Zane Denton in the portal

[Freak]

I know this is being discussed in the portal thread but wanted to break out the discussion.

Does anyone remember a more weird situation? A guy sits out a year, the talk is that he could come back next year, and now he's in the portal?

From listening to Vitello's comments I always assumed there was some sort of off the field issue. Maybe that's still the case but he doesn't see himself as a fit here next year? I know some have talked about maybe Curley at third next year and Antigua at short.

Imagine having had Denton at DH this year.

Regardless, I wish him well. I'll always remember his home run against Clemson. One of the all-time great plays in Vol baseball lore, imo.

 

[WillisWG]

Is entering the portal his best option?

 

[MississippiVOLS]

Is entering the portal his best option?

Maybe his only option? Who knows what bridges may or may not have been burned.

Whatever his situation, I hope he goes on to have a long career, where ever he ends up. He had a great run with us.

 

[OldTimer]

It is an odd situation. ZD might be testing the waters to see if any suitors are worth trying to make a comeback. Him at DH this year could’ve been special……

 

[vols1071]

Got my support and for sure Vol Nation! Talented ball player and appreciate the time you gave us and the way you performed... Wish the young man nothing but the best.... Wish he was a Vol this year and next but he will succeed and whoever he chooses is getting a good one for sure

 

[vols1071]

It is an odd situation. ZD might be testing the waters to see if any suitors are worth trying to make a comeback. Him at DH this year could’ve been special……

He prolly ended up the better defensive option... Him and Amick splitting time at both

 

[AllThingsTN]

I have no idea what the truth is in this situation, but I respect that the folks who post on here and that they did/do know and kept it to themselves!

I’ve wondered the same thing all year. His switch hitting bat could’ve been great for us at DH this year. Maybe he didn’t want to take a step back from every day starter when Billy came in, maybe he was dealing with some personal stuff, maybe he just needed a break for a minute.

Who knows…. but I’m thankful we had him for the only year that we did, he came up clutch for us on defense and at the plate so many times! Thank you Zane!

 

[AllThingsTN]

It is an odd situation. ZD might be testing the waters to see if any suitors are worth trying to make a comeback. Him at DH this year could’ve been special……

I can’t imagine him not having any suitors. And some really good ones at that.

 

[Panthro]

Best of luck to the kid. I know he had some mental health struggles, so wish him well. Zach Joyce came back from a similar deal.

 

[vol66]

I agree, a bit confounding, still, I wish him the best and am glad he’s not getting thrown under the bus. Sometimes a change of scenery is a good thing for both parties. I hope he’s happy wherever he goes and I hope if he decides to return, he’s welcomed back with open arms.

Do what’s best for you young man.

 

[DazzleVol]

Baby faced assassin!

 

[GiveHim6InSC]

I know this is being discussed in the portal thread but wanted to break out the discussion.

Does anyone remember a more weird situation? A guy sits out a year, the talk is that he could come back next year, and now he's in the portal?

From listening to Vitello's comments I always assumed there was some sort of off the field issue. Maybe that's still the case but he doesn't see himself as a fit here next year? I know some have talked about maybe Curley at third next year and Antigua at short.

Imagine having had Denton at DH this year.

Regardless, I wish him well. I'll always remember his home run against Clemson. One of the all-time great plays in Vol baseball lore, imo.

I will always be indebted to him for this moment. Sure saved me and the other UT fans around here from having to put up with obnoxious Clemson people.
Same goes for the football team and the Lady Vols softball team.
I wish him the best.

 

[taylorvol]

I’d love to see Zane Denton back on Rocky Top next season! He would be electric back at 3B if that should happen. Either way, I will be pulling for him wherever he lands. Great young man who’s been through a lot and hope he is happy!

 

[Orange931]

Hate to hear this. I would love to have him back for one more year. Hope his journey leads him to happiness.

 

[GBO22]

We owe a lot of good Vol memories to Zane. Clemson regional victory made the 2023 season. Wishing Zane all the best and know he is a VFL!

 

[VolMarine1371]

He prolly ended up the better defensive option... Him and Amick splitting time at both

Amick is a 1st round pick, he wasn’t splitting time with Denton much if any. I don’t figure Amick comes to Knoxville if he knows he’s splitting time. He left Clemson because he wasn’t playing 3rd full time. He didn’t want to play DH, or play 1st. He wanted to play 3rd and when Clemson wasn’t playing him at 3rd as much, he left.

Denton at DH this year would have been amazing with the way the Vols played musical chairs at DH.

 

[nashvillepanther]

I will say this, and I’ll leave it at that, if you know of the Denton family, all the rumors make sense. FWIW Bryce is basically shunned by the pro community here in town after being a Vandy signee and signing to the Cards with the 60ish overall pick. Much bigger than baseball I’m afraid.

 

[TechnoVol]

I will say this, and I’ll leave it at that, if you know of the Denton family, all the rumors make sense. FWIW Bryce is basically shunned by the pro community here in town after being a Vandy signee and signing to the Cards with the 60ish overall pick. Much bigger than baseball I’m afraid.

I don't think I knew that Zane has an older brother and the story you shared. I know nothing of the Denton "family" and haven't heard any rumors etc.

 

[volplaya8]

Amick is a 1st round pick, he wasn’t splitting time with Denton much if any. I don’t figure Amick comes to Knoxville if he knows he’s splitting time. He left Clemson because he wasn’t playing 3rd full time. He didn’t want to play DH, or play 1st. He wanted to play 3rd and when Clemson wasn’t playing him at 3rd as much, he left.

Denton at DH this year would have been amazing with the way the Vols played musical chairs at DH.

More than meets the eye here…could have made for a tough locker room situation because Tony would have done what he felt best for the team just like he did when he moved Burns.

I will say this, and I’ll leave it at that, if you know of the Denton family, all the rumors make sense. FWIW Bryce is basically shunned by the pro community here in town after being a Vandy signee and signing to the Cards with the 60ish overall pick. Much bigger than baseball I’m afraid.

What do you mean when you say pro community in Nashville?

 

[txbo]

I know this is being discussed in the portal thread but wanted to break out the discussion.

Does anyone remember a more weird situation? A guy sits out a year, the talk is that he could come back next year, and now he's in the portal?

From listening to Vitello's comments I always assumed there was some sort of off the field issue. Maybe that's still the case but he doesn't see himself as a fit here next year? I know some have talked about maybe Curley at third next year and Antigua at short.

Imagine having had Denton at DH this year.

Regardless, I wish him well. I'll always remember his home run against Clemson. One of the all-time great plays in Vol baseball lore, imo.

And that was his second blast of the game. He was responsible for 4 of our 6 runs.

 

[txbo]

And Clemson had future 1st round pick, Billy Amick, sitting on the bench.

 

[vol66]

And Clemson had future 1st round pick, Billy Amick, sitting on the bench.

That is truly, mind blowing! Granted. I have no idea who was in front of him, their loss is our gain! Will take!

GBO!!!

 

[volplaya8]

That is truly, mind blowing! Granted. I have no idea who was in front of him, their loss is our gain! Will take!

GBO!!!

I can’t go down this road again with that…lol…let’s pick up a big win today though!

 

[chuckiepoo]

I can’t go down this road again with that…lol…let’s pick up a big win today though!

Yep. Strong pass on a rehash of this topic. Good call. Two hours and counting!

 

[malibuvol]

I don't think I knew that Zane has an older brother and the story you shared. I know nothing of the Denton "family" and haven't heard any rumors etc.

His dad was responsible for the boys taking up and playing baseball...His dad passed away I think when Zane was 12 years old...That's a tough age to lose your dad...Sad all they way around.