The Official #10 Auburn @ #12 Tennessee Series Thread (Sat. May 3 11AM EDT) (Sun. May 4 1PM EDT) (Sun. May 4 45 mins after) (All games SECNET+)

[Orange.]

Does anyone know when Liam was suspended? At the time of the (trifling) event? Sometime during the 45 minutes between games? Or after game 3?

I don’t see any signal of ejection at time of the play. Maybe I just missed it. Finally (and I know he won’t miss playing time), does suspension follow automatically on every ejection or is it a separate decision? Thanks.

 

[vol66]

Does anyone know when Liam was suspended? At the time of the (non) event? Sometime during the 45 minutes between games? Or after game 3?

I think it was end of game two after he shoved the guy at home? Or maybe I’m not following your question. He could not pitch in game 3 and he can’t pitch in the midweek. I believe suspensions come from the League office.

Edit: NCAA rules…

NCAA rules dictate that a player will be suspended after being ejected from a game. For starting pitchers, the suspension is for four games. For relief pitchers, the suspension is for two games. Since Tennessee’s ace was pitching in relief under odd circumstances, the suspension should just be two games.

How long is based on post game Ump reports.

 

[Orange.]

I think it was end of game two after he shoved the guy at home? Or maybe I’m not following your question. He could not pitch in game 3 and he can’t pitch in the midweek. I believe suspensions come from the League office.

I saw how Liam made that tag and the two mouthing off and both dugouts entering the field. And I saw the ump telling Liam to go back to the dugout. But I didn’t see the ump make the kind of hand signal like they do when they eject coaches. And iirc the announcers didn’t say anything about an ejection. That’s what led me to wonder if the ejection was decided after the event. Which is also what led me to wonder if the suspension is automatic or a second decision by the SEC.

 

[vol66]

I saw how Liam made that tag and the two mouthing off and both dugouts entering the field. And I saw the ump telling Liam to go back to the dugout. But I didn’t see the ump make the kind of hand signal like they do when they eject coaches. And iirc the announcers didn’t say anything about an ejection. That’s what led me to wonder if the eject was decided after the event. Which is also led me to wonder if the suspension is automatic or a second decision.

I didn’t know either and I’ve been reading the thread, but the suspension is automatic, how long is not. I didn’t see the “toss” either.

 

[Volstylexx]

I don’t agree with your idea that the post-season is in any way relevant to what I was describing. It would be relevant if I was one of the posters that routinely said that the regular season doesn’t matter, but I’ve never said that and I challenge you to find a single post where I have.

Much like basketball, I enjoy the regular season for baseball. Sure, if you want to boil everything down to a 2-3 week period when defining success, go for it. But I think my point still stands that this season has been a disappointment so far and that this team is young and lacks an identity. We’ll see how things trend from here, but I don’t expect much. Unlike the 2023 squad, we’re not getting better as the season goes on.

I'm not suggesting you have said such, I'm just speaking collectively of the fanbase in general. I'm not sold yet that it's so much of us not improving, as it is just the parity in the SEC and some extenuating circumstances. The weather the last two series (and A&M) impacted those series. We have made some costly mistakes, for sure, but we have been in every series we have played and are a few plays away from having won at LSU and others - which would have completely changed the narrative. Just way to early to write the season off.

 

[Christian Lowe]

I have been fairly outspoken on this issue and I don’t wanna bore everyone again. We had our chance early on.

Directly responding to the post. I do not blame the fans. Fans here have been exceptionally gracious here with unused tickets, and I have no issue with folks trying to recoup what they can.

My issue is when it comes to regionals and supers at home ALL being linked to season ticket holders, but that’s why most made the donations. I’m not talking about the porches, and not talking about premiums or MVP stuff.

My kid and I, like on a half day of school, especially midweeks, you wanna catch a game? Sure. Walk up, get a pair, and now I don’t have to make dinner! What’s not to like?!?

Those days are over in the short term…but…

Sports are cyclical as is life.

GBO!!!

My dad basically said the same thing about my childhood. Granted I grew up in South Carolina and still live there so it was more weekend trips for us but same concept. If they keep winning, maybe we’ll get our own Dudy Noble. The demand is certainly there.

I’d rather them incentivize those holding tickets to actually show up before we expand more, but I’ll take either at this point. It’s ridiculous.

 

[vol66]

My dad basically said the same thing about my childhood. Granted I grew up in South Carolina and still live there so it was more weekend trips for us but same concept. If they keep winning, maybe we’ll get our own Dudy Noble. The demand is certainly there.

I’d rather them incentivize those holding tickets to actually show up before we expand more, but I’ll take either at this point. It’s ridiculous.

I don’t disagree, and am appreciative that we have a renovated stadium in large part due to those donations. We’ve seen this coming, but I do wish the post season could be a bit more…how do I say it…a bit more equitable. That’s not a fan issue, it’s the admin’s policy regarding those tickets/passes, but I understand the dilemma there. I do.

 

[Orange.]

I wonder if it was Birmingham that ejected Liam.

Liam really fired the team up. Such a baller.

 

[Orange.]

Anyway, let’s get ready for a fresh week. Go Vols!

