chuckiepoo
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This Week in BaseVols (TWIB)
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taylorvol
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Ritzwatch
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taylorvol
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This Week in BaseVols (TWIB)
5/5/26
The BaseVols were dominated by the increasingly weird and annoying Wildcats on yet another cool and windy weekend in Lexington, but thankfully managed to avoid being swept by winning the final game on Sunday. Candidly, the Vols appeared to leave their bats, defense, and pitching on the bus but at least managed to find the bats by Sunday. Despite being last in the SEC in HRs and 13th in slugging, Kentucky feasted on UT’s pitching all weekend by hitting 8 home-runs and scoring 30 runs. Despite a strong start from Landon Mack on Sunday, the leaky bullpen almost blew it by allowing 8 runs over the final 3 innings. Thankfully Landon Mack, Levi Clark, and Reese Chapman brought their “A games” enabling the Vols hang on for a 10-9 win on Sunday. Levi Clark hit a 3-run HR in the 9th (his 2nd HR of the game) and bashed a double with 5 RBIs. Chapman hit a solo HR and had a RBI double. For the series, Levi Clark hit .556 with a double, 2 HRs, and 5 RBIs, Henry Ford hit .333 with 2 doubles, a HR, and and 2 RBIs. Reese Chapman hit .300 with 2 doubles, a HR, and 3 RBIs.
To quote one of favorite philosophers, Forrest Gump, the 2026 version of the BaseVols are like a box of chocolates—-you never know what you’re going to get! From getting walked off and swept by Vanderbilt to sweeping a strong Miss State team in Starkvegas, they are as “Jekyl and Hyde” as you can possibly get. With the latest swoon in Lexington, I’m back to having more questions than answers on the BaseVols.
Random Questions and Observations Post Mildcats Series:
Who can the Vols trust in the Bullpen besides Brandon Arvidson and for short stints, Bo Rhudy?
Why has Brayden Krenzel regressed so much this season?
Why has Cam Appenzeller turned from virtually unhittable to being almost unpitchable?
Why didn’t Coach Elander go to Arvidson, Appenzeller, or Rhudy when only down 4-2 on Saturday vs putting Krenzel in yet another high pressure, high leverage situation? It’s almost like Arvidson is now on a “load management” restriction.
Sophomore Levi Clark has impressively raised his level of play in the SEC. His non-conference at bats were mostly below mid, but when it really counts in SEC play, he’s hitting .297, slugging .649 and has a 1.024 OPS with 7 home-runs and 22 RBIs. He’s poised for a tremendous Junior season.
At this point of the season, how are the Vols still making egregious mental mistakes?
-How does a D1 baseball player run into an out on a grounder to 3B? This cost UT an early run on Friday.
-How does a 1B forget to cover the bag on a tailor made 6-4-3 double play. This gave KY an extra run on Saturday.
How does TN have such an incredibly unreliable bullpen?
How much better would the pitching staff be with Tanner Wiggins (Rice), Michael Sharman (Clemson), Dylan Loy (GA Tech), and Brayden Sharp (Rice)?
UT is the only SEC team without a midweek loss. Unfortunately TN has 2 midweek games left against 265+ RPI killers. I’m glad UT doesn’t cancel them but they will adversely affect TN’s RPI even with big wins. Most other SEC teams have zero or only 1 midweek game remaining.
At 11-13, Is the Road to the Postseason Still Open?
Considering UT’s relatively strong RPI of 35, KPI (Kevin Pauga Index) of 27, and DSR (Diamond Sports Rankings) of 18, If UT can finish 2-4 against TX and on the road vs OK, they will end up at 13-17 in the SEC and most likely make the playoffs.
Is This Team Underperforming?
Most teams crater after winning a National Championship—not the BaseVols. They won a Regional last season, and will most likely reach the playoffs this season. They are the only team in the SEC without a midweek loss. As a reminder, UT is the 167th team in the country in Returning Production, and 13th in the SEC. In short, they are young and inexperienced and unfortunately made some key misses in the portal while attempting to revamp their pitching staff. I’m going to wait and judge Coach Elander after the 2027 season. The success of 2027 rests on how well he manages retaining the returning core talent (Clark, Grindlinger, Brown, Abernathy, Appenzeller, Mack, etc.), if he can secure elite talent via the portal to fill roster gaps, and if he can hold onto the elite 2026 HS recruiting class. He will also likely need to make a tweak or two to his coaching staff. In short, Coach Elander has his work cut out for him.
What Would the Record be if Coach Vitello Was Still Here?
