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As seems to be the case every year, the pitching staff is an area of concern. Tennessee, which had three pitchers drafted last season (Wyatt Allen-1st round Chicago White Sox, Justin Parker-19th round Atlanta, Brian Gates-28th round Minnesota), returns five pitchers who combined for a 16-5 record. But even with that impressive returning mark, the Vols will be without their most experience hurler in junior right hander Brandon Crowe for the entire season. Crowe, who was 6-0 with three saves and a 3.68 ERA, underwent "Tommy John" surgery over the summer and will undergo rehabilitation for 12-18 months.
With Crowe out, sophomore Patrick Hicklen will anchor a youthful staff. Hicklen, who was impressive out of the bullpen to start the 2001 season, proved his mettle by picking up wins in two NCAA postseason clinching games in the Knoxville Regional and the Kinston Super Regional.
The right hander went 5-4 with three saves and a 5.27 ERA while making the Knoxville Regional All-Tournament team. He also had a scoreless innings streak of 22 1/3 innings.
Joining Hicklen are three additional returning sophomores in left hander Dusty Johnson and a pair of right handers, Erik Filsinger and Beau Massey. Johnson came on strong near the end of last season, picking up some midweek wins, while Filsinger and Massey picked exclusively in short relief.
More is expected in 2002 as Johnson will resume pitching in midweek contests while being a lefty coming out of the pen. Filsinger makes a bid for the closers role after pitching in short relief last season. Massey will also see action in middle relief and possibly an occasional start while also getting a look at third base.
Redshirt freshman Brian St. Jean, who gained a medical hardship after undergoing shoulder surgery, is expected to return in full form. He made two short relief appearances in the first two weeks last season before being shut down.
With a youthful pitching staff, that always means there is room for a newcomer to step in and pitch right away. Heading the list of newcomers is freshman right hander Jay Sadlowe who was a 26th round pick by the Los Angles Dodgers in 2001.
Not far behind is junior college left hander Ben Riley who was sidelined in his final season at Iowa Western Community College with elbow problems after just one start. Riley, a draft eligible sophomore, was a junior college All-America in 2000 and was drafted by Minnesota in the 49th round.
Although he didn't arrive until the spring semester, left hander Jeffery Terrell from Okaloosa-Walton Community College could also wind up in the starting rotation. Freshman right hander Justin Reed, who turned down a predraft offer of $400,000 from the Los Angles Dodgers, is a hard thrower that will also be counted on. Reed was a redshirt punter for the football team.
A couple of other freshmen, Joey Andrews, who doubles as an outfielder, and Rob Fitzgerald, will also vie for time on the hill.
"I like the way our pitching staff is shaping up," said Delmonico. "We were banged up a bit in the fall, but a few of the new pitchers, Ben Riley, Jay Sadlowe and Joey Andrews, really showed their ability on the mound.
"It was also nice to see Beau Massey really step up and of course Patrick Hicklen continues to get better with every outing.
"Of course when the season starts, we will be ready to go with the additions of Dusty Johnson, Erik Filsinger, Brian St. Jean and Justin Reed who sat out the fall." |
