Transfer Portal Opens June 1 (Monday)

[CJ Knoxville]

This feels like a shot at Elander from Hunter High’s dad unless I’m reading too much into it.

“Tony guy”?

would'nt call tearing up league hitting ,290 with 1 XBH in 24 AB's but ok

 

[taylorvol]

This feels like a shot at Elander from Hunter High’s dad unless I’m reading too much into it.

“Tony guy”?

From what I’ve read, Mr High has always seemed like a top shelf, classy gentleman. I think he was just reiterating how much CTV liked Hutson Chance during the recruiting process. I don’t take it as a shot at all. Anyway, just a different perspective... Plus, Hunter High was the consummate teammate and was very well liked during his time at UT.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

From what I’ve read, Mr High has always seemed like a top shelf, classy gentleman. I think he was just reiterating how much CTV liked Hutson Chance during the recruiting process. I don’t take it as a shot at all. Anyway, just a different perspective... Plus, Hunter High was the consummate teammate and was very well liked during his time at UT.

I figured that was more likely the case since there hasn’t been much drama with Hunter. Just the phrasing sounded weird when referring to his son as a Tony guy. Good to know it’s not about bad blood on the way out the door.

 

[AthensVol2007]

I figured that was more likely the case since there hasn’t been much drama with Hunter. Just the phrasing sounded weird when referring to his son as a Tony guy. Good to know it’s not about bad blood on the way out the door.

But that post isn’t about Hunter. I’ve not seen where he referred to Hunter as a “Tony guy” anywhere, just Hutson.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

But that post isn’t about Hunter. I’ve not seen where he referred to Hunter as a “Tony guy” anywhere, just Hutson.

I know it’s not about Hunter. I was saying it would surprise me if Hunter’s dad was another Brandon Pannell given that Hunter has represented the Power T well and been a good teammate. It just struck me as odd phrasing.

 

[TheDirector]

From what I’ve read, Mr High has always seemed like a top shelf, classy gentleman. I think he was just reiterating how much CTV liked Hutson Chance during the recruiting process. I don’t take it as a shot at all. Anyway, just a different perspective... Plus, Hunter High was the consummate teammate and was very well liked during his time at UT.

Sad that a lot of these players with potential will continually chase a better "perceived" opportunity or immediate playing time early in their career instead of sticking around with a solid program and developing. NIL has made that path all the more rarer. And I don't mean that as a slight towards Mr. High personally because everyone is doing it and all the teams are now having to dole out an NIL budget amongst players. Some of these kids need to look at the career arcs of Christian Moore, Blake Burke, Kavares Tears(Redshirted) and even this year with Reece Chapman who went undrafted last year and came back and improved his stock tremendously. Not playing or redshirting your freshman year isn't the end of the world. Best of luck to the young man and I hope he succeeds wherever he ends up.

 

[UTSuave’]

From what I’ve read, Mr High has always seemed like a top shelf, classy gentleman. I think he was just reiterating how much CTV liked Hutson Chance during the recruiting process. I don’t take it as a shot at all. Anyway, just a different perspective... Plus, Hunter High was the consummate teammate and was very well liked during his time at UT.

Just don’t see how you allow a top 25 overall recruit walk and think it’s good. these guys are the building blocks for the future..you can’t tell me he was worse than anything we seen on both side of the ball.there’s some players (starters) i wouldn’t have minded seeing on the bench who were inconsistent throughout the year.

we spent a lot of money and resources on these guys.i don’t trust the portal as far as chemistry or results and we will never know the talent we have when the lights come on if we don’t allow them to get a true feel in the rotation.

 

[Hoghater]

Just don’t see how you allow a top 25 overall recruit walk and think it’s good. these guys are the building blocks for the future..you can’t tell me he was worse than anything we seen on both side of the ball.there’s some players (starters) i wouldn’t have minded seeing on the bench who were inconsistent throughout the year.

we spent a lot of money and resources on these guys.i don’t trust the portal as far as chemistry or results and we will never know the talent we have when the lights come on if we don’t allow them to get a true feel in the rotation.

500 ranked overall, top 25 in the state of Tennessee, wish him and all of those in the portal the best but there are only so many roster spots available and upgrades are needed.

