2002 Tennessee Baseball Outlook - Outfield - University of Tennessee Athletics

Jan. 7, 2002

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The Vols return two starters to the outfield in seniors Brandon Hopkins and Dan Wilson. Also returning is senior Ryan Moffett who has seen significant action in the last two years.

With the influx of some talented outfielders, competition for playing time will be fierce.

Hopkins was the starter in center field last year until he suffered a separated shoulder in early March that sidelined him for six weeks. Upon his return, he was used exclusively as a designated hitter. He hit .367 with four home runs and 24 RBI in 40 games.

Wilson started last season in right, lost his job at the midway point, but regained it near the end of the season. He earned Knoxville Regional All-Tournament honors and played a big role in the postseason while batting .294 with five home runs and 37 RBI.

Moffett, who struggled with the bat last season (.207, 2 HR, 9 RBI), saw time as a late inning defense replacement and showed some exceptional flashes with the leather as he tracked down everything hit his way. He looks to get back to the form that saw him hit over .300 his first two years.
Not be left out of the mix of returning players is senior Adam Smith who has battled injuries throughout his career and appears to be 100 percent for the first time. Used mainly as a left-handed pinch hitter and DH, Smith hit .250 with six RBI.

Additional players vying for spots in the outfield include true freshmen Joey Andrews, Chad LeGate and Chris Heath, along with junior college transfer Jordan Czarniecki.

Andrews and Czarniecki appear to have risen to the top of the class of newcomers. LeGate was sidelined during the fall with ulnar transfer surgery in his right elbow and will be a little behind when the team begins in the spring. Heath was a redshirt defensive back on the football team.

"I would say we are as deep in the outfield as any team in the country," said Delmonico. "We have some athletes that can flat out get after it.

There were some injuries in the fall with Brandon Hopkins still rehabbing from his injury last year and Chad LeGate's elbow, but overall, it is a strong group.

"Returning players like Dan Wilson, Adam Smith and Ryan Moffett make the competition for playing time tough among the newcomers.

"Freshman Joey Andrews is a very capable two-way guy who can give us some innings on the mound, while Jordan Czarniecki is pushing hard for playing time."

University of Tennessee Athletics

2002 Tennessee Baseball Outlook - Outfield

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Players Mentioned

Joey Andrews

Jordan Czarniecki

Brandon Hopkins

Chad LeGate

Ryan Moffett

Adam Smith

Dan Wilson

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