact on a ball, that thing is going to fly into the next county. Stone Lawless is a large man and towers over most everyone else. There were some fielding issues that need to be worked on, but there’s a lot of time for that before the season starts. Peebs, Curley, and of course Hunter are going to be good leaders for this team. I’m really looking forward to seeing all of this develop.

 

[NighthawkVol]

Fun game last night in Nashville. By the end of 14 innings, the crowd was super thin and quiet. Felt like the pre-Tony days at LNS, only funner. I don’t post during games because I’d rather not miss any of the action while I’m posting, but I’ll just say we are going to be fine this year. The Ole Miss transfers are a really good addition. Doyle pitched out of his hat several times, channeling his inner Zander. And of course Fischer is just mashing balls. Abernathy is as fast as advertised. Levi Clark has some massive legs, and when he gets full contact on a ball, that thing is going to fly into the next county. Stone Lawless is a large man and towers over most everyone else. There were some fielding issues that need to be worked on, but there’s a lot of time for that before the season starts. Peebs, Curley, and of course Hunter are going to be good leaders for this team. I’m really looking forward to seeing all of this develop.

Agree with all of this. I left after 9, but I saw a lot of talent on the field. Next season will be different than 22 or 24 in that I think they’ll need more time to gel and figure things out. But I also think this team will be one of the 5 best in America by postseason.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Fun game last night in Nashville. By the end of 14 innings, the crowd was super thin and quiet. Felt like the pre-Tony days at LNS, only funner. I don’t post during games because I’d rather not miss any of the action while I’m posting, but I’ll just say we are going to be fine this year. The Ole Miss transfers are a really good addition. Doyle pitched out of his hat several times, channeling his inner Zander. And of course Fischer is just mashing balls. Abernathy is as fast as advertised. Levi Clark has some massive legs, and when he gets full contact on a ball, that thing is going to fly into the next county. Stone Lawless is a large man and towers over most everyone else. There were some fielding issues that need to be worked on, but there’s a lot of time for that before the season starts. Peebs, Curley, and of course Hunter are going to be good leaders for this team. I’m really looking forward to seeing all of this develop.

Eyes on the field!

 

[Christian Lowe]

Fun game last night in Nashville. By the end of 14 innings, the crowd was super thin and quiet. Felt like the pre-Tony days at LNS, only funner. I don’t post during games because I’d rather not miss any of the action while I’m posting, but I’ll just say we are going to be fine this year. The Ole Miss transfers are a really good addition. Doyle pitched out of his hat several times, channeling his inner Zander. And of course Fischer is just mashing balls. Abernathy is as fast as advertised. Levi Clark has some massive legs, and when he gets full contact on a ball, that thing is going to fly into the next county. Stone Lawless is a large man and towers over most everyone else. There were some fielding issues that need to be worked on, but there’s a lot of time for that before the season starts. Peebs, Curley, and of course Hunter are going to be good leaders for this team. I’m really looking forward to seeing all of this develop.

The name of our game is pitching and power. Contact, fielding and speed are secondary to those two characteristics.

I’ve said it before but we really are the college version of the Braves’ vision for their franchise over the last few years.

 

[6-4-3]

Five standouts from Tennessee baseball's exhibition win over Western Kentucky

 

[taylorvol]

I’d rather see him take the CF spot after Ensley leaves. Curley, Antigua, and Marin can cover the infield.

I suspect Curley will be drafted and gone after the 25 season as a draft eligible sophomore.

 

[NighthawkVol]

I suspect Curley will be drafted and gone after the 25 season as a draft eligible sophomore.

Good point. Forgot he’s draft eligible.

 

[taylorvol]

Good point. Forgot he’s draft eligible.

I bet Marin or Antigua will be ready to take the reins at SS and/or 2B in 2026.

 

[NighthawkVol]

I suspect Marin or Antigua will be ready to take the reigns in 2026

I’m hoping Antigua can take the SS job this year so Curley can play 3B. Then in 2026, Marin at 2B and AA at SS.

With all the infielders we signed this year who passed on the pros, we should be set for awhile there. Maybe Newstrom is the 3B in 2026.

 

[taylorvol]

I’m hoping Antigua can take the SS job this year so Curley can play 3B. Then in 2026, Marin at 2B and AA at SS.

With all the infielders we signed this year who passed on the pros, we should be set for awhile there. Maybe Newstrom is the 3B in 2026.