 

[Putbacks]

Just don’t see how you allow a top 25 overall recruit walk and think it’s good. these guys are the building blocks for the future..you can’t tell me he was worse than anything we seen on both side of the ball.there’s some players (starters) i wouldn’t have minded seeing on the bench who were inconsistent throughout the year.

we spent a lot of money and resources on these guys.i don’t trust the portal as far as chemistry or results and we will never know the talent we have when the lights come on if we don’t allow them to get a true feel in the rotation.

To clarify, Chance was 25th in the state of Tennessee. Comparatively, Appenzeller was 22nd in the nation overall. Grindlinger was 30th overall nationally. Eisfelder was 100th nationally (number three in the state of Tennessee)—just to name a few.

 

[TheDirector]

Players in portal so far per Knox News

Cash Williams
Evan Hankins
Hunter High
Finley Bates
Brayden Krenzel
Chris Newstrom
Ariel Antigua
Ethan Moore

I was looking forward to seeing Cash Williams play. He was a highly rated catcher but unfortunately for him he arrived when we have an unusually deep roster of catchers. I met his father in Arlington and what a great family! Wish him the best!

 

[taylorvol]

Sad that a lot of these players with potential will continually chase a better "perceived" opportunity or immediate playing time early in their career instead of sticking around with a solid program and developing. NIL has made that path all the more rarer. And I don't mean that as a slight towards Mr. High personally because everyone is doing it and all the teams are now having to dole out an NIL budget amongst players. Some of these kids need to look at the career arcs of Christian Moore, Blake Burke, Kavares Tears(Redshirted) and even this year with Reece Chapman who went undrafted last year and came back and improved his stock tremendously. Not playing or redshirting your freshman year isn't the end of the world. Best of luck to the young man and I hope he succeeds wherever he ends up.

I hear you but in many cases these men were recruited over or told they didn’t have a roster spot for them any longer. It’s the cold world of 34 man rosters and the cut throat business of college athletics. I’m not saying this was (or wasn’t) the case with Hunter High but has been for most on the list so far….

 

[NighthawkVol]

I know it’s not about Hunter. I was saying it would surprise me if Hunter’s dad was another Brandon Pannell given that Hunter has represented the Power T well and been a good teammate. It just struck me as odd phrasing.

What did Brandon Pennell do?

 

[rockytop25]

I hear you but in many cases these men were recruited over or told they didn’t have a roster spot for them any longer. It’s the cold world of 34 man rosters and the cut throat business of college athletics. I’m not saying this was (or wasn’t) the case with Hunter High but has been for most on the list so far….

I would imagine that a lot of these young men are leaving because they have aspirations of getting drafted and want to PLAY. I’m the biggest Tennessee fan there is but if I had an opportunity to go actually play 60 games somewhere and potentially get drafted, I’d do the same.

Not every transfer is for a bad reason!

 

[taylorvol]

I would imagine that a lot of these young men are leaving because they have aspirations of getting drafted and want to PLAY. I’m the biggest Tennessee fan there is but if I had an opportunity to go actually play 60 games somewhere and potentially get drafted, I’d do the same.

Not every transfer is for a bad reason!

Absolutely. Many are blocked at their respective positions and need to transfer to have a shot at any material playing time. If this was my son, all I would ask is for the coaching staff to be brutally honest with him on his evaluation and where he is in the depth chart. I have zero doubt that Coach E and staff are shooting them straight.

 

[WaywardVol]

I would imagine that a lot of these young men are leaving because they have aspirations of getting drafted and want to PLAY. I’m the biggest Tennessee fan there is but if I had an opportunity to go actually play 60 games somewhere and potentially get drafted, I’d do the same.

Not every transfer is for a bad reason!

Look at the players who played little or none their freshman year. Kavares Tears ring any bells. He redshirted and then only played sparingly in 2023. I’d even say he would have been better to return for 25.

Good grief, some of these kids hit a little adversity and run for the hills. Granted, some are likely told it would be better to move on. There just aren’t that many Grindlingers who are ready to step in and contribute at that level year one.

 

[rockytop25]

Look at the players who played little or none their freshman year. Kavares Tears ring any bells. He redshirted and then only played sparingly in 2023. I’d even say he would have been better to return for 25.

Good grief, some of these kids hit a little adversity and run for the hills. Granted, some are likely told it would be better to move on. There just aren’t that many Grindlingers who are ready to step in and contribute at that level year one.

I get both arguments, but the best way to develop in baseball is to actually play

 

[darsinewman]

I know it’s not about Hunter. I was saying it would surprise me if Hunter’s dad was another Brandon Pannell given that Hunter has represented the Power T well and been a good teammate. It just struck me as odd phrasing.

