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2022 Fall Report: Tennessee
FALL REPORT David Seifert - November 21, 2022
Hunters in 2021 on their way to the College World Series for the first time since 2005, the Volunteers became the hunted in 2022. Rolling through the regular season at 49-7 overall and 25-5 in the SEC, Tennessee’s National Championship dreams were dashed by Notre Dame in the Knoxville Super Regional.
The postseason awards were numerous, as was the ever-growing list of Volunteers moving onto professional baseball. With 10 picks in the 20 rounds, including nine in the top seven rounds and five in the top three rounds; 28th overall Drew Gilbert, 38th overall Jordan Beck, second round Blade Tidwell and third rounders Trey Lipscomb and Ben Joyce, Tennessee had a mass exodus of top shelf talent.
However, the Vols just reload these days. Plenty of firepower returns, especially on the mound with likely 2023 first-rounder Chase Dollander once again fronting the rotation. Another top arm, sophomore Chase Burns, is a potential first-rounder in 2024. And don’t forget the talented Drew Beam, another potential top round pick.
In his two inning start against Memphis in Jackson in early November staff ace Dollander easily sat 95-96 and touched 97 with his fastball while featuring a mid-80s slider as his primary secondary pitch. He did hit a few barrels in the first inning, allowing a run, but settled down, found his plus slider and finished strong. Dollander can also spin a better than average, upper-70s curveball (2700+ rpm) and pull the string with an above average changeup.
Burns did not pitch in Memphis, but routinely runs his heater near triple digits. Earlier this fall against Wake Forest he sat 95-97 with a 86-88 mph slider. As a true freshman last season Burns finished 8-2 with a 2.91 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 80 innings.
A staff ace anywhere but Knoxville, Beam the 2022 SEC Freshman of the Year has some of the best pitchability of any current pitcher in college baseball. He went 8-1, 2.72 with 62 strikeouts and 21 walks in 76 innings as the Sunday starter. It all begins with a low-90s fastball that he commands from a high slot to all four quadrants of the plate, and especially well to the top of the zone. With a plus wiggling changeup as his best secondary offering, he’s a pitch to contact type of arm. The biggest key for him to take the next step in his development is to tighten up his 81-82 mph breaking ball. Beam has proven he can thrive without missing a ton of bats, but he’ll need to boost that strikeout rate to really raise his stock for the 2024 draft, and the development of a true swing-and-miss breaking ball is likely the biggest key to that end.
The big-time depth on the mound continues well past the weekenders of Dollander, Burns and Beam. With many different looks and numerous lefty/righty options the Vols can combat any part of any lineup. Of that group swingman Camden Sewell is the most versatile and can be highly effective in any role. The right-hander pitches with plus movement on his 87-89 fastball, but it’s his plus deception that really allows his No. 1 to play. His changeup had been his best secondary offering early in his Tennessee career, but now the slider has improved to become his main off speed weapon. If the Vols want to go with a lefty in the rotation Wyatt Evans, Zander Sechrist and Jacob Bimbi are ready for the ball. The 6-foot-6 Evans pitches at 88-93 with good deception from a high three-quarter release point. His circle changeup is ahead of his breaking ball at this point, but he can also get the breaking ball going on certain days for a three pitch tough to square mix. Evans improved his strike-throwing ability as the fall progressed and put himself firmly into consideration for the midweek starter’s role, or even as an option on the weekend if Tennessee wants a different look from their trio of righties. Sechrist posted a 1.67 ERA in 43 innings over 17 appearances and 11 starts last season. He struck out 46 against just seven walks. The arm action isn’t great and he finishes with a violent head dunk, but it creates an extreme amount of deception and obviously misses bat after bat. He typically attacks with a lively, upper-80s fastball and finishes with an above average 72-75 mph changeup that is sold well with the max effort in his delivery. He has also worked on a cutter this fall to better round out his repertoire. Bimbi is a quick-armed, lower slot look with a sinker/slider mix. Against Memphis it was a hard 89-91 mph sinker that produced easy, routine ground balls for two outs, while his low-80s slider induced swing/miss for a strikeout in his quick, 1-2-3 inning pitched. Jake Fitzgibbons is a fourth left-hander who will likely fill a prominent role in 2023. He was up to 92 against Memphis, and has touched 95 in the past. His best pitch is an upper 70s curveball and with a compact delivery he filled the zone with fastballs against the Tigers. He can still overthrow at times, but his strike-throwing improved greatly this fall, so much that he was unofficially named their most improved returning pitcher.
