The Official VCU @ Tennessee (Chapel Hill Regional Elimination Game Thread) (Sat. May 30) (NOON ET) (ESPN)

#1,051
#1,051
brockytop said:
I’ll gladly eat my words if warranted, but in 2-3 years it’s going to be funny watching you Erlander apologists explain away or finally wake up to the slippage of the program under his “leadership“.
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The only reason I’d say pump the brakes is he lost all the key figures in the staff and didn’t have time to pick and choose. Brought in a divisive mind in Jeroloman. Pitching coach needs to go. Need new strength coach and hitting coach.
 
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#1,052
#1,052
Enjoyed it yall. The baseball form is hands down the best form on Vol nation. Need to make a few changes and recruit like crazy for next year. I thought it was about what I thought it would be with a first year coach and new staff. It was a good year but will be remembered for some lost opportunities that kept it from being great.
 
#1,054
#1,054
Th fairly sudden departure of CTV set the tone for this season, and I don’t think Tennessee ever settled in. A learning experience for everyone, especially Josh Elander. That’s why I’m giving him a pass for this year. But get in portal and do what Rick Barnes did for basketball.
 
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#1,056
#1,056
brockytop said:
I’ll gladly eat my words if warranted, but in 2-3 years it’s going to be funny watching you Elander apologists explain away OR finally wake up to the slippage of the program since Vitello’s departure.

I believe most you know where this is headed but simply don’t want to admit it.
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I think for many it's a tad early. While I'm skeptical, I think it's only fair to give him a couple of seasons to put his stamp on the program. While he was the lead recruiter, this roster belongs to Vitello and Anderson. Let's see which direction Elander goes and what he brings in.
 
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#1,058
#1,058
GSPVol said:
I think for many it's a tad early. While I'm skeptical, I think it's only fair to give home a couple of seasons to put his stamp on the program. While he was the lead recruiter, this roster belongs to Vitello and Anderson. Let's see which direction Elander goes and what he brings in.
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Fair enough 👏🏻
 
#1,063
#1,063
I've seen it mentioned a few times throughout the season that this year's team seems really small. Here's an analysis from Grok AI that compares the 2024 team to this year's team height & weight. Thought it was interesting...

Compare the average height and weight of the starting position players between the 2024 and 2026 University of Tennessee baseball teams.

2024 Tennessee baseball team (National Champions under Tony Vitello) had a very strong, experienced lineup with several high-draft picks.

Typical/most common starters (based on roster data, games played, and known key contributors):
  • C: Cannon Peebles (5'11", 194 lbs)
  • 1B: Blake Burke (6'3", 236 lbs) or similar (e.g., Billy Amick versatility)
  • 2B/INF: Christian Moore (6'1", 216 lbs)
  • SS/INF: Ariel Antigua (5'8", 184 lbs)
  • 3B/INF: Billy Amick (6'1", 217 lbs) or Alex Perry (6'4", 206 lbs)
  • OF: Dylan Dreiling (5'11", 200 lbs), Hunter Ensley (6'1", 196 lbs), Kavares Tears/Reese Chapman (6'0"-6'1", ~200-212 lbs)
Approximate averages for ~8-9 key fielding position players (focusing on regulars/starters): Height around 6'0"–6'1", Weight around 205–215 lbs. The group featured a mix of compact speed/defense (Antigua) and power (Burke, Amick, Moore), with good athleticism overall.

2026 Tennessee baseball team (under new head coach Josh Elander post-Vitello era) features a blend of returning players, transfers, and development.

Projected/typical starters (from preseason projections, early stats, and roster; e.g., Baseball America, Rocky Top Insider, and cumulative stats mentions):
  • C: Stone Lawless (6'2", 222 lbs) or Garrett Wright (6'0", 193 lbs)
  • 1B: Levi Clark (6'1", 217 lbs)
  • 2B/INF: Manny Marin (6'1", 184 lbs)
  • SS/INF: Ariel Antigua (5'8", 185 lbs)
  • 3B/INF: Henry Ford (6'5", 225 lbs)
  • OF: Reese Chapman (6'1", 225 lbs), Blaine Brown (6'5", 207 lbs), Jay Abernathy/Chris Newstrom (5'10"-6'2", ~188-212 lbs)
Approximate averages for ~8-9 key fielding position players: Height around 6'1"–6'2", Weight around 205–215 lbs. The group appears slightly taller on average due to players like Ford (6'5") and Brown (6'5"), with similar overall mass but potentially more length and athletic versatility.

Key Comparison:​

  • Height: 2026 team edges out slightly taller (~1 inch on average) due to taller corner/OF pieces (Ford, Brown, Clark/Lawless) vs. 2024's more compact mix.
  • Weight: Very similar overall (~205-215 lbs range), with both teams balancing power hitters and leaner athletes. 2024 had a bit more "stocky" power (e.g., Burke at 236 lbs), while 2026 spreads weight across longer frames.
  • Style/Implications: 2024's lineup was proven championship caliber with high offensive output. 2026 maintains defensive versatility and athleticism (returning pieces like Antigua + transfers) but leans into more length in the infield/outfield, which could aid in range and power potential, though exact on-field results vary by season performance and injuries.
These are estimates based on primary starters/regulars from rosters and reports—lineups have some fluidity due to platoons, injuries, and matchups. Exact season-long "games started" data would refine this further, but the profiles show continuity with a slight shift toward taller frames in 2026.
 
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#1,069
#1,069
TennesseeFan07 said:
UCLA is rivaling Tennessee's 2022 collapse.
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I’d say it’s more equivalent to Vanderbilt’s collapse last year! But, it’s the bottom of the 8th and UCLA has two on with one out. Both batters on base have been hit by pitch. Virginia Tech, trying to give this one away.
 
#1,070
#1,070
TigerMan said:
I’d say it’s more equivalent to Vanderbilt’s collapse last year! But, it’s the bottom of the 8th and UCLA has two on with one out. Both batters on base have been hit by pitch. Virginia Tech, trying to give this one away.
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He lost control fast. You have to figure UCLA finds a way here.
 
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#1,071
#1,071
30 runs scored so far in Auburn vs NC State game! Auburn up 17-13. They had 8-0 lead after the 1st! Crazy game! Top of the 9th right now.
 
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