By Travis Young
The Vanderbilt baseball team has arrived in the sunshine state. The Commodores departed Hawkins Field at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon before arriving at the Nashville International Airport (BNA) to jump on its charter flight en route to Tallahassee, Fla.
After a short delay at the Nashville airport due to heavy rainfall, the ‘Dores boarded the Airbus USA 3000 airline en route to Sunshine state’s capital. The flight lasted only 58 minutes so it was barely enough time to skim the SkyMall Magazine and get in a 20-minute power nap. The plane ride went very smooth as we touched down in Bogglesville aka Tallahassee at 7:15 p.m. ET.
To follow up on Barca’s blog about Head Coach Tim Corbin going with a new hairdo for the Super Regional, he did indeed hold true to his word to the team. Coach Corbin received a loud roar of applause from his team when he got on the bus and showed off his new buzz cut.
Check out the video below to see members of the team loading the jet, including cameos by Sonny Gray and Mike Yastrzemski.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
A man of his word
by Barca Blog
Nearly every player on the Commodore baseball team received a buzz cut from infielders Brian Harris and Anthony Gomez prior to the Louisville Regional last week.
Now, as a result of the Commodores' win over the Cardinals in the regional championship, head coach Tim Corbin will join the hairless club.
"I'm a man of my word," Corbin said after practice Wednesday. "I told them if they won, I'd get rid of it."
Just don't expect Coach to let his team do the honors.
"Gomez wants to cut it, but I'm not going to let a kid from New Jersey with a pair of scissors in his hand cut my hair, that's for sure."
Video of the Day: The best option for a haircut? I'd go with wrestling legend Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake.
Nearly every player on the Commodore baseball team received a buzz cut from infielders Brian Harris and Anthony Gomez prior to the Louisville Regional last week.
Now, as a result of the Commodores' win over the Cardinals in the regional championship, head coach Tim Corbin will join the hairless club.
"I'm a man of my word," Corbin said after practice Wednesday. "I told them if they won, I'd get rid of it."
Just don't expect Coach to let his team do the honors.
"Gomez wants to cut it, but I'm not going to let a kid from New Jersey with a pair of scissors in his hand cut my hair, that's for sure."
Video of the Day: The best option for a haircut? I'd go with wrestling legend Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake.
Video: Pitchers slug it out
by Barca Blog
One of the incentives for throwing a shutout? Getting to take BP.
The Commodore pitching staff earned the right to hit in the cage during practice Wednesday, thanks to Richie Goodenow's complete-game, two-hit shutout against Louisville on Sunday.
And you just knew by their expressions that the guys enjoyed the moment. As junior reliever Russell Brewer told me, any pitcher that hasn't hit since high school misses it.
"It's fun," he noted. "We just like to get out here and try to take some hacks and have some fun to loosen up."
Brewer, who was recruited as an infielder, led the hitting parade by crushing five consecutive homers into the bleachers of Hawkins Field. He twisted his cap backwards -- Ken Griffey, Jr. style -- after the third one left the park.
"I'm begging for ABs every game," Brewer said with a grin. "I tell coach (Corbin) all the time to put me in. All I want is an opportunity ... He told me that I'd get my chance."
Brewer wanted that chance in the regional opener against Illinois State last Friday. When the offense was struggling against Redbirds reliever Kenny Long, Brewer suggested to coach Josh Holliday that the Commodore pitchers would fare better at the plate against the slow-throwing southpaw than the hitters.
"He was right, but we didn't choose him," Corbin quipped. "We chose Jack (Armstrong), and Russell was the second choice -- he was door number two."
We know the result of that decision, but could Brewer get the same shot at glory before it's all said and done?
"Russell can hit," Corbin added. "Don't tell him that I said that, but he came here as a hitter. He's got some strength."
Watch one of Brewer's homers in the video below, plus extra footage of starter Sonny Gray in the cage.
Side note: Russell, who has been out of action since mid-May due to arm soreness, told me he hopes to pitch in Tallahassee this weekend. He needs one more save to tie the school record of 19 held by Ryan Rote.
