University of Tennessee Athletics
Quick Hits: Vol Baseball Begins Official Practice
January 27, 2017 | Baseball
Photo Gallery: Baseball's First Official Practice (1.27.17)
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Tennessee opened up the first week of official practice for the 2017 season at Lindsay Nelson Stadium on Friday.
Head coach Dave Serrano, entering his sixth year at the helm of the Vols, spoke to the media before practice and said he's looking forward to seeing what the talent on this team has to offer.
"We know we've got a lot of older guys that are returning," Serrano said. "We're fortunate enough to have older guys in some key positions, but we've got a lot of youth that we think is very talented too."
The Volunteers have 17 newcomers, including 14 true freshmen, joining the roster this season and Serrano is hopeful of their impact on the team.
"They have not disappointed us in any regards, whether it's on or off the field; they've done things right," Serrano noted. "They've done things like champions day in and day out."
Friday's first practice ended with a seven-inning scrimmage starring a pitching duel between junior Zach Warren and freshman Garrett Stallings. The Vols first weekend of practice will include two more scrimmages at Lindsay Nelson on Saturday, Jan. 28 at 12:30 p.m. and Sunday, Jan. 29 at 11 a.m.
More From Serrano:
(On having a strong pitching staff this season)
"We're deep on the mound and if we can stay healthy and continue to develop, I'll say this, we have enough talent to be good... We have to put together a starting rotation and I think we'll be good at the start and good at the end with some good SEC-type arms. We've got about five or six guys vying for those three (starting) spots which is all good. Zach Warren has had a good fall. Will Neely had a great fall. Garrett Stallings, a freshman that has come in, hasn't really surprised us because of his makeup but pitched really well for us in the fall and has done really well in our workouts since. Zach Linginfelter from Sevier County has not disappointed us at all; his upside is really good. You've got a senior like Hunter Martin that was really good out of the bullpen last season and we're pushing him into the starting rotation, so we've got good options and we've got good options at the end of the game too."
(On position battles he'll be watching closely)
"There are some interchanging parts at a couple positions. The catching position is one -- Benito Santiago right now is our starting guy and we hope he has his best year yet. Pete Derkay is a freshman who has really done well offensively and behind the plate. He's a good option there. Pete is also a first baseman so it opens up that spot when Pete does catch. So, first base and catchers are the two spots, I would say. Maybe one of our outfield spots, one of the outfield corner spots. To start the season knowing we have a senior at third in Jordan Rodgers, a fifth-year senior at short in Reggie Southall, and a fifth-year senior at second in Jeff Moberg -- that's a good nucleus to have with that experience. And Brodie Leftridge at centerfield -- that's a lot of experience down the middle of the diamond."
VFL Helton Joins Baseball Staff
The Tennessee baseball program and head coach Dave Serrano announced today that former Tennessee All-American and Major League Baseball veteran Todd Helton will join the baseball staff as director of player development.
In his new volunteer role with his alma mater, Helton will be responsible for maintaining alumni relations, assisting with on-campus recruiting, collaborating with UT's coaching staff and helping Tennessee's current players make informed decisions about pursuing professional baseball careers.
For the full story, click HERE.
