UT Coaches in Year 1

[volKano]

So you think a coach can force someone to be a leader? Please explain how that is done in one year? If they don’t have the desire to lead, or don't posses the gonads, your vernacular, NO coach can make that happen, especially in year one. New staff dynamics. I believe the change in pitching coach was the biggest negative this season. I do not believe the trust was there this year like last. I truly believe we would have easily broke the 40 win plateau this year had Frank stayed. Maybe even at least one win in the tournament.

I do believe you can help build a leader. Coaches do it all the time. You help instill confidence in them and work with them to be more vocal. Sometimes you just have one show up and other times you work to bring it out of them. Think about it this way. Most qbs are the leaders of the offense so were they born with leadership qualities or did they learn it?

 

[taylorvol]

Nailed it. I would also add Eisfelder to the key returnee list.

Are you resigned to losing Wright, Marin, and Grimmer to MLB?

Yes. I’d say 99% that those 3 are gone as well as Rhudy and Kuhns to MLB. Of course, Ford and Arvidson will obviously be gone too. I do think Lawless will forego the draft and return.

 

[vols1071]

Analytical based coaching will never work... Its should be used as a part but not the basis of a college coached team... Tony and other great coaches have a feel for the team amd his players... Not afraid to do uncomfortable things

 

[Gilbert]

We’re not that far off. While this weekend was disappointing, a hit or even sac fly with runners in scoring position may have changed the trajectory of the whole weekend.

We beat 3 teams in series who’ve already advanced into the supers and also beat one who is pushing GT to game 7.

This year was just hard given the circumstances. I’m excited to see what Elander and staff can do with a full offseason. Hopefully the returnees work hard and develop and the coaching staff hits the portal hard.

 

[IfDickeyStayed]

Some notable firsts this year:
-First group of 5 series loss in a series at home since pre-Vitello
-First time not winning 40 games since 2018
-First time losing to LSU in Knoxville since 2016
-First time losing to Ole Miss in a series in Knoxville since 2016
-First time getting swept by Vandy since 2013
-Worst home record winning percentage since 2018
-Worst SEC winning record since 2019
-First time going 0-2 in a Regional ever

Overall, this year was our worst since 2018 and objectively a step in the wrong direction. If we have a repeat of it, then Elander will either be fired or will enter Year 3 with a scorching seat. He was hired solely for continuity in the program, yet somehow we had no identity or personality from the previous 8 years. There are too many firsts on that list for Elander not to be the common denominator in all this. He has to get better next year, or he won't be here long. We are the winningest program in baseball this decade. He was given the keys to a Ferrari and drove it like a Prius.

 

[WallyBalls]

Overall a good season considering the circumstances. I’m sure Coach Elander will focus on:

Retaining Key Returnees:
Grindlinger, Lawless, Clark, Abernathy, Brown, Appenzeller, Mack, and Moore

Portal Needs: (Minimum)
3 Power Bullpen Arms, 3 Starting Pitchers, SS, OF, 3B

Evaluation of Pitching Coach

Bless you for fighting the good fight in here on Monday. I knew it would be rough on here, but jeez.

I like the way you phrased the last point. I've seen several "need a new pitching coach", "need a new hitting coach" type responses without even bothering to know either person's name.

I'm not saying CJR needs to go or stay, but something was off there all year. Granted, he didn't assemble that pitching staff so maybe that was some of it. But the whole approach/philosophy never clicked and I'm not sure why. The post season tear down on that part of the program is very important.

 

[WallyBalls]

We’re not that far off. While this weekend was disappointing, a hit or even sac fly with runners in scoring position may have changed the trajectory of the whole weekend.

We beat 3 teams in series who’ve already advanced into the supers and also beat one who is pushing GT to game 7.

This year was just hard given the circumstances. I’m excited to see what Elander and staff can do with a full offseason. Hopefully the returnees work hard and develop and the coaching staff hits the portal hard.

Well said. Semi-frustrating year but as it went on, it gave me hope for the future. There was growth as the season progressed and there's parts and pieces to build with.

Couple players made good leadership statements (not letting certain things slide, etc) after the weekend, so I'd love to see that carry through summer and fall ball into next season.

 

[taylorvol]

Some notable firsts this year:
-First group of 5 series loss in a series at home since pre-Vitello
-First time not winning 40 games since 2018
-First time losing to LSU in Knoxville since 2016
-First time losing to Ole Miss in a series in Knoxville since 2016
-First time getting swept by Vandy since 2013
-Worst home record winning percentage since 2018
-Worst SEC winning record since 2019
-First time going 0-2 in a Regional ever

Overall, this year was our worst since 2018 and objectively a step in the wrong direction. If we have a repeat of it, then Elander will either be fired or will enter Year 3 with a scorching seat. He was hired solely for continuity in the program, yet somehow we had no identity or personality from the previous 8 years. There are too many firsts on that list for Elander not to be the common denominator in all this. He has to get better next year, or he won't be here long. We are the winningest program in baseball this decade. He was given the keys to a Ferrari and drove it like a Prius.

You forgot:
first time replacing a generational coach
first time replacing the best pitching coach
first time replacing the best strength and conditioning coach
first time replacing top 5 scouting director

Elander went 15-15 in SEC vs last year’s 16-14 record despite having to replace virtually entire coaching staff in November and prior team being gutted by draft.

 

[WallyBalls]

Some notable firsts this year:
-First group of 5 series loss in a series at home since pre-Vitello
-First time not winning 40 games since 2018
-First time losing to LSU in Knoxville since 2016
-First time losing to Ole Miss in a series in Knoxville since 2016
-First time getting swept by Vandy since 2013
-Worst home record winning percentage since 2018
-Worst SEC winning record since 2019
-First time going 0-2 in a Regional ever

Overall, this year was our worst since 2018 and objectively a step in the wrong direction. If we have a repeat of it, then Elander will either be fired or will enter Year 3 with a scorching seat. He was hired solely for continuity in the program, yet somehow we had no identity or personality from the previous 8 years. There are too many firsts on that list for Elander not to be the common denominator in all this. He has to get better next year, or he won't be here long. We are the winningest program in baseball this decade. He was given the keys to a Ferrari and drove it like a Prius.

Your thoughts on Corbin and Johnson this year?

 

[taylorvol]

Nailed it. I would also add Eisfelder to the key returnee list.

Are you resigned to losing Wright, Marin, and Grimmer to MLB?

Yes sir. Totally meant to add Eisfelder as I think he’s starting in the OF on day 1. Not sure how I left him out but I think my brain was fried with spending 3 days watching 3 noon games in the blazing sun. (I‘m a gluten for punishment as I went yesterday to watch ECU vs VCU).

PS. Based on updated draft projections, I’d say there’s certainly a better chance that Grimmer or Wright come back. I think Marin is gone even if he’s an undrafted FA.