Can confirm that Brent High is as great a person as his kid. I don't think he meant anything negative by it.

 

[rockytop25]

“But the end of the Tony Vitello era was very unorganized in terms of managing the roster and budgeting and crunching the numbers financially and roster limit wise. It was very messy. It was not an easy transition for Josh Elander in that regard. Even in October, when the roster you would think is already set. And so it was a really difficult transition for Josh Elander.”

Interesting comments here from McKee on the latest Diamond Vols pod from the other day…interested to see how Elander shapes this team and how he deals with the portal!

 

[Sam I Am]

Both are draft eligible. Grimmer being able to slide into playing 2nd only helped his stock.

If a miracle could take place and G. Wright came back, I would begin to get excited about next year. Easily, our best overall player this year. Strong 2nd place was Ford, but Wright brought it everyday.

 

[WGWTFA98]

I hear you but in many cases these men were recruited over or told they didn’t have a roster spot for them any longer. It’s the cold world of 34 man rosters and the cut throat business of college athletics. I’m not saying this was (or wasn’t) the case with Hunter High but has been for most on the list so far….

I do think they had a spot for Hunter next year, but as you and many others have stated, it’s a two way street. He’s good enough to be a full time player somewhere. They loved him here and he loved it and I think they would’ve happily kept him. But he also wants to play so had to make a tough decision. I think Jay was in a similar boat, although he had the added complexity level of NIL negotiations

pretty much everyone else leaving so far didn’t have a spot next year

 

[WGWTFA98]

Look at the players who played little or none their freshman year. Kavares Tears ring any bells. He redshirted and then only played sparingly in 2023. I’d even say he would have been better to return for 25.

Good grief, some of these kids hit a little adversity and run for the hills. Granted, some are likely told it would be better to move on. There just aren’t that many Grindlingers who are ready to step in and contribute at that level year one.

There’s a major difference in roster sizes between this era and that era too though. A big factor in Tony leaving. It’s really hard to keep more than a couple of kids around as “projects” when you only get 34 slots. Well over half the roster (at least 12 position players and 10-12 arms) have to be guys you are pretty confident can help you in the next season. Those last 10 spots are basically getting cycled out with new freshmen. It’s a brutal setup right now - frankly for both players and coaches

 

[WGWTFA98]

“But the end of the Tony Vitello era was very unorganized in terms of managing the roster and budgeting and crunching the numbers financially and roster limit wise. It was very messy. It was not an easy transition for Josh Elander in that regard. Even in October, when the roster you would think is already set. And so it was a really difficult transition for Josh Elander.”

Interesting comments here from McKee on the latest Diamond Vols pod from the other day…interested to see how Elander shapes this team and how he deals with the portal!

Tony is extremely type B and Josh is pretty type A. It’s part of why they worked so well together. I’m sure there are some things Josh will do differently now that he’s in charge

 

[preacherman20]

Not speaking specifically about these particular players you are naming but there are some misconceptions about how good some are from their families. They think because they were good high school players they will be good to great college players but some don't transition well. Some don't deal well with failure. They are great showcase guys but lack the ability to deal with change. The everybody gets a trophy mindset makes these guys expect guarantees. Some coaches will lie and give it then do what they want when you get there. Proudly, Tony and Josh won't do that.

I would disagree with Tony being Type B. There was nothing about Tony that is Type B. He is hardcore type A. It may appear on the outside that way but it was his way or the highway in every area of the program. That will be his downfall in pros. He was responsible for every decision made.

 

[VolFan_stuck_in_the_901]

Tony is extremely type B and Josh is pretty type A. It’s part of why they worked so well together. I’m sure there are some things Josh will do differently now that he’s in charge

Nothing about Tony Vitello screams "Type B personality". If that man isn't Type A, then Type A doesn't exist

 

[taylorvol]

“But the end of the Tony Vitello era was very unorganized in terms of managing the roster and budgeting and crunching the numbers financially and roster limit wise. It was very messy. It was not an easy transition for Josh Elander in that regard. Even in October, when the roster you would think is already set. And so it was a really difficult transition for Josh Elander.”

Interesting comments here from McKee on the latest Diamond Vols pod from the other day…interested to see how Elander shapes this team and how he deals with the portal!

CTV was a big picture guy who didn’t sweat the details. He also didn’t let the small stuff get in the way of success and surrounded himself with great folks who handled the details.