Video 1: Russell Brewer taking BP & interview (click to enlarge video)
Video 2: Sonny Gray takes swings from both sides of the plate (click to enlarge video)
One of the incentives for throwing a shutout? Getting to take BP.
The Commodore pitching staff earned the right to hit in the cage during practice Wednesday, thanks to Richie Goodenow's complete-game, two-hit shutout against Louisville on Sunday.
And you just knew by their expressions that the guys enjoyed the moment. As junior reliever Russell Brewer told me, any pitcher that hasn't hit since high school misses it.
"It's fun," he noted. "We just like to get out here and try to take some hacks and have some fun to loosen up."
Brewer, who was recruited as an infielder, led the hitting parade by crushing five consecutive homers into the bleachers of Hawkins Field. He twisted his cap backwards -- Ken Griffey, Jr. style -- after the third one left the park.
"I'm begging for ABs every game," Brewer said with a grin. "I tell coach (Corbin) all the time to put me in. All I want is an opportunity ... He told me that I'd get my chance."
Brewer wanted that chance in the regional opener against Illinois State last Friday. When the offense was struggling against Redbirds reliever Kenny Long, Brewer suggested to coach Josh Holliday that the Commodore pitchers would fare better at the plate against the slow-throwing southpaw than the hitters.
"He was right, but we didn't choose him," Corbin quipped. "We chose Jack (Armstrong), and Russell was the second choice -- he was door number two."
We know the result of that decision, but could Brewer get the same shot at glory before it's all said and done?
"Russell can hit," Corbin added. "Don't tell him that I said that, but he came here as a hitter. He's got some strength."
Watch one of Brewer's homers in the video below, plus extra footage of starter Sonny Gray in the cage.
Side note: Russell, who has been out of action since mid-May due to arm soreness, told me he hopes to pitch in Tallahassee this weekend. He needs one more save to tie the school record of 19 held by Ryan Rote.
Video 1: Russell Brewer taking BP & interview (click to enlarge video)
Video 2: Sonny Gray takes swings from both sides of the plate (click to enlarge video)
Meet the Press Wednesday with Corbin, Westlake and Gray
by Barca Blog
Prior to departing for Tallahassee Wednesday evening, head coach Tim Corbin, first baseman Aaron Westlake, and pitcher Sonny Gray met with the media to discuss the Commodores' upcoming matchup with Florida State in the NCAA Super Regionals.
Watch the videos below to find out what the guys had to say:
Head coach Tim Corbin
First Baseman Aaron Westlake
Pitcher Sonny Gray
Prior to departing for Tallahassee Wednesday evening, head coach Tim Corbin, first baseman Aaron Westlake, and pitcher Sonny Gray met with the media to discuss the Commodores' upcoming matchup with Florida State in the NCAA Super Regionals.
Watch the videos below to find out what the guys had to say:
Head coach Tim Corbin
First Baseman Aaron Westlake
Pitcher Sonny Gray
More highlights of regional championship
by Barca Blog
Thanks to Schnabs, we have footage of two more big plays during the Commodores' 3-2 win over the Cardinals in the NCAA Louisville regional championship game on Monday.
Video 1: Brian Harris' leaping catch in the top of the ninth with the bases loaded and the game tied at 2-2.
Video 2: Connor Harrell steals a two-run homer from Louisville's Jeff Arnold in the third.
To view more highlights, click here
Thanks to Schnabs, we have footage of two more big plays during the Commodores' 3-2 win over the Cardinals in the NCAA Louisville regional championship game on Monday.
Video 1: Brian Harris' leaping catch in the top of the ninth with the bases loaded and the game tied at 2-2.
Video 2: Connor Harrell steals a two-run homer from Louisville's Jeff Arnold in the third.
