Today is the first day of practice, which means Texas Baseball season opener is just 21 days away!
Before we get into my notes from the media session and practice, there is slated to be a new episode of Around the Horns each week during the season and we will have a couple of preview shows coming soon as well. Really excited about who will be on the show and the level of access to the program it will provide folks. More details to come on this soon!
Lineup - things remain pretty static so far, but there is certainly going to continue to be competition at a few spots, notably 3B and 1B.
Catcher - Rylan Galvan
1B - Kimble Schuessler / Jaquae Stewart / Cole Chamberlain
2B - Ethan Mendoza
SS - Jalin Flores
3B - Adrian Rodriguez
LF - Easton Winfield
CF - Will Gasparino
RF - Max Belyeu
DH - Casey Borba / Jaquae Stewart / Cole Chamberlain
Notes:
Starting Pitching:
Jared Spencer - The Indiana State transfer has some of the most electric stuff on the mound and despite limited starts during his career, appears to be locked into a starting role.
Luke Harrison - Cool Hand Luke is back and from what I've heard, he has been really impressive, especially his ability to throw strikes. Pitching coach Max Weiner wants guys who can throw strikes and dominate the zone and that is what the veteran has displayed so far. Strength and Training Coach Matt Couch has also done a great job of helping Luke bulk up and add strength during his recovery to help prepare him for the role.
TBD - that is who is listed as the 3rd and 4th starter right now. That will obviously change as we get closer to the season, but none of the pitchers have thrown more than 2 innings since the summer, so it will take time for things to shake out.
Ace Whitehead - unfortunately, Ace had a set back that will likely keep him from being able to contribute for awhile. I have no doubt that Ace will battle and work through it to get back, but Texas fans won't get to see Boogie on the mound to start the season.
Ruger Riojas - The UTSA transfer continues to impress and if it weren't for his dynamic ability, he would likely be a starter for the Horns. Instead, look for Ruger to pitch in a variety of different roles so that the staff can take advantage of his arm more than once a week.
Max Grubbs - Max did not pitch this Fall as he had to deal with an small issue in his shoulder, but he has been building back up and will be ready to go for the season. He likely won't factor in as a starter to begin with as he builds back, but he has the mentality that the staff looks for in a pitcher, so he will certainly get his chances.
Thomas Burns - The Arizona State transfer continues to impress with his fastball and will be a big factor in the bullpen for the Horns with a chance to work his way into a starting role as the season goes along.
Grayson Saunier - continues to impress with his fastball and work on mixing in his breaking ball. If he can show the consistency, he has the chance to win a starting rotation job
Drew Rerick - the freshman from North Dakota is a physical specimen and continues to improve on the mound with his mentality as well. He isn't afraid to go right at hitters and he has some elite stuff. There will always be a few rough moments as a freshman, especially adjusting to SEC play, but there are big expectations of Drew.
Jason Flores - the freshman has a cannon for an arm and will also be a factor out of the bullpen for the Horns. He needs to work on consistency still, but he is a guy with a really bright future and will get chances early to make his mark.
Dylan Volantis - the freshman was a late add to the class after the one-time USC signee backed out of his LOI and decided not to go to Pro ball. Volantis has an elite breaking ball and a really good feel for his pitches. Like Flores and Rerick, he is another guy that will get plenty of chances early on.
UPDATE on hitters:
I am not saying that this team will hit the same number or more home runs than when Melendez was hitting dingers like they were party favors, but this lineup has some serious pop.
Everyone has seen what Belyeu, Flores, and Galvan can do, but Kimble, Winfield, Gaspo, Gumbo, Stewart, Chamberlain, and Rodriguez all have pop.
This is a lineup that 1-9 can compete day in and day out and they have some solid depth behind them as well.
For backup catcher, look no further than freshman Cole Chamberlain. Very mature kid who has a great hit tool and continues to improve behind the plate as well.
If Adrian Rodriguez plays every day like he did today, watch out. He is a dog and the competition between him and Borba is must watch tv right now.
Some folks may not know Easton Winfields name, but they will very very soon. He works hard and has a great hit tool.
Lastly - I expect this team to put pressure on the opposing pitchers by running… a lot. The team has speed and Schloss is going to turn them loose this year.
Before we get into my notes from the media session and practice, there is slated to be a new episode of Around the Horns each week during the season and we will have a couple of preview shows coming soon as well. Really excited about who will be on the show and the level of access to the program it will provide folks. More details to come on this soon!
Lineup - things remain pretty static so far, but there is certainly going to continue to be competition at a few spots, notably 3B and 1B.
