Looking at last season, Tennessee had 6 bullpen guys we could really count on in weekend/postseason games: Sewell, Kirby, Walsh, McLaughlin, Mabrey, and Joyce. Of course, once Blade returned, we had 4 weekend starters, so one could be used in the pen. But that was an embarrassment of riches.
So Tennessee needs 6 bullpen guys it can really count on in 2023. I think we have 4 already in Sewell, Evans, Kirby, and Halvorsen. I’m guessing Lindsey ends up being a 5th.
That means we need one or two of Orr, Loop, Zach Joyce, Ethan Smith, Fanning, Fitzgibbons, or one of the 4 JUCOs to step up and be a reliable bullpen arm. I’d say the odds of that happening are pretty good, especially considering who the pitching coach is.
In short, Sewell returning is huge. Not only does Tennessee look like it’ll have the best starting rotation in college baseball again, but there’s a great chance this is an elite bullpen again.