Tennessee baseball coach Tony Vitello has discussed the departures of several players from the team, including some who were key contributors to their recent championship season. While the team is experiencing some roster turnover, Vitello has also emphasized the strong talent they have returning and the potential of younger players.
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
Departures:
-
High-profile draft prospects:Several players are expected to be selected in the upcoming MLB draft, with eight Vols appearing in MLB.com’s top 200 prospect rankings.
-
Transfer portal:Several players, including pitcher Dylan Loy who led the SEC in appearances, have entered the transfer portal.
-
Overall:The team is seeing a trimming of the roster, with 20 pitchers leaving, though only Loy was a major contributor.
Returning Talent and Newcomers:
-
Young players:Vitello mentioned several younger players who contributed this season, like Chris Newstrom, Jay Abernathy, and Levi Clark, and indicated they have a role to play in the future.
-
Transfer additions:The team has been active in the transfer portal, bringing in strong arms to help offset the departures.
-
Returning players:Key players like Hunter Ensley and AJ Russell are returning, and Vitello has expressed confidence in their abilities.
Vitello’s Perspective:
-
Positive outlook:Despite the departures, Vitello remains optimistic about the team’s future, emphasizing the positive impact of players like Liam Doyle and the potential of the returning players.
-
Roster rebuild:He acknowledges that the team needs to rebuild, but is getting an earlier start to the process this year compared to last, when the championship run went into late June.
-
Focus on development:Vitello highlights the importance of player development and the potential of the younger players, suggesting a focus on building for the future