The backend of the bullpen will be led by Charlotte transfer Andrew Lindsey and JUCO transfer Bryce Jenkins. Although the coaching staff knew Jenkins was highly talented, they did not anticipate what he would bring to the mound from the onset of his Tennessee career. The athletic, 6-foot right-hander exceeded an already high expectation, mostly with a tight, two-plane actioned slider in the low-80s that spun into the 2800 rpm range. He worked quickly and competitively against Memphis, showing very good carry on his 91-93 mph heater, while driving it downhill into the zone from a high three-quarter release point. Lindsey sat out the 2022 season due to personal reasons and was coaching a local 13U travel baseball team just a year ago. He committed to his home state Volunteers in late July and began his fifth-year with much success this fall. A 6-foot-4, 210-pound right-hander, he offers a four-seam fastball that can touch the mid-to-upper 90s and he’s also able to produce good arm side run and sink in the 88-90 mph range with a two-seamer as he did in his quick one inning against Memphis. He also spun a mid-80s slider in the 2600 rpm range, but his best pitch is an above average, 90 mph cutter.
The pen depth continues with personal favorite, Kirby Connell, as well as the fluid motioned Hollis Fanning and JUCO transfer Turner Swistak. The 80-grade competitor Connell has a limited ceiling and middle of the road raw stuff, but he gets every last ounce out of his mid-80s fastball and plus changeup. Appearing in 30 of the Vols 66 games last season, the left-hander posted a 1.67 ERA in 38 innings and walked just six batters. Fanning showed good arm speed from a three-quarter slot that produced a 90-91 mph fastball. He also showed some feel for spinning a sweeping 83-84 mph slider. Swistak is a strong-framed, stiffer-bodied reliever who fired 88-90 fastballs and flashed an above average 77-78 mph curveball during his appearance against Memphis.
THE LINEUP
While the pitching staff returned most of its innings, the Vol lineup lost most of its at-bats, including the top five hitters for average in Drew Gilbert, Trey Lipscomb, Seth Stephenson, Jorel Ortega and Luc Lupcius, as well as top power prospect and second round pick, Jordan Beck.
The top returning hitter is sophomore infielder Christian Moore, who will likely slot into the two-hole. There’s some length to his swing, but his plate discipline is top notch and bat to ball skills are advanced. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound right handed hitter posted .305 average and .443 on-base percentage last spring as a true freshman. Hitting ahead of Moore in the leadoff spot looks to be one of a trio; Kyle Booker, Maui Ahuna, Christian Scott. The super-twitchy Ahuna is the most famous of the three after his transfer from Kansas and stint with the USA Collegiate National Team this past summer. He’s a top half of the first round defender with a plus arm that plays up and super quick, yet easy actions at shortstop. However, the bat will ultimately determine how high he is selected. He must get more consistent with his approach and was streaky this fall in Knoxville. He was “off” during his plate appearances against Memphis which included a three pitch strikeout with no adjustment to his swing during the at-bat. However, he did bang five home runs in other scrimmage action this fall to help validate the .396/.479/.634 slash he produced for the Jayhawks last spring. The most impressive Vol hitter in Memphis was the left handed Booker who was locked in at the plate. He doubled twice and also singled on a curve ball for an RBI. Booker is a toolsy 5-foot-10 center fielder who will show a plus arm and an easy running stride that produces plus run times. Last, but not least of the potential leadoff options, is the much improved Scott. He did not play in Memphis due to a foot injury, but before he went down his approach was more under control and his swing a little flatter. Both adjustments increased his percentage of hard contact, giving him a great chance to improve upon a .200/.400/.380 slash he produced in a limited role (70 at-bats) last season as a junior.