I think UT would be 14-11 instead of 11-14 if Coach Vitello was still coaching on Rocky Top. (This isn’t intended as a shot at Coach Elander, but the reality is he’s a 34 yo first year head coach who is still learning on the job—-with a coaching staff hastily assembled in November). Sure, Coach Vitello was responsible for curating this roster, but he had the innate ability to make players believe in themselves, instilled a certain amount of leadership and swagger, and ensured the energy and vibes were alway high. Plus, Frank Anderson, Quentin Eberhardt, and Sean McCann (who were all NEXT LEVEL elite in their respective crafts) would all still be on the coaching staff. They demanded excellence and didn’t accept mediocrity. Candidly, the direction of the pitching staff and the analytical driven approach would be much different (in a very good way).
Will the Real UT Make a Final Stand at The Lindsey?
If it wasn’t for the Volunteers, we all know that what is now referred to as Texas would be northern Mexico. Texas may owe the Vols, but I don’t think the #4 Longhorns will be granting the BaseVols any favors when they make the trek to Rocky Top for this weekend’s final series at the beautifully renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Ironically, TX’s ace and Friday night starter is 6’6” 220lb Sophomore LHP Dylan VOLantis who is 7-0 with a 1.87 ERA and has only allowed 44 hits and 13 ERs with 92 Ks and 19 BBs in 62.2 IP. I know that you can’t land them all, but how did the real UT not land this stud from CA? Can you imagine the popularity and NIL deals for a big Southpaw with a last name of VOLantis? Regardless, the Vols will need to bring their absolute best to avoid being swept by one of the most loaded and experienced rosters in college baseball. Here’s hoping for great weather, large crowds, and some victories on the final weekend in Knoxville. GBO!
Taylor
5/5/26
The BaseVols were dominated by the increasingly weird and annoying Wildcats on yet another cool and windy weekend in Lexington, but thankfully managed to avoid being swept by winning the final game on Sunday. Candidly, the Vols appeared to leave their bats, defense, and pitching on the bus but at least managed to find the bats by Sunday. Despite being last in the SEC in HRs and 13th in slugging, Kentucky feasted on UT’s pitching all weekend by hitting 8 home-runs and scoring 30 runs. Despite a strong start from Landon Mack on Sunday, the leaky bullpen almost blew it by allowing 8 runs over the final 3 innings. Thankfully Landon Mack, Levi Clark, and Reese Chapman brought their “A games” enabling the Vols hang on for a 10-9 win on Sunday. Levi Clark hit a 3-run HR in the 9th (his 2nd HR of the game) and bashed a double with 5 RBIs. Chapman hit a solo HR and had a RBI double. For the series, Levi Clark hit .556 with a double, 2 HRs, and 5 RBIs, Henry Ford hit .333 with 2 doubles, a HR, and and 2 RBIs. Reese Chapman hit .300 with 2 doubles, a HR, and 3 RBIs.
To quote one of favorite philosophers, Forrest Gump, the 2026 version of the BaseVols are like a box of chocolates—-you never know what you’re going to get! From getting walked off and swept by Vanderbilt to sweeping a strong Miss State team in Starkvegas, they are as “Jekyl and Hyde” as you can possibly get. With the latest swoon in Lexington, I’m back to having more questions than answers on the BaseVols.
Random Questions and Observations Post Mildcats Series:
Who can the Vols trust in the Bullpen besides Brandon Arvidson and for short stints, Bo Rhudy?
Why has Brayden Krenzel regressed so much this season?
Why has Cam Appenzeller turned from virtually unhittable to being almost unpitchable?
Why didn’t Coach Elander go to Arvidson, Appenzeller, or Rhudy when only down 4-2 on Saturday vs putting Krenzel in yet another high pressure, high leverage situation? It’s almost like Arvidson is now on a “load management” restriction.
Sophomore Levi Clark has impressively raised his level of play in the SEC. His non-conference at bats were mostly below mid, but when it really counts in SEC play, he’s hitting .297, slugging .649 and has a 1.024 OPS with 7 home-runs and 22 RBIs. He’s poised for a tremendous Junior season.
At this point of the season, how are the Vols still making egregious mental mistakes?
-How does a D1 baseball player run into an out on a grounder to 3B? This cost UT an early run on Friday.
-How does a 1B forget to cover the bag on a tailor made 6-4-3 double play. This gave KY an extra run on Saturday.
How does TN have such an incredibly unreliable bullpen?
How much better would the pitching staff be with Tanner Wiggins (Rice), Michael Sharman (Clemson), Dylan Loy (GA Tech), and Brayden Sharp (Rice)?