 

[VOL931]

It is past time for him to show that he deserves to be on the field. He is error prone and his bat is not producing. He has given up more runs with his glove than he has hits. They moved him from third to second and made another error the first game at second. He is, as of now, a liability to the team. We hit into double plays because of poor base running. We take third called strikes more than we strike out swinging. We have difficulty throwing out bunters and throwing out base stealers. We let pop flies fall with three players standing around the ball I am in disbelief of what I have seen on the field the last 2-3 weeks. I know the team is being coached, but is not being related to the field during games.

.

 

[VOL931]

Baseball is probably the most chemistry based sport there is while simultaneously somehow basically being an individual sport at its core. It’s hard to explain but he’s right.

Do you think this team has good chemistry right now?

 

[feathersax]

Do you think this team has good chemistry right now?

Team "Chemistry"....not so much.

 

[JCP201]

But Auburn gets nothing? What could he have possibly said that made their whole bench get up and try to fight him? I'm tired of this.

 

[THEONLYTENISEE]

Where are the fans?

From the POV of this out of town alum they've essentially "shocked" me with the price of these tickets. Look at the Vanderbilt tickets non standing room on any of the online ticket sites--$100+.

In the past when I came for a baseball game I bring my kids and I feel like to make it worth our while to come 3+ hours I either do 2 games or 1 game/pair it with a long weekend in Smokies. For the three of us to do two games would easily reach into $500+ territory. Some may say I'm being cheap (I am over 40 now so maybe lol), but I just can't stomach that and I can afford it.

Contrast this with seats on the 3rd baseline for the Arkansas at LSU game this weekend--upper part of the bleachers...$84. Alabama at Florida this weekend. $50 bucks by home plate.

If the place was packed I would say go for it. But by the looks of it on tv something is badly wrong with the pricing.

I can't imagine what people of limited means local or not must feel about it.

You can expect prices on resell sites to continue to rise. My season tickets increased again for next year.

 

[rockytop25]

I’m disappointed in how this season has ended up, but I can’t say I’m surprised. I think this is one of those years where Tony’s decision to schedule soft in the non-conference fooled the fans. We lost basically the entire team this off-season, and the hot start had some making ridiculous claims about this year’s team being potentially better than last year’s team. It wasn’t fair to the guys then to have that type of pressure.

Truth is, this team is young and lacks an identity. It’s a rebuild year and the 20-0 start had us thinking it wasn’t. I think ultimately this team just doesn’t have it, which is completely understandable. I think next year the struggles from this season probably pay off.

They’re a couple big “what if” moments for me in regards to this years team (assuming it doesn’t get turned around, which it absolutely can)

- what if Kilen never gets hurt? He was the hottest hitter in the country when he got hurt, losing him for a couple weeks really sent a lot of guys into a spiral IMO. I think everyone else started pressing and they haven’t been able to get out of it.
- what if Dean makes those 2 plays at LSU, and we take the series there instead of losing on a walk off? Does that springboard the team back? How much differently are we talking about them today (even with the series loss to Auburn)?
- what if we have a full, healthy, AJ Russell for SEC play? Maybe some of these Sunday games would have gone differently (although he would’ve been pitching Saturday)

Obviously, can’t play a season on “what ifs”, but I think a couple of those reasons above have really thrown the season off track at this point

 

[CAVPUT]

I wonder if it was Birmingham that ejected Liam.

Liam really fired the team up. Such a baller.

No clue, but one thing I'm sure of is that if the umps and/or Bham have a chance to put the screws to UT and Vitello they will. From the strike zone to "ejecting" our ace pitcher, they never miss their window of opportunity. What I'm looking for next...and I hate speaking it into existence...is that they unilaterally decide and declare Doyle is a "starting pitcher" and bump his suspension to 4 games for maximum damage to UT's season. I won't forget the game vs ND and the crew they saddled us with when our super team was plowing thru the field. Let's be honest. UT and Vitello crashed the blue blood party last year. Seeing us lift the trophy was unacceptable for many in this sport. It's not gonna change. We just need to avoid giving them the opportunities to screw us. Right now we seem determined to keep opening doors for them.

 

[Bigvalley84]

The crowd was into the extra inning win and for 3 innings of game 3 and once we got behind our guys pretty much cruised to defeat , I think we struck out 31 times this weekend to an Auburn pitching staff that’s not elite in any way , I know the umps sucked big time but I was there and we had some pitches to hit and just watched , seems like the whole team is looking to draw walks and get behind in the count almost every at bat , I’d like to see our guys me more aggressive and get something early in the count , Ensley got a few hits early in the count on not great pitches but good enough to get the barrel to it , it’s hard to get your A swing off on 0-2 and 1-2 counts

 

[CAVPUT]

Where are the fans?

From the POV of this out of town alum they've essentially "shocked" me with the price of these tickets. Look at the Vanderbilt tickets non standing room on any of the online ticket sites--$100+.

In the past when I came for a baseball game I bring my kids and I feel like to make it worth our while to come 3+ hours I either do 2 games or 1 game/pair it with a long weekend in Smokies. For the three of us to do two games would easily reach into $500+ territory. Some may say I'm being cheap (I am over 40 now so maybe lol), but I just can't stomach that and I can afford it.