Christian Scott, Tennessee (Eddie Kelly/Pro Look Photos)
The middle of the lineup looks to be, in some order, junior Jared Dickey, Cincinnati transfer Griffin Merritt, sophomore thumper Blake Burke and Alabama transfer Zane Denton. The switch-hitting Denton batted in the four-hole for the Crimson Tide the past two seasons, accumulating 23 home runs and 88 RBI before returning to his home state this year for his senior season. He missed time this fall with sickness and other matters away from the field, but there’s no doubting his valuable SEC experience and past production. He started at third base against Memphis and has ample arm strength, but has a ways to go defensively to remain there. Right fielder Merritt was the AAC Player of the Year in 2022 for the Bearcats, slugging 19 home runs and driving in 53. There is some swing/miss to his game with a longer, pull centric swing, but the punch he packs more than makes up for the strikeouts. Dickey was off to an All-American type of season in 2022 before succumbing to a foot injury and finishing with a .380/.484/.690 in 100 at-bats. He also missed most of this fall with a hand injury. When healthy the left handed hitter is one of the top hitters in the country, possessing the ability to hit for both average and power. First baseman Burke could be the biggest difference maker of them all. With some length and good, late whip in his powerful left handed swing, he belted 14 home runs in 95 at-bats last season, all good for a .821 SLG. He wasn’t able to get to that power against Memphis, other than crushing a liner to center field during his third plate appearance. Regardless, Burke will anchor the middle of the Volunteers’ lineup, likely in the three-hole or cleanup spot.
Infielder/Outfielder Blake Burke. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Similar to the pitching staff, the positional talent is deep with many other options who will likely impact the lineup at some point next spring. The biggest newcomer surprise was freshman Dylan Dreiling. The 6-foot, 190-pound, athletic framed Kansas prep is solid in all areas of the game and has advanced ability with the bat, especially for his age. It’s a hit tool that should play right away in the SEC. He’s an average runner underway and looked to be at least average defensively in left field.
Behind the plate, Charlie Taylor received the starting nod in the first game, showing above average arm strength with high effort. It’s also a longer transfer to a high slot, but his throws were accurate and his receiving was solid. At the plate, the right handed hitter delivered three hard contacts in three plate appearances for two singles and a well-struck flyout the opposite way to right field. After seeing part-time action behind the plate last season (22 games, 12 starts), Taylor looked well on his way to more time on the diamond this spring. However, the competition looked strong as to who will wear the tools of ignorance for the Vols this spring. If it ends up as a platoon split, 6-foot-3, 205-pound left handed hitter Ryan Miller impressed as well. The redshirt sophomore ambushed a first pitch fastball for a long home run to dead center against Memphis. He also connected for a deep opposite field fly out near the wall and walked in his other plate appearances.
Other standouts from my look in Jackson (Tenn.) against Memphis included the huge power of Kavares Tears. It’s 70-grade pop that he can get to in the game. Super strong at 6-foot, 205 pounds, the left handed slugger blasted a grand slam, just to the right of dead center field. He showed flashes of becoming a special college power bat, but will need to lessen the swing/miss, especially against breaking stuff. Shortstop Austen Jaslove showed quick feet, solid hands and strong defensive ability with average to better arm strength. He struggled against sliders at the plate, but managed to line an elevated fastball to left field for a single during his second at-bat. First baseman Hunter Ensley tripled off the wall and freshman outfielder Reese Chapman impressed in the batter’s box with a pair of hard hit baseballs, one landing for a triple to right field. The Colorado prep ran the bases well, showing plus speed and good instincts, turning a sure double into a hustle triple. Last by not least, senior utilityman Logan Chambers continued to put the bat on the ball with a pair of hits and reached base five times over the 18 innings of Memphis. Although he lacks a true position the versatile Chambers has the ability to play third base and the outfield. The left handed hitter will likely carve out a valuable role this spring with his versatility and ability to grind out an at-bat.
Overall, it’s another deep and well-balanced, Omaha-caliber roster that can win in many ways.
