Listened to Coach Vitello's interview with John and Jimmy from Friday. Some interesting tidbits from the interview:
-Said the turf installation is going great. Said stitching is almost done. The "fill" should be done in about a week (sand, rubber, cork that goes into the turf). Plans to make everything first class with our stadium. Turf was only the first step. Says there will be no excuses not to have success at UT.
-It's been a little bit of an adjustment for the team not being able to use the field, but coaches have northern backgrounds and have had seasons where they didn't get outside until the first game. Old hat to them.
-Says the pitching and catching will be better this year than last. Feels great about Landon Gray (juco) and Connor Pavalony (freshman) behind the plate defensively. Even Pete Derkay has really improved his catching skills as a third option. Says catching is "cleaner" this year. Core of pitching is coming back and another year in the program with coach Anderson is huge.
-Feels really good with 9-10 guys on the mound. Feels like 10 man pitching staff is for the most part filled. He mentioned Linginfelter, Stallings, Neely, Hunley, Crochet, Schultz, Walsh, Heflin, and Wallace by name.
-Really excited about strength and conditioning results. Coach Q has done a great job there and you can see the results in body changes.
-Freshmen Jake Rucker and Max Ferguson are competing for the 2nd base position. Jay Charleston will start the year in CF.
-Feels really good with 5-6 freshmen pitchers. They are the future of the program, but may not play a huge role this year due to the core of the innings probably coming from the older guys.
-Feels confident that all positions are locked in except for second base, left field, and DH. Said they have guys that have played those positions in the past that are in healthy competitions with other guys.
-Coaches and players are more comfortable this year. More confidence around the team and program. No guarantees until you see it on the field, but everybody is antsy to get going.
Just from his comments and reading the tea leaves, I would think the starting lineup would look something like this:
C: Gray/Pavolony
1B: Derkay
2B: Rucker/Ferguson
SS: Martinez
3B: A Lipcius
RF: Ammons
CF: Charleston
LF: Soulaire/Daniels/Russell
DH: Could really be anyone based on matchups. Any of the above guys not playing in the field, or Mascia, Trammel, L Lipcius.[/QUOTE
Nice recap, thanks! I’m thinking L. Lipcius at 1b though. Derkay will be battling for DH but I think Daniels and Trammell are more likely due to power potential. I assume he will get time at 1b and third team catcher. Lipcius brings a little mire pop imo and is a good defensive player.