utdailybeacon
Josh Elander is finally getting a full autumn to shape the Tennessee baseball program according to his own vision. A year ago, former head coach Tony Vitello departed for a major league managerial position right in the middle of fall workouts, leaving Elander to take over as interim before eventually being named the permanent head coach. Now, as he enters his second year at the helm, Elander will experience his first complete fall season with his own squad.
Elander addressed the media on September 21 in anticipation of fall practices. He discussed injuries, position battles, and adjustments to the coaching staff, with the fall schedule set to kick off on October 11 against Troy in Nashville.
Coaching Staff Adjustments
Several coaching responsibilities have been reassigned. Ricky Martinez will take over as first-base coach, a role previously held by Ross Kivett. Martinez, who played shortstop for the Volunteers, is expected to bring valuable insight as an infield instructor. Kivett shifts to coaching third base, a position he has filled before with the Houston Cougars.
"He is fully capable," Elander said of Kivett. "And, I think, just again, it's a good balance as he's moving guys around on defense."
Craig Bell will move into the dugout after serving as third-base coach for the latter part of last season. Bell had taken over that role when Elander realized he was more effective coaching from the dugout. "Craig Bell did a phenomenal job for us (as third-base coach)," Elander said. "He's done it forever. But he's a little bit older. I don't want him getting hit by a foul ball. And I don't even really say that jokingly because it is dangerous over there with how hard some of the guys are hitting the baseball at times. So, Chuck, Craig and I will be in the dugout."
Elander explained that these coaching changes are designed to involve more staff members, distribute responsibilities, and ultimately enhance the team's performance.
Pitcher Updates
One of the most significant hurdles for the team is the recovery of several pitchers who have been dealing with injuries since the offseason began. Two-way utility player Blaine Brown is expected to return to the field this season but will not pitch after undergoing left elbow surgery in the offseason. Elander has high expectations for Brown in his draft year, and he will be a full participant in the outfield this spring.
South Carolina transfer pitcher Jake McCoy and Northwestern State transfer pitcher Brody Trosclair are both recovering from elbow surgeries. They are throwing in different phases but are expected to be ready for action in the early spring. "Those conversations start in recruiting," Elander said. "I think with how advanced those surgeries have become, especially when it comes to anything with the elbow, the success rate is so high now. But those guys are all throwing in different phases as it goes. But we expect early spring those guys will be ready to rock and roll and we'll have plenty of options down there in the bullpen."
Louisville transfer right-handed pitcher Parker Detmers has flown under the radar as a late addition but projects to be a valuable asset due to his versatility on the pitching staff. Elander noted that Detmers is throwing 93-96 mph in the bullpen and compared his style to former Volunteers pitcher Aaron Combs.
Infield Impressions and Competition
Elander praised former California Baptist shortstop Chris Ramirez, a transfer middle infielder who has impressed with his lateral quickness, ability to throw from various angles, and range. Ramirez is projected to start at shortstop after earning back-to-back Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Defensive Player of the Year honors. "He really dominates the average play," Elander said. "That's something that's very important to us here. But he also has the ability to make the one that can make you go, wow. But what he's done right now, just as far as directing traffic in the middle of the field, that's very important for me. If you're going to play in the middle of the field, you need to be the quarterback."
The shortstop position became a priority after Manny Marin transferred to Arkansas, and Elander addressed it aggressively in the transfer portal. Baylor transfer Travis Sanders and FIU transfer Mario Trivella have given Elander and his staff a chance to evaluate how the roster can come together. Sanders was considered a potential MLB Draft risk but ultimately made it to campus after an All-Big 12 season with a .458 on-base percentage and 27 extra-base hits. Trivella added a 15-home-run season at FIU to round out a loaded middle infield competition.
"You've got to have enough internal competition to be able to withstand the external competition in the SEC," Elander said. "So, I think we have plenty of that on the field, not only at shortstop but all over the place. So, that's what has me the most excited about the fall."
Originally reported by utdailybeacon.