2022-12-10 01:04:07
FALL REPORT David Seifert - November 21, 2022
Hunters in 2021 on their way to the College World Series for the first time since 2005, the Volunteers became the hunted in 2022. Rolling through the regular season at 49-7 overall and 25-5 in the SEC, Tennessee’s National Championship dreams were dashed by Notre Dame in the Knoxville Super Regional.
The postseason awards were numerous, as was the ever-growing list of Volunteers moving onto professional baseball. With 10 picks in the 20 rounds, including nine in the top seven rounds and five in the top three rounds; 28th overall Drew Gilbert, 38th overall Jordan Beck, second round Blade Tidwell and third rounders Trey Lipscomb and Ben Joyce, Tennessee had a mass exodus of top shelf talent.
However, the Vols just reload these days. Plenty of firepower returns, especially on the mound with likely 2023 first-rounder Chase Dollander once again fronting the rotation. Another top arm, sophomore Chase Burns, is a potential first-rounder in 2024. And don’t forget the talented Drew Beam, another potential top round pick.
In his two inning start against Memphis in Jackson in early November staff ace Dollander easily sat 95-96 and touched 97 with his fastball while featuring a mid-80s slider as his primary secondary pitch. He did hit a few barrels in the first inning, allowing a run, but settled down, found his plus slider and finished strong. Dollander can also spin a better than average, upper-70s curveball (2700+ rpm) and pull the string with an above average changeup.
Burns did not pitch in Memphis, but routinely runs his heater near triple digits. Earlier this fall against Wake Forest he sat 95-97 with a 86-88 mph slider. As a true freshman last season Burns finished 8-2 with a 2.91 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 80 innings.
A staff ace anywhere but Knoxville, Beam the 2022 SEC Freshman of the Year has some of the best pitchability of any current pitcher in college baseball. He went 8-1, 2.72 with 62 strikeouts and 21 walks in 76 innings as the Sunday starter. It all begins with a low-90s fastball that he commands from a high slot to all four quadrants of the plate, and especially well to the top of the zone. With a plus wiggling changeup as his best secondary offering, he’s a pitch to contact type of arm. The biggest key for him to take the next step in his development is to tighten up his 81-82 mph breaking ball. Beam has proven he can thrive without missing a ton of bats, but he’ll need to boost that strikeout rate to really raise his stock for the 2024 draft, and the development of a true swing-and-miss breaking ball is likely the biggest key to that end.
The big-time depth on the mound continues well past the weekenders of Dollander, Burns and Beam. With many different looks and numerous lefty/righty options the Vols can combat any part of any lineup. Of that group swingman Camden Sewell is the most versatile and can be highly effective in any role. The right-hander pitches with plus movement on his 87-89 fastball, but it’s his plus deception that really allows his No. 1 to play. His changeup had been his best secondary offering early in his Tennessee career, but now the slider has improved to become his main off speed weapon. If the Vols want to go with a lefty in the rotation Wyatt Evans, Zander Sechrist and Jacob Bimbi are ready for the ball. The 6-foot-6 Evans pitches at 88-93 with good deception from a high three-quarter release point. His circle changeup is ahead of his breaking ball at this point, but he can also get the breaking ball going on certain days for a three pitch tough to square mix. Evans improved his strike-throwing ability as the fall progressed and put himself firmly into consideration for the midweek starter’s role, or even as an option on the weekend if Tennessee wants a different look from their trio of righties. Sechrist posted a 1.67 ERA in 43 innings over 17 appearances and 11 starts last season. He struck out 46 against just seven walks. The arm action isn’t great and he finishes with a violent head dunk, but it creates an extreme amount of deception and obviously misses bat after bat. He typically attacks with a lively, upper-80s fastball and finishes with an above average 72-75 mph changeup that is sold well with the max effort in his delivery. He has also worked on a cutter this fall to better round out his repertoire. Bimbi is a quick-armed, lower slot look with a sinker/slider mix. Against Memphis it was a hard 89-91 mph sinker that produced easy, routine ground balls for two outs, while his low-80s slider induced swing/miss for a strikeout in his quick, 1-2-3 inning pitched. Jake Fitzgibbons is a fourth left-hander who will likely fill a prominent role in 2023. He was up to 92 against Memphis, and has touched 95 in the past. His best pitch is an upper 70s curveball and with a compact delivery he filled the zone with fastballs against the Tigers. He can still overthrow at times, but his strike-throwing improved greatly this fall, so much that he was unofficially named their most improved returning pitcher.