UT is the only SEC team without a midweek loss. Unfortunately TN has 2 midweek games left against 265+ RPI killers. I’m glad UT doesn’t cancel them but they will adversely affect TN’s RPI even with big wins. Most other SEC teams have zero or only 1 midweek game remaining.
At 11-13, Is the Road to the Postseason Still Open?
Considering UT’s relatively strong RPI of 35, KPI (Kevin Pauga Index) of 27, and DSR (Diamond Sports Rankings) of 18, If UT can finish 2-4 against TX and on the road vs OK, they will end up at 13-17 in the SEC and most likely make the playoffs.
Is This Team Underperforming?
Most teams crater after winning a National Championship—not the BaseVols. They won a Regional last season, and will most likely reach the playoffs this season. They are the only team in the SEC without a midweek loss. As a reminder, UT is the 167th team in the country in Returning Production, and 13th in the SEC. In short, they are young and inexperienced and unfortunately made some key misses in the portal while attempting to revamp their pitching staff. I’m going to wait and judge Coach Elander after the 2027 season. The success of 2027 rests on how well he manages retaining the returning core talent (Clark, Grindlinger, Brown, Abernathy, Appenzeller, Mack, etc.), if he can secure elite talent via the portal to fill roster gaps, and if he can hold onto the elite 2026 HS recruiting class. He will also likely need to make a tweak or two to his coaching staff. In short, Coach Elander has his work cut out for him.
What Would the Record be if Coach Vitello Was Still Here?
I think UT would be 14-11 instead of 11-14 if Coach Vitello was still coaching on Rocky Top. (This isn’t intended as a shot at Coach Elander, but the reality is he’s a 34 yo first year head coach who is still learning on the job—-with a coaching staff hastily assembled in November). Sure, Coach Vitello was responsible for curating this roster, but he had the innate ability to make players believe in themselves, instilled a certain amount of leadership and swagger, and ensured the energy and vibes were alway high. Plus, Frank Anderson, Quentin Eberhardt, and Sean McCann (who were all NEXT LEVEL elite in their respective crafts) would all still be on the coaching staff. They demanded excellence and didn’t accept mediocrity. Candidly, the direction of the pitching staff and the analytical driven approach would be much different (in a very good way).
Will the Real UT Make a Final Stand at The Lindsey?
If it wasn’t for the Volunteers, we all know that what is now referred to as Texas would be northern Mexico. Texas may owe the Vols, but I don’t think the #4 Longhorns will be granting the BaseVols any favors when they make the trek to Rocky Top for this weekend’s final series at the beautifully renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium. Ironically, TX’s ace and Friday night starter is 6’6” 220lb Sophomore LHP Dylan VOLantis who is 7-0 with a 1.87 ERA and has only allowed 44 hits and 13 ERs with 92 Ks and 19 BBs in 62.2 IP. I know that you can’t land them all, but how did the real UT not land this stud from CA? Can you imagine the popularity and NIL deals for a big Southpaw with a last name of VOLantis? Regardless, the Vols will need to bring their absolute best to avoid being swept by one of the most loaded and experienced rosters in college baseball. Here’s hoping for great weather, large crowds, and some victories on the final weekend in Knoxville. GBO!
Taylor
Volgrandpa
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Ernest T. Vol
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taylorvol
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taylorvol
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taylorvol
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taylorvol
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taylorvol
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TN Jed
I'd rather be fishin'
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. I'll be happy with 1 and 2 over the weekend.
taylorvol
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Mini TWIB (This Weekend in BaseVols)
Notes on a HUGE and HISTORIC Series vs Texas
After over 100 hundred years of baseball, the TX Longhorns will play “the real UT” (aka the Tennessee Volunteers) for the first time ever this weekend in Knoxville in front of a record breaking crowd at the beautifully renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium. In fact, the teams have only previously met 5 times and all were at neutral sight stadiums or in tournaments.
As a reminder, the Vols and Longhorns played last year at the SEC Tournament in Hoover, AL. UT beat TX 7-5 in an epic 12 inning affair. This was Brandon Arvidson’s breakout game as he was virtually unhittable in relief. Since 2021 (the Tony Vitello era), UT is 2-1 against TX, and “the real UT” leads the overall series at 3-2. This weekend marks the first time TX and UT meet in a true SEC series. Make no mistake, UT (32-17 overall and 11-13 SEC) has their work cut out them against the #4 Longhorns (36•10 overall and 15-8 SEC). NOTE: TX has played one less SEC game because of a game 3 rainout vs TX A&M. That was notably the only SEC series that TX lost. In a conference that claims that “It just means more”, I have no idea why their game 3 wasn’t made up.