To view more highlights, click here
Wednesday morning Super Regional news
by Barca Blog
*Vanderbilt makes most of smarts, hearts (Jeff Lockridge, The Tennessean)
*The Commodores turn their focus to Florida State and Super Regionals (David Boclair, The City Paper)
*Florida State, Vanderbilt have different backgrounds (Kendall Rogers, Rivals.com)
*Seminoles hope to take advantage of being at home (Corey Clark, Tallahassee Democrat)
*Vanderbilt makes most of smarts, hearts (Jeff Lockridge, The Tennessean)
*The Commodores turn their focus to Florida State and Super Regionals (David Boclair, The City Paper)
*Florida State, Vanderbilt have different backgrounds (Kendall Rogers, Rivals.com)
*Seminoles hope to take advantage of being at home (Corey Clark, Tallahassee Democrat)
Super Regional ticket deadline Wednesday
Fresh from winning the NCAA Baseball Tournament Regional championship in Louisville, our Commodore baseball team is now headed to Tallahassee for a Super Regional showdown with Florida State. The winner punches its ticket to the historic College World Series!The first game of the Super Regional is this Friday, June 11, so Commodore fans will want to act now to support our team in Tallahassee this weekend.
Ticket Information:
Tournament tickets are available as full-books, which includes up to three tickets, one for each game in which Vanderbilt could potentially compete. Ticket books are $38 each (which includes all taxes and fees) and will be available for pickup at the Vanderbilt player/pass gate at the Dick Howser Stadium in Tallahassee. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Vanderbilt ticket office at 615/322-GOLD. The deadline for ordering tickets is 5:00 p.m. Central on Wednesday, June 9. Seating assignments will be based on NCC priority.
Hotel Information:
If you are traveling to Tallahassee, visit this link for accommodation options in the area.
Your best source for timely updates and information is vucommodores.com, which will be updated instantly when news or announcements are made.
(Photo by John Russell)
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
104.5 FM interview with Tim Corbin
Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin was a guest on the 104.5 Wake Up Zone Tuesday to discuss the latest in Commodore baseball. Download the entire interview for free on VUcommodores.com.
Audio: Listen to the Interview
Audio: Listen to the Interview
Aaron Westlake selected in MLB Draft
By Travis YoungVanderbilt redshirt-sophomore Aaron Westlake was just drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 22nd round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft. Westlake was the 11th pick in the 22nd round.
The sweet swinging left-handed bat has had solid year for the Commodores in 2010, leading the team in home runs (14) and RBI (58). Westlake is fresh off an NCAA Louisville Regional All-Tournament Team selections after hitting .300 with 7 RBI and a pair of clutch home runs at the Regional.
Westlake joins Drew Hayes as the two Commodores that have been drafted thus far.
Drew Hayes selected in MLB Draft
By Travis YoungVanderbilt right-handed pitcher Drew Hayes was just drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 11th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft. Hayes, a senior righthander out of McKenzie, Tenn., was the 12th pick of the 11th round and the 337th overall selection in this year's draft.
Hayes is the first Commodore to be drafted this year, snapping a three-year run where VU had five players picked in the first-round of the draft.
This season, Hayes is 6-0 with a 4.25 ERA, including 46 strikeouts in 48.2 innings. Opponents are hitting just .226 off him this season. Hayes has given up just one hit over his last 8.2 innings pitched (six outings) including two and two-thirds innings today against Illinois State. With a fastball that sits in the mid-90's Hayes is projected as reliever at the next level.
NCAA Regional news wrap
by Barca Blog
Let's take a look at Tuesday's news on the Commodores' win over the Cards for the NCAA Louisville Regional Championship.
*The Commodores used a bunt that rolled 60 feet to bust down the NCAA regional door (Jeff Lockridge, The Tennessean)
*Connor Harrell kept the game under control by taking away a two-run homer (Jeff Lockridge, The Tennessean)
*Vanderbilt didn't exactly muscle its way to victory, but the Commodores proved that sometimes all that power stuff can be overrated (Brian Bennett, ESPN.com)
*Vanderbilt baseball just made one more play (Rick Bozich, Courier-Journal)
*Cards season ends after perfectly executed safety squeeze (Jody Demling, Courier-Journal)
*Commodores shake off last year's regional loss (David Rutz, InsideVandy.com)
Let's take a look at Tuesday's news on the Commodores' win over the Cards for the NCAA Louisville Regional Championship.