It’s a shame that Antigua has missed 2 straight seasons of Fall ball. It’s really set him back. I think Fischer will settle in at 3B as his defense has apparently really improved. I’m guessing Kilen at 2B with 1B, LF, and DH a dogfight for several folks. You can see the confidence and leadership in Curley and Ensley.

 

[NighthawkVol]

It’s a shame that Antigua has missed 2 straight seasons of Fall ball. It’s really set him back. I think Fischer will settle in at 3B as his defense has apparently really improved. I’m guessing Kilen at 2B with 1B, LF, and DH a dogfight for several folks. You can see the confidence and leadership in Curley and Ensley.

Had not heard that about Fischer‘s defense. That’s great to hear.

 

[MAD]

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

It’s a shame that Antigua has missed 2 straight seasons of Fall ball. It’s really set him back. I think Fischer will settle in at 3B as his defense has apparently really improved. I’m guessing Kilen at 2B with 1B, LF, and DH a dogfight for several folks. You can see the confidence and leadership in Curley and Ensley.

Who do you have penciled in at RF? I’m guessing 1st Bargo or Perry, LF Abernathy RF Chapman or Bargo.

 

[taylorvol]

Who do you have penciled in at RF? I’m guessing 1st Bargo or Perry, LF Abernathy RF Chapman or Bargo.

You are likely right on, but I bet we will see Backus with the first shot at RF. There’s so much depth and talent that a number of folks could be starting at 1B, LF, and DH. Admittedly, it’s way too early but I’d guess the following opening day lineup (subject to change based on injuries, Winter conditioning, etc.) but I’d go with:
1B. Bargo
2B. Kilen
SS. Curley
3B. Fischer
LF. Chapman
CF. Ensley
RF. Backus
C. Peebles
P. Doyle
DH. Abernathy.

My rationale is CTV will start the season with veteran experience but the lineup will work itself out by SEC play. Abernathy will be tough to keep out of the lineup with his elite speed, hitting, and defense. He doesn’t look or act or play like a true freshman. Abernathy will have opportunities in LF and 2B and Perry will see some time at 1B. 2-way player Brayden Sharp will get opportunities in RF and DH and some relief appearances IMHO.

 

[taylorvol]

PS. Don’t sleep on Antigua, Hunter High, Grimmer, Stone Lawless, and Levi Clark to just name a few! I’d hate to have to trim this fall roster from 52 to 34 by this Spring.

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

PS. Don’t sleep on Antigua, Hunter High, Grimmer, Stone Lawless, and Levi Clark to just name a few! I’d hate to have to trim this fall roster from 52 to 34 by this Spring.

No one is sleeping on Antigua, his injuries are keeping him from at bats.

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

You are likely right on, but I bet we will see Backus with the first shot at RF. There’s so much depth and talent that a number of folks could be starting at 1B, LF, and DH. Admittedly, it’s way too early but I’d guess the following opening day lineup (subject to change based on injuries, Winter conditioning, etc.) but I’d go with:
1B. Bargo
2B. Kilen
SS. Curley
3B. Fischer
LF. Chapman
CF. Ensley
RF. Backus
C. Peebles
P. Doyle
DH. Abernathy.

My rationale is CTV will start the season with veteran experience but the lineup will work itself out by SEC play. Abernathy will be tough to keep out of the lineup with his elite speed, hitting, and defense. He doesn’t look or act or play like a true freshman. Abernathy will have opportunities in LF and 2B and Perry will see some time at 1B. 2-way player Brayden Sharp will get opportunities in RF and DH and some relief appearances IMHO.

From hearing interviews, CTV is very high on Alex Perry. Not sure if that’s 1st or as the DH.

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

You are likely right on, but I bet we will see Backus with the first shot at RF. There’s so much depth and talent that a number of folks could be starting at 1B, LF, and DH. Admittedly, it’s way too early but I’d guess the following opening day lineup (subject to change based on injuries, Winter conditioning, etc.) but I’d go with:
1B. Bargo
2B. Kilen
SS. Curley
3B. Fischer
LF. Chapman
CF. Ensley
RF. Backus
C. Peebles
P. Doyle
DH. Abernathy.

My rationale is CTV will start the season with veteran experience but the lineup will work itself out by SEC play. Abernathy will be tough to keep out of the lineup with his elite speed, hitting, and defense. He doesn’t look or act or play like a true freshman. Abernathy will have opportunities in LF and 2B and Perry will see some time at 1B. 2-way player Brayden Sharp will get opportunities in RF and DH and some relief appearances IMHO.

What’s your thoughts on the pitching rotation?