Now back to the game…
Looking at SEC conference games only, TX leads UT in virtually every category. Texas has a stellar RPI of 3 vs UT’s RPI of 36. Texas is 2nd in the SEC in Returning Production while UT is 13th. Texas has a superior pitching staff ranking 2nd in the SEC and their staff leads the league in strikeouts, are 4th in fewest walks allowed, and are 1st in fewest home-runs allowed.
Texas also excels at the plate possessing the 4th best Batting Average and 4th best On Base Percentage. The Longhorns consistently put the ball in play as they rank 2nd in fewest strikeouts. Finally, they are patient at the plate and take more than their fair share of “free 90s” by ranking 2nd in walks and 3rd in stolen bases. Perhaps the only compelling advantage the Volunteers have besides playing in front of their home crowd is defense. UT plays the best defense in the conference and is tied nationally for the best fielding percentage. Texas ranks tied for 9th in the SEC in this this category.
Longhorn Players of Interest
Candidly, on paper Texas should dominate Tennessee, but thankfully this game will be played at Lindsey Nelson Stadium! I think the Vols will avoid the sweep and get at least one game vs the Longhorns. It looks like a beautiful weekend for baseball so let’s pack the stadium and cheer on the Volunteers in the last Series of the season! GBO!
Taylor
Notes on a HUGE and HISTORIC Series vs Texas
After over 100 hundred years of baseball, the TX Longhorns will play “the real UT” (aka the Tennessee Volunteers) for the first time ever this weekend in Knoxville in front of a record breaking crowd at the beautifully renovated Lindsey Nelson Stadium. In fact, the teams have only previously met 5 times and all were at neutral sight stadiums or in tournaments.
As a reminder, the Vols and Longhorns played last year at the SEC Tournament in Hoover, AL. UT beat TX 7-5 in an epic 12 inning affair. This was Brandon Arvidson’s breakout game as he was virtually unhittable in relief. Since 2021 (the Tony Vitello era), UT is 2-1 against TX, and “the real UT” leads the overall series at 3-2. This weekend marks the first time TX and UT meet in a true SEC series. Make no mistake, UT (32-17 overall and 11-13 SEC) has their work cut out them against the #4 Longhorns (36•10 overall and 15-8 SEC). NOTE: TX has played one less SEC game because of a game 3 rainout vs TX A&M. That was notably the only SEC series that TX lost. In a conference that claims that “It just means more”, I have no idea why their game 3 wasn’t made up.
Now back to the game…
Looking at SEC conference games only, TX leads UT in virtually every category. Texas has a stellar RPI of 3 vs UT’s RPI of 36. Texas is 2nd in the SEC in Returning Production while UT is 13th. Texas has a superior pitching staff ranking 2nd in the SEC and their staff leads the league in strikeouts, are 4th in fewest walks allowed, and are 1st in fewest home-runs allowed.
Texas also excels at the plate possessing the 4th best Batting Average and 4th best On Base Percentage. The Longhorns consistently put the ball in play as they rank 2nd in fewest strikeouts. Finally, they are patient at the plate and take more than their fair share of “free 90s” by ranking 2nd in walks and 3rd in stolen bases. Perhaps the only compelling advantage the Volunteers have besides playing in front of their home crowd is defense. UT plays the best defense in the conference and is tied nationally for the best fielding percentage. Texas ranks tied for 9th in the SEC in this this category.
Longhorn Players of Interest
- Freshman OF Anthony Pack Jr is 2nd in SEC in Batting Average and 3rd in OBP
- Junior CF Aiden Robbins is 2nd in the SEC in Homeruns and top 5 in OPS & SLG and Junior C Carson Toney isn’t far behind as he’s 8th and 11th respectively
- Pitchers: Freshman Sam Cozart and Sophomore Dylan VOLantis are #1 and #2 in lowest ERAs respectively in the SEC.
- Senior Ruger Riojas joins Cozart and VOLantis with elite K:BB ratios ranking 5th, 6th, and 7th in the SEC.
Candidly, on paper Texas should dominate Tennessee, but thankfully this game will be played at Lindsey Nelson Stadium! I think the Vols will avoid the sweep and get at least one game vs the Longhorns. It looks like a beautiful weekend for baseball so let’s pack the stadium and cheer on the Volunteers in the last Series of the season! GBO!
Taylor
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