Raleigh comments on the team

[Freak]

Todd Raleigh comments summarized from a Thursday radio interview by John Wilkerson.


Raleigh thinks the team is getting better. He knew they wouldn't be sharp early, but there has been a steady progression, especially on the mound. He really likes the continued improvement.

Matt Duffy had an outstanding fall and has picked up right where he left off.

Chris Pierce has a tremendous arm. He can play behind the plate, left, center, right, second or third. He has really benefited from lifting weights. He will play somewhere.

Nick Blount has been the biggest surprise on the mound. He did not have a tremendous fall; he struggled the second half. But he was thrown in the fire as a freshman and probably shouldn't have been. As a result, he lost his confidence. He's throwing really well right now; up to 94 mph with a good breaking ball.

Catching is up for grabs because of injuries. Matt Ramsey is battling injury and hasn't been able to practice at 100 percent. He checked out by the doctor, but just isn't feeling up to par. Ethan Bennett pulled a hamstring and is out seven to ten days.

This year, in his fourth season, Raleigh feels better than ever. The team is more prepared and has better players, especially on the mound. In the past, his teams have been very close defensively and offensively, but fell short on the mound. Not this year. By far, this is the best pitching staff he's had. He has some guys that can shut people down. Last year, he asked a lot from pitchers that weren't ready. That's not the case this year.

The key between now and the start of the season is: don't get hurt, don't get hurt, and don't get hurt.

This weekend Raleigh wants to see guys like Steven Gruver and Jon Reed get up to 75 pitches. He hopes the other guys get to 65-70.

He would like to see three solid, consistent scrimmages in a row this weekend.

[knoxville's finest]

I noticed the nonconference schedule is very watered down. Could it be not alot of talent or Raleigh knows this is his last year or Both?

[NYYVol]

Blount will turn some heads this year.
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[TNVols58]

Will Ramsey be able to play next weekend?

Also, who will be the starters around the diamond?

[firestorm]

Originally Posted by knoxville's finest

I noticed the nonconference schedule is very watered down. Could it be not alot of talent or Raleigh knows this is his last year or Both?

I don't think this will be his last year if he can get the Vols into the SEC Tournament, and into the CWS. The third year look like the charm but it was failure to get a base hit to beat the Crimson Tide in the 2nd game. It was close but no cigar to get into the SEC Tournament but I don't think it will be another close but no cigar to get into the SEC tournament.

[feathersax]

so there are still players left on the UT team?

[Yankee_Vol]

TR needs to be fired.

[volmountaineer]

A whole month at home to start, they better have a good record after that vs. Some easy competition.
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[firestorm]

Originally Posted by volmountaineer

A whole month at home to start, they better have a good record after that vs. Some easy competition.
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THere is not a lot of easy competition. If your pitcher has a bad game you can lose to a team even if they aren't a LSU,Cal State Fullerton, Miami, etc.

Ideal would be 10-12 wins of their first 15.

[Zasnow]

Can't wait till he gets canned in May or June.

[TNVols58]

Firestorm are you Todd Raleigh? Seems like you're making every excuse in the book for him

And yes....our OOC is really poor
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[Hobock]

Originally Posted by TNVols58

Firestorm are you Todd Raleigh? Seems like you're making every excuse in the book for him

And yes....our OOC is really poor
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Wait a minute, I thought I was Todd Raleigh.
Now I'm REALLY confused.
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[VolsSportsFan]

Originally Posted by TNVols58

Firestorm are you Todd Raleigh? Seems like you're making every excuse in the book for him

And yes....our OOC is really poor
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I was about to say the same thing. To even remotely think this is a CWS team is beyond delusional. And I for one am not going to think that barely getting into the SECT as the 8th team shows a ton of improvement, which is exactly my fear: that they barely squeak in and Raliegh is around longer.

[Domestic Silence]

Didn't this idiot say the same thing last year, that it was the best team he has had?

[TNVols58]

Raleigh always says it's his best team....always says we have the most pitching he's ever had....he's so full of sh$t it's amazing

Raleigh is who Rex Ryan would be if his teams sucked
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