The backend of the bullpen will be led by Charlotte transfer Andrew Lindsey and JUCO transfer Bryce Jenkins. Although the coaching staff knew Jenkins was highly talented, they did not anticipate what he would bring to the mound from the onset of his Tennessee career. The athletic, 6-foot right-hander exceeded an already high expectation, mostly with a tight, two-plane actioned slider in the low-80s that spun into the 2800 rpm range. He worked quickly and competitively against Memphis, showing very good carry on his 91-93 mph heater, while driving it downhill into the zone from a high three-quarter release point. Lindsey sat out the 2022 season due to personal reasons and was coaching a local 13U travel baseball team just a year ago. He committed to his home state Volunteers in late July and began his fifth-year with much success this fall. A 6-foot-4, 210-pound right-hander, he offers a four-seam fastball that can touch the mid-to-upper 90s and he’s also able to produce good arm side run and sink in the 88-90 mph range with a two-seamer as he did in his quick one inning against Memphis. He also spun a mid-80s slider in the 2600 rpm range, but his best pitch is an above average, 90 mph cutter.
The pen depth continues with personal favorite, Kirby Connell, as well as the fluid motioned Hollis Fanning and JUCO transfer Turner Swistak. The 80-grade competitor Connell has a limited ceiling and middle of the road raw stuff, but he gets every last ounce out of his mid-80s fastball and plus changeup. Appearing in 30 of the Vols 66 games last season, the left-hander posted a 1.67 ERA in 38 innings and walked just six batters. Fanning showed good arm speed from a three-quarter slot that produced a 90-91 mph fastball. He also showed some feel for spinning a sweeping 83-84 mph slider. Swistak is a strong-framed, stiffer-bodied reliever who fired 88-90 fastballs and flashed an above average 77-78 mph curveball during his appearance against Memphis.
THE LINEUP
While the pitching staff returned most of its innings, the Vol lineup lost most of its at-bats, including the top five hitters for average in Drew Gilbert, Trey Lipscomb, Seth Stephenson, Jorel Ortega and Luc Lupcius, as well as top power prospect and second round pick, Jordan Beck.
The top returning hitter is sophomore infielder Christian Moore, who will likely slot into the two-hole. There’s some length to his swing, but his plate discipline is top notch and bat to ball skills are advanced. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound right handed hitter posted .305 average and .443 on-base percentage last spring as a true freshman. Hitting ahead of Moore in the leadoff spot looks to be one of a trio; Kyle Booker, Maui Ahuna, Christian Scott. The super-twitchy Ahuna is the most famous of the three after his transfer from Kansas and stint with the USA Collegiate National Team this past summer. He’s a top half of the first round defender with a plus arm that plays up and super quick, yet easy actions at shortstop. However, the bat will ultimately determine how high he is selected. He must get more consistent with his approach and was streaky this fall in Knoxville. He was “off” during his plate appearances against Memphis which included a three pitch strikeout with no adjustment to his swing during the at-bat. However, he did bang five home runs in other scrimmage action this fall to help validate the .396/.479/.634 slash he produced for the Jayhawks last spring. The most impressive Vol hitter in Memphis was the left handed Booker who was locked in at the plate. He doubled twice and also singled on a curve ball for an RBI. Booker is a toolsy 5-foot-10 center fielder who will show a plus arm and an easy running stride that produces plus run times. Last, but not least of the potential leadoff options, is the much improved Scott. He did not play in Memphis due to a foot injury, but before he went down his approach was more under control and his swing a little flatter. Both adjustments increased his percentage of hard contact, giving him a great chance to improve upon a .200/.400/.380 slash he produced in a limited role (70 at-bats) last season as a junior.