Catcher - Rylan Galvan
1B - Kimble Schuessler / Jaquae Stewart / Cole Chamberlain
2B - Ethan Mendoza
SS - Jalin Flores
3B - Adrian Rodriguez
LF - Easton Winfield
CF - Will Gasparino
RF - Max Belyeu
DH - Casey Borba / Jaquae Stewart / Cole Chamberlain
Notes:
- Kimble, Jaquae, and Cole all got time at 1B and each brings their own ability to the position. Kimble and Cole both receive the ball really well and Jaquae moves much better than one would anticipate. It will largely come down to consistency, matchup, and who is performing at the plate
- In warmups, Easton Winfield was taking reps at 2B which would provide Texas the option of bringing in a guy like Matt Scott into the lineup in LF. Winfield will start in LF though, so mostly just cross training
- Adrian Rodriguez continues to impress at 3B defensively and continues to get coached up by Tulo on footwork, glovework, and positioning
- Carson Luna is a year away, but he continues to impress with his glovework and footwork at SS backing up Jalin Flores
- Overall, Texas continues to look the part of a more physical team. Matt Couch received praise for getting his guys ready and for good reason. Numerous guys have made significant gains and it shows!
- Because people will ask due to the uniqueness of the situation, Jonah Williams is still on the mend after having broken his collarbone during his senior football season. Outside of running bases and some limited work in the weight room, he is still a ways off from being able to play and show the coaches his capabilities.
Starting Pitching:
Jared Spencer - The Indiana State transfer has some of the most electric stuff on the mound and despite limited starts during his career, appears to be locked into a starting role.
Luke Harrison - Cool Hand Luke is back and from what I've heard, he has been really impressive, especially his ability to throw strikes. Pitching coach Max Weiner wants guys who can throw strikes and dominate the zone and that is what the veteran has displayed so far. Strength and Training Coach Matt Couch has also done a great job of helping Luke bulk up and add strength during his recovery to help prepare him for the role.
TBD - that is who is listed as the 3rd and 4th starter right now. That will obviously change as we get closer to the season, but none of the pitchers have thrown more than 2 innings since the summer, so it will take time for things to shake out.
Ace Whitehead - unfortunately, Ace had a set back that will likely keep him from being able to contribute for awhile. I have no doubt that Ace will battle and work through it to get back, but Texas fans won't get to see Boogie on the mound to start the season.
Ruger Riojas - The UTSA transfer continues to impress and if it weren't for his dynamic ability, he would likely be a starter for the Horns. Instead, look for Ruger to pitch in a variety of different roles so that the staff can take advantage of his arm more than once a week.
Max Grubbs - Max did not pitch this Fall as he had to deal with an small issue in his shoulder, but he has been building back up and will be ready to go for the season. He likely won't factor in as a starter to begin with as he builds back, but he has the mentality that the staff looks for in a pitcher, so he will certainly get his chances.
Thomas Burns - The Arizona State transfer continues to impress with his fastball and will be a big factor in the bullpen for the Horns with a chance to work his way into a starting role as the season goes along.
Grayson Saunier - continues to impress with his fastball and work on mixing in his breaking ball. If he can show the consistency, he has the chance to win a starting rotation job
Drew Rerick - the freshman from North Dakota is a physical specimen and continues to improve on the mound with his mentality as well. He isn't afraid to go right at hitters and he has some elite stuff. There will always be a few rough moments as a freshman, especially adjusting to SEC play, but there are big expectations of Drew.
Jason Flores - the freshman has a cannon for an arm and will also be a factor out of the bullpen for the Horns. He needs to work on consistency still, but he is a guy with a really bright future and will get chances early to make his mark.
Dylan Volantis - the freshman was a late add to the class after the one-time USC signee backed out of his LOI and decided not to go to Pro ball. Volantis has an elite breaking ball and a really good feel for his pitches. Like Flores and Rerick, he is another guy that will get plenty of chances early on.
UPDATE on hitters:
I am not saying that this team will hit the same number or more home runs than when Melendez was hitting dingers like they were party favors, but this lineup has some serious pop.
Everyone has seen what Belyeu, Flores, and Galvan can do, but Kimble, Winfield, Gaspo, Gumbo, Stewart, Chamberlain, and Rodriguez all have pop.
This is a lineup that 1-9 can compete day in and day out and they have some solid depth behind them as well.
For backup catcher, look no further than freshman Cole Chamberlain. Very mature kid who has a great hit tool and continues to improve behind the plate as well.
If Adrian Rodriguez plays every day like he did today, watch out. He is a dog and the competition between him and Borba is must watch tv right now.
Some folks may not know Easton Winfields name, but they will very very soon. He works hard and has a great hit tool.
Lastly - I expect this team to put pressure on the opposing pitchers by running… a lot. The team has speed and Schloss is going to turn them loose this year.
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