Contrast this with seats on the 3rd baseline for the Arkansas at LSU game this weekend--upper part of the bleachers...$84. Alabama at Florida this weekend. $50 bucks by home plate.

If the place was packed I would say go for it. But by the looks of it on tv something is badly wrong with the pricing.

I can't imagine what people of limited means local or not must feel about it.

I can completely relate. When I held tickets in the Terrace, we'd make it a weekend and stay at the Marriott. During the season, they'd double their rates so we decided to look for vacation rentals instead. Not nearly as convenient, but the further we got from Neyland, the more money we'd save. Then you throw in meals, gas, etc...well, it got real expensive real fast. I can remember getting caught in a downpour after sitting thru yet another Dooley debacle and my wife and I looked at each other as asked why in hades we were still doing this? It was a lot of time and money and we just decided it was no longer worth the effort. I'm sure these constant cost increases from the UT folks is going to continue driving folks away from attending in person. Eventually games will be PPV, but even that will be far cheaper than attending in person. And let's be honest, I don't think UT will care one bit about the numbers in the stands or the "atmosphere" because they'll be focused on that TV revenue. That's where they make hay. The average fan means little to them now. Case in point....the students at LNS. They couldn't care less about them. They saw a chance to grab more money so they took it. Bet even Vitello was caught off guard about the decision to banish the kids to no mans land in RF. Wish there were some way to get a do over, but sadly, the deed is done.

 

[VolFan_stuck_in_the_901]

They’re a couple big “what if” moments for me in regards to this years team (assuming it doesn’t get turned around, which it absolutely can)

- what if Kilen never gets hurt? He was the hottest hitter in the country when he got hurt, losing him for a couple weeks really sent a lot of guys into a spiral IMO. I think everyone else started pressing and they haven’t been able to get out of it.
- what if Dean makes those 2 plays at LSU, and we take the series there instead of losing on a walk off? Does that springboard the team back? How much differently are we talking about them today (even with the series loss to Auburn)?
- what if we have a full, healthy, AJ Russell for SEC play? Maybe some of these Sunday games would have gone differently (although he would’ve been pitching Saturday)

Obviously, can’t play a season on “what ifs”, but I think a couple of those reasons above have really thrown the season off track at this point

ETSU should never be put back on the schedule for the ******** way their guy slid into Kilen and wrecked our season... and that goes for any sport. Let them find someone else to help fund their athletics programs.

 

[taylorvol]

Where are the fans?

From the POV of this out of town alum they've essentially "shocked" me with the price of these tickets. Look at the Vanderbilt tickets non standing room on any of the online ticket sites--$100+.

In the past when I came for a baseball game I bring my kids and I feel like to make it worth our while to come 3+ hours I either do 2 games or 1 game/pair it with a long weekend in Smokies. For the three of us to do two games would easily reach into $500+ territory. Some may say I'm being cheap (I am over 40 now so maybe lol), but I just can't stomach that and I can afford it.

Contrast this with seats on the 3rd baseline for the Arkansas at LSU game this weekend--upper part of the bleachers...$84. Alabama at Florida this weekend. $50 bucks by home plate.

If the place was packed I would say go for it. But by the looks of it on tv something is badly wrong with the pricing.

I can't imagine what people of limited means local or not must feel about it.

6 tickets for two games for $500+ for a weekend SEC series is reasonable for defending NC and for the top program in the country (based on wins for past 5 seasons). Prices typically go down closer to game time at every SEC venue vs looking a week or more ahead. Regarding Friday and Saturday, of course the fan turnout was low—-the weather was terrible! Thunderstorms and heavy rain don’t result in good baseball crowds anywhere in the country. However, I guarantee you could have made the drive and secured very cheap tickets. GBO!

 

[GVF]

Lost 4 of last 5 weekend series. At this rate, they may not even host.

 

[TechnoVol]

ETSU should never be put back on the schedule for the ******** way their guy slid into Kilen and wrecked our season... and that goes for any sport. Let them find someone else to help fund their athletics programs.

I don't see how you pull a hamstring by someone sliding into you. I felt like he pulled it trying to beat out a single in that game.

 

[esarmstrong]

We've lost 4 of the last 5 series, but we haven't been swept. This is what keeps me hoping that this team can somehow pull out of this funk with a good weekend against Vandy.

 

[txbo]

Many on the outside looking in want to blame other fans for price gouging and sure, there’s plenty of that going on, however UT has increased prices so much with the success, that many fans are simply trying to get their money back. So many are spoiled too, on not wanting to watch the mid-weeks, that season ticket holders struggle to sell those games. So you try to recoup the tickets you ate by jacking up SEC games. Thankfully I found a guy and cut a deal to sell every mid-week before the season started, the last couple of years I’ve ate a lot of mid-weeks while asking for $30-$50 pair which is under my cost per game.

Most of the mid-week competition recently has been pretty poor. I can understand why fans don't want to pay to see it.

 

[CAVPUT]

Lost 4 of last 5 weekend series. At this rate, they may not even host.

Might not be the worst thing for this year's team.