Christian Scott, Tennessee (Eddie Kelly/Pro Look Photos)
The middle of the lineup looks to be, in some order, junior Jared Dickey, Cincinnati transfer Griffin Merritt, sophomore thumper Blake Burke and Alabama transfer Zane Denton. The switch-hitting Denton batted in the four-hole for the Crimson Tide the past two seasons, accumulating 23 home runs and 88 RBI before returning to his home state this year for his senior season. He missed time this fall with sickness and other matters away from the field, but there’s no doubting his valuable SEC experience and past production. He started at third base against Memphis and has ample arm strength, but has a ways to go defensively to remain there. Right fielder Merritt was the AAC Player of the Year in 2022 for the Bearcats, slugging 19 home runs and driving in 53. There is some swing/miss to his game with a longer, pull centric swing, but the punch he packs more than makes up for the strikeouts. Dickey was off to an All-American type of season in 2022 before succumbing to a foot injury and finishing with a .380/.484/.690 in 100 at-bats. He also missed most of this fall with a hand injury. When healthy the left handed hitter is one of the top hitters in the country, possessing the ability to hit for both average and power. First baseman Burke could be the biggest difference maker of them all. With some length and good, late whip in his powerful left handed swing, he belted 14 home runs in 95 at-bats last season, all good for a .821 SLG. He wasn’t able to get to that power against Memphis, other than crushing a liner to center field during his third plate appearance. Regardless, Burke will anchor the middle of the Volunteers’ lineup, likely in the three-hole or cleanup spot.
Infielder/Outfielder Blake Burke. Photo By Andrew Ferguson/Tennessee Athletics
Similar to the pitching staff, the positional talent is deep with many other options who will likely impact the lineup at some point next spring. The biggest newcomer surprise was freshman Dylan Dreiling. The 6-foot, 190-pound, athletic framed Kansas prep is solid in all areas of the game and has advanced ability with the bat, especially for his age. It’s a hit tool that should play right away in the SEC. He’s an average runner underway and looked to be at least average defensively in left field.
Behind the plate, Charlie Taylor received the starting nod in the first game, showing above average arm strength with high effort. It’s also a longer transfer to a high slot, but his throws were accurate and his receiving was solid. At the plate, the right handed hitter delivered three hard contacts in three plate appearances for two singles and a well-struck flyout the opposite way to right field. After seeing part-time action behind the plate last season (22 games, 12 starts), Taylor looked well on his way to more time on the diamond this spring. However, the competition looked strong as to who will wear the tools of ignorance for the Vols this spring. If it ends up as a platoon split, 6-foot-3, 205-pound left handed hitter Ryan Miller impressed as well. The redshirt sophomore ambushed a first pitch fastball for a long home run to dead center against Memphis. He also connected for a deep opposite field fly out near the wall and walked in his other plate appearances.
Other standouts from my look in Jackson (Tenn.) against Memphis included the huge power of Kavares Tears. It’s 70-grade pop that he can get to in the game. Super strong at 6-foot, 205 pounds, the left handed slugger blasted a grand slam, just to the right of dead center field. He showed flashes of becoming a special college power bat, but will need to lessen the swing/miss, especially against breaking stuff. Shortstop Austen Jaslove showed quick feet, solid hands and strong defensive ability with average to better arm strength. He struggled against sliders at the plate, but managed to line an elevated fastball to left field for a single during his second at-bat. First baseman Hunter Ensley tripled off the wall and freshman outfielder Reese Chapman impressed in the batter’s box with a pair of hard hit baseballs, one landing for a triple to right field. The Colorado prep ran the bases well, showing plus speed and good instincts, turning a sure double into a hustle triple. Last by not least, senior utilityman Logan Chambers continued to put the bat on the ball with a pair of hits and reached base five times over the 18 innings of Memphis. Although he lacks a true position the versatile Chambers has the ability to play third base and the outfield. The left handed hitter will likely carve out a valuable role this spring with his versatility and ability to grind out an at-bat.
Overall, it’s another deep and well-balanced, Omaha-caliber roster that can win in many ways.
2022-12-10 01:04:07
