Projecting the 2022 lineup

[Zvols]

Charlie Taylor has been killing it in summer ball. Can’t wait until he’s starting as a RS Sophomore hitting .350

 

[GregAmsler]

Looks like, according to TV, Lipcious is coming back, as is Walsh. Sounds like Kessler is likely going pro.

So at least when projecting lineups now, we know who will be on the team and who won't.

 

[GregAmsler]

I was thinking…since Evan Russell was recruited as a C/3B, would he factor in as a possibility at 3B next season? What about this lineup:

Kyle Booker-CF

Seth Stephenson-2B

Logan Chambers-DH

Drew Gilbert-LF

Jordan Beck-RF

Luc Lipcious-1B

Evan Russell-3B

Trey Lipscomb-SS

Charlie Taylor-C

Top bench players:

Christian Moore, Logan Steenstra, Cortland Lawson, Jorel Ortega

 

[Volprofch05]

I was thinking…since Evan Russell was recruited as a C/3B, would he factor in as a possibility at 3B next season? What about this lineup:

Kyle Booker-CF

Seth Stephenson-2B

Logan Chambers-DH

Drew Gilbert-LF

Jordan Beck-RF

Luc Lipcious-1B

Evan Russell-3B

Trey Lipscomb-SS

Charlie Taylor-C

Top bench players:

Christian Moore, Logan Steenstra, Cortland Lawson, Jorel Ortega

I’d worry about pulling Russell out of LF, who was pretty stellar this year (1.0 fielding %). Seems to be a push to get younger guys in the field, but they’ll have to prove it over the guys who have already shown it.

There was a game, I think against TN Tech, where we took a big lead, put in the subs, and there was a noticeable drop in defense, leading to a close game. That’s just one data point, but it is a bit concerning.

 

[GregAmsler]

I’d worry about pulling Russell out of LF, who was pretty stellar this year (1.0 fielding %). Seems to be a push to get younger guys in the field, but they’ll have to prove it over the guys who have already shown it.

There was a game, I think against TN Tech, where we took a big lead, put in the subs, and there was a noticeable drop in defense, leading to a close game. That’s just one data point, but it is a bit concerning.

I think there’s a good chance Booker starts in the outfield whether Russell plays 3B or not. Evan might DH otherwise. Getting Booker into the outfield increases speed out there. I get what you’re saying, but making that change isn’t really a wholesale change to get younger guys in. It’s getting the best in.

 

[Volsbaseballfan]

As far as Booker is concerned , he has all the talent n the world , but played a little hesitant on defense when he was out there. But he was a freshman and that is quiet common. As for Russell , I still say he will be in the catching rotation. Having Evan and Luc back is a big deal for this team. Actually I personally think it takes Leadership on the field to make it to Omaha... Experience will pay dividends!! Lots of offense from those 2 guys!! Especially in League play!!
I read a stat that Russell hasn't made an error in 2 years and Luc only one. That's some Great baseball!!! GO VOLS!!!

 

[GregAmsler]

As far as Booker is concerned , he has all the talent n the world , but played a little hesitant on defense when he was out there. But he was a freshman and that is quiet common. As for Russell , I still say he will be in the catching rotation. Having Evan and Luc back is a big deal for this team. Actually I personally think it takes Leadership on the field to make it to Omaha... Experience will pay dividends!! Lots of offense from those 2 guys!! Especially in League play!!
I read a stat that Russell hasn't made an error in 2 years and Luc only one. That's some Great baseball!!! GO VOLS!!!

Evan seems to have a Catcher’s mindset.

 

[Blake25p]

 

[youcancallmeAl]

Seems to be a push to get younger guys in the field, but they’ll have to prove it over the guys who have already shown it.

How long can you block them with veterans before they decide to transfer out to play?

 

[Volprofch05]

How long can you block them with veterans before they decide to transfer out to play?

Yeah, I hear you. It is a unique situation with extra years being handed out.

 

[TN_gal]

Well, that didn’t take long. Great to add Matt McCormick to the team!

I bet it’ll be a good competition between him and Charlie in fall practice.

 

[Volprofch05]

Well, that didn’t take long. Great to add Matt McCormick to the team!

I bet it’ll be a good competition between him and Charlie in fall practice.

Yep, TV was not messing around when he said they were still working on the roster.

 

[TN_gal]

Yep, TV was not messing around when he said they were still working on the roster.

Definitely! He’s keeping the forward momentum going. Excited to see our new team emerge from fall practice. Great mix of new and returning talented players on the roster. I hope they can have similar chemistry like this year’s team. 🤞🏽

 

[WGWTFA98]

I think the starting outfield is gonna be the same as last year, slide Booker in at DH, can play in the outfield when you give one of the guys a day off and someone else can DH.

Obviously have 1B and C locked down now (whether it’s the WV catcher or Taylor) so still down to those other 3 infield spots which could go to any of 6-7 guys. Be shocked if they didn’t put out a completely loaded lineup with that many options

 

[Volsbaseballfan]

Loaded to say the least!!! looking like another Great team , Now to see if they can Gel.

 

[GregAmsler]

Alright. We're good at Catcher now. And seemingly everywhere else.

 

[Volsbaseballfan1]

Yep, TV was not messing around when he said they were still working on the roster.

Kessler was coming but decided to sign a free agent deal. Incredible pivot on short notice. Not saying next years team will be better but damn they are going to be really good again.

 

[TN_gal]

Kessler signed with the Marlins.

 

[Volprofch05]

Kessler signed with the Marlins.

Bittersweet that it's confirmed he would've come here if not signing, but looks like TV quickly turned lemons into lemonade.

 

[TN_gal]

Bittersweet that it's confirmed he would've come here if not signing, but looks like TV quickly turned lemons into lemonade.

Yes, a bit of “what could have been” feeling, but kudos to Coach V and staff in making the most of things. 👍🏽

 

[Thanos]

I bet it’ll be a good competition between him and Charlie in fall practice.

Don’t count out freshman Nathan Smith. Dude is going to be an absolute stud.

 

[Volunteer08]

Not sure where to put this, but a couple of the Rays top pick signings have gone under slot value. I don’t have the exact number, but it appears they’ve freed up roughly $500k and have 3 of their top 5 signed.

 

[TN_gal]

Not sure where to put this, but a couple of the Rays top pick signings have gone under slot value. I don’t have the exact number, but it appears they’ve freed up roughly $500k and have 3 of their top 5 signed.

Thanks for the update and info. It’ll be interesting to see how much Spikes gets when he signs (I’m assuming he’ll sign…most will be surprised if he doesn’t).

 

[CunningLinguist]

How does Lipcius have another year left? D1baseball is showing he has played 5 seasons with 2020 not counting. But that is still 4 seasons.

 

[OldTimer]

How does Lipcius have another year left? D1baseball is showing he has played 5 seasons with 2020 not counting. But that is still 4 seasons.

Medical redshirt a couple years ago, broke his foot from a foul ball early in the season