The Official #4 seed Vandy @ #8 seed Tennessee SEC Tourney Semifinal Game Thread (Sat. May 24 11 AM EDT) (SEC Network)

[cardvolfan]

Curley was a starter on a national title team and played until the very last game. He was entrenched as someone who was going to start this year regardless of position. Tony brought in other players, but they were talented and willing to change positions. He was bringing in talent, like when you draft the best available player at the time. It was discussed that Curley was probably a natural 3B, but he struggled there.

Who is pushing Curley on the bench right now? I don’t believe the argument that Tony brought in guys to push Curley. It was always going to get sorted out, and Curley was going to play. I didn’t even think this was a debate because Curley was one of the bright spots that was returning.

I never said Tony brought in guys to push Curley specifically. I said he recruited some good high school shortstops. This is typical of many SEC programs who recruit athletic shortstops then mix and match them into different positions to satisfy needs occurring at any point in time.

 

[VolGee4]

I never said Tony brought in guys to push Curley specifically. I said he recruited some good high school shortstops. This is typical of many SEC programs who recruit athletic shortstops then mix and match them into different positions to satisfy needs occurring at any point in time.

Is there one on the bench that’s ready?

Regardless, as stated, Curley was always going to be the leader returning from the title team. He was always going to play, and Tony was going to make it work.

 

[jtdavis]

I guess we should fire Tony.

No one said anything about firing the coach.

 

[preacherman20]

Both Jay Abernathy and Chris Newstrom were All-American high school shortstops.

Kirby was a high school SS. I'm willing to bet half of the players on our roster played SS at some point in HS.

 

[Ritzwatch]

Kirby was a high school SS. I'm willing to bet half of the players on our roster played SS at some point in HS.

Probably more than a few catchers, pitchers and center fielders as well.

Lots of great athletes make a home down the middle of the ball field.

(I was a corner infielder, of course.)

 

[preacherman20]

Probably more than a few catchers, pitchers and center fielders as well.

Lots of great athletes make a home down the middle of the ball field.

(I was a corner infielder, of course.)

Was that first or third?

 

[Ritzwatch]

Was that first or third?

Both. But my erratic arm, combined with my sheer utter stubbornness to do everything I had to do to keep a ball from getting past me at first made me a better 1st baseman.

Honestly, I really played wherever the pitcher usually played. I was a younger brother growing up, playing with older boys (brother's friends) so I moved around and it didn't bother me. By high school, whatever position got vacated for a new pitcher, I played. (Played every position on the field my Jr. year. I had to ask the coach to play 2d the last game of the season; that was the one I was missing.)

 

[cardvolfan]

Kirby was a high school SS. I'm willing to bet half of the players on our roster played SS at some point in HS.

Former SS’s make up the bulk of position players from high school that go on to play high-level college baseball. At least that’s what I have read.

 

[chuckiepoo]

Former SS’s make up the bulk of position players from high school that go on to play high-level college baseball. At least that’s what I have read.

No one has mentioned the RedSox’ proclivity to draft shortstops..

 

[taylorvol]

?

It was worth it seeing the wins over Bama and UTX

 

[cardvolfan]

No one has mentioned the RedSox’ proclivity to draft shortstops..

Indeed. You know I’m biased here, but if you get a chance to watch the Cardinals‘ new shortstop, give him a look-see. Incredibly gifted athlete with power, speed, and arm. A true defensive gem with a phenomenal bat.

 

[taylorvol]

Never showed up today. Bad baseball. On to 2026, nothing meaningful left for this year.

Wow.

 

[taylorvol]

He’s going be gone after this year, so there aren’t many games left. I don’t know of any player on the bench that really pushed him. If there was a stud on the bench, then he probably gets some playing time here and there. Antigua is a great fielder but mediocre at the plate. Curley was still hitting .313 at the end of the regular season. He’s going to continue to play.

In SEC, Antigua’s fielding % is .907—Curley’s is .907. Errors in SEC: Antigua 7, Curley 8.

 

[taylorvol]

Both Jay Abernathy and Chris Newstrom were All-American high school shortstops.

The best players on virtually every high school team in America are typically SSs. Most end up playing somewhere else in college.

 

[taylorvol]

Berto would have helped this infield. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ We needed a "Pavia" decision. Berto spent two seasons at a community college.
---

Anyway, LFG! Regionals coming up! I'm here for it! More baseball. Anything can happen.

Honestly, Berto wouldn’t have helped the infield. He would have been a great platoon DH and pinch hitter but wouldn’t have seen any time at 1B.

 

[volsagain]

In SEC, Antigua’s fielding % is .907—Curley’s is .907. Errors in SEC: Antigua 7, Curley 8.

Only difference is Antigua has a little more range but a lot weaker bat . Both guys have a lot of talent , lucky to have them. Bad timing for most of those errors hurt more than others. GBO

 

[knoxvol52]

Probably more than a few catchers, pitchers and center fielders as well.

Lots of great athletes make a home down the middle of the ball field.

(I was a corner infielder, of course.)

Don't ever devalue a great 1st baseman. Those players need great hand and eye coordination to bail those noodle arm 3rd baseman and SS out ....