University of Tennessee Athletics
Fall Ball Report: Vols Hit the Field, Two Practices Left in Week 2
September 22, 2017 | Baseball
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee head baseball coach Tony Vitello met with the media after Thursday's intrasquad scrimmage to talk about the team's status after two weeks of practice.
"I honestly feel good about where we're at with how the guys compete and how much energy they've put into it," Vitello said. "They're interested in what we're doing. I think they like the environment that we have going on. So if we can check that box, it's time to move on to executing and we have to do that a lot better."
Vitello also touched on the importance of getting better each and every day and finding out the team's strengths and weaknesses during their fall practice window.
"They (the players) want to have freedom to fail and in the fall there certainly needs to be that because if we make a mistake here it's inexpensive experience," Vitello said. "Now if we make it in the middle of the season or in May, it's going to be expensive, but right now we have to work through that and hope that we know what we can and can't do come that time."
New Coaching Staff Gelling Nicely
On top of having to get to know the 21 returning players and 15 newcomers, the Vols' new coaching staff has also had to get accustomed to working with each other over the past few months.
Vitello said he has been pleased with how the staff has worked together and been able to connect with the new and returning players so far this season.
"This group is working hard and the players are right there on each guy's hip," Vitello said. "Myself, I've tried to bounce around a little bit. I think we've established ourselves as a group of guys that are not afraid to work. The players have recognized that and they're excited to work alongside of us."
Veteran Players Taking on Leadership Role
With only six upperclassmen on the roster, the Vols will rely heavily on those players for veteran leadership this season.
Benito Santiago, one of just two seniors on the team, said that the upperclassmen have embraced the challenge of mentoring the younger players on the team.
"(We're) just trying to lead the team in anything that they need," Santiago said. "It's not more talk, it's just showing by action. The team has been coming along really well. We have a bunch of guys that have bought in and we're just seeing the progress come through."
Pitchers Looking Good Early this Fall
As is usually the case, pitching seems to be a little bit ahead of the hitting at this time of the year. Vitello acknowledged that but also mentioned that Thursday was the team's best day at the plate so far and that everything has been competitive.
Sophomore pitcher Garrett Stallings stated that he is just working to improve each and every day.
"Just getting better each day and coming to the field with that mindset," Stallings said when asked about his goals for the fall. "Just to pick a few things out and not put too much on your plate, but just strive to get better every day."
Quick Hits
"I honestly feel good about where we're at with how the guys compete and how much energy they've put into it," Vitello said. "They're interested in what we're doing. I think they like the environment that we have going on. So if we can check that box, it's time to move on to executing and we have to do that a lot better."
Vitello also touched on the importance of getting better each and every day and finding out the team's strengths and weaknesses during their fall practice window.
"They (the players) want to have freedom to fail and in the fall there certainly needs to be that because if we make a mistake here it's inexpensive experience," Vitello said. "Now if we make it in the middle of the season or in May, it's going to be expensive, but right now we have to work through that and hope that we know what we can and can't do come that time."
New Coaching Staff Gelling Nicely
On top of having to get to know the 21 returning players and 15 newcomers, the Vols' new coaching staff has also had to get accustomed to working with each other over the past few months.
Vitello said he has been pleased with how the staff has worked together and been able to connect with the new and returning players so far this season.
"This group is working hard and the players are right there on each guy's hip," Vitello said. "Myself, I've tried to bounce around a little bit. I think we've established ourselves as a group of guys that are not afraid to work. The players have recognized that and they're excited to work alongside of us."
Veteran Players Taking on Leadership Role
With only six upperclassmen on the roster, the Vols will rely heavily on those players for veteran leadership this season.
Benito Santiago, one of just two seniors on the team, said that the upperclassmen have embraced the challenge of mentoring the younger players on the team.
"(We're) just trying to lead the team in anything that they need," Santiago said. "It's not more talk, it's just showing by action. The team has been coming along really well. We have a bunch of guys that have bought in and we're just seeing the progress come through."
Pitchers Looking Good Early this Fall
As is usually the case, pitching seems to be a little bit ahead of the hitting at this time of the year. Vitello acknowledged that but also mentioned that Thursday was the team's best day at the plate so far and that everything has been competitive.
Sophomore pitcher Garrett Stallings stated that he is just working to improve each and every day.
"Just getting better each day and coming to the field with that mindset," Stallings said when asked about his goals for the fall. "Just to pick a few things out and not put too much on your plate, but just strive to get better every day."
Quick Hits
- Today's practice along with Sunday's scrimmage will be open to the public for viewing only. Any media members who wish to attend should contact the media relations office.
- Next Friday, September 29, the 2001 College World Series team will be back in town for their 16th reunion.
Players Mentioned
C
/ Baseball
RHP
/ BaseballSaturday, May 30
Friday, May 29
Thursday, May 28
Wednesday, May 27