*The Commodores used a bunt that rolled 60 feet to bust down the NCAA regional door (Jeff Lockridge, The Tennessean)
*Connor Harrell kept the game under control by taking away a two-run homer (Jeff Lockridge, The Tennessean)
*Vanderbilt didn't exactly muscle its way to victory, but the Commodores proved that sometimes all that power stuff can be overrated (Brian Bennett, ESPN.com)
*Vanderbilt baseball just made one more play (Rick Bozich, Courier-Journal)
*Cards season ends after perfectly executed safety squeeze (Jody Demling, Courier-Journal)
*Commodores shake off last year's regional loss (David Rutz, InsideVandy.com)
Video: Dores celebrate regional title
by Barca Blog
Video 1: Extended cut of winning play with interviews
Connor Harrell, Curt Casali, Grayson Garvin and Tim Corbin talk about the Commodores advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals with a 3-2 victory over Louisville Monday night.
Video 2: Winning play only
Harrell's squeeze bunt gives Vanderbilt the victory
Video 1: Extended cut of winning play with interviews
Connor Harrell, Curt Casali, Grayson Garvin and Tim Corbin talk about the Commodores advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals with a 3-2 victory over Louisville Monday night.
Video 2: Winning play only
Harrell's squeeze bunt gives Vanderbilt the victory
Commodores discuss NCAA regional title
Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin, Sonny Gray, Grayson Garvin, Connor Harrell and Jason Esposito answer questions from the media following the Commodores' 3-2 win over Louisville in the NCAA Louisville Regional championship.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 1
Part 2
NCAA Louisville All-Regional Team
by Barca Blog (Photo by John Russell) Media selected the NCAA all-regional team following the Commodores' thrilling 3-2 win over Louisville in the championship game Monday night.
Most Outstanding Player: P - Richie Goodenow, Vanderbilt
P - Matt Koch, Louisville
C - Jeff Arnold, Louisville
1B - Aaron Westlake, Vanderbilt
2B - Ryan Wright, Louisville
SS - Brett Kay, Illinois State
3B - Jason Esposito, Vanderbilt
OF - J.D. Dunn, Saint Louis
OF - Joe Loftus, Vanderbilt
OF - Connor Harrell, Vanderbilt
DH - Phil Wonderlich, Louisville
Day of drama for Vanderbilt
by David Rutz (Photo by John Russell)Do you like movies?
If you do, you couldn't have done better than the nerve-wracking tension of Vanderbilt's 3-2 win over Louisville on Monday to claim the NCAA Regional championship.
Click here to read more
Monday, June 7, 2010
Photo Gallery: Commodores' celebration
Check out 41 amazing photos of the Commodores' 3-2 win over the Cardinals in the NCAA Louisville Regional championship, courtesy of John Russell.Click Here to view the gallery
Commodores coming home...
The Commodore baseball team is on their way back to Nashville. Estimated time of arrival: 12:45 a.m. CT.
Stay tuned...
by Barca Blog
Congratulations to the Commodore baseball team for advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals.
Check VUcommodores.com in the morning for complete coverage of the victory and the postgame celebration... video, photos, and more!
Congratulations to the Commodore baseball team for advancing to the NCAA Super Regionals.
Check VUcommodores.com in the morning for complete coverage of the victory and the postgame celebration... video, photos, and more!
Super Regional in Tallahassee, FL
By Eric Jones
The Commodores will be playing at Florida State in Tallahassee, Florida beginning on Friday at 11:00 am central time. Saturday and Sunday's games would be at 12:00 noon central time. First game will be televised on ESPN 2 and the next two on ESPN.
There will be some ticket availability through the Vanderbilt allotment for this best of three series. No information is available currently on pricing and National Commodore Club members will get first priority on tickets, as is part of the benefits package of becoming a member.
Stay tuned to vucommodores.com for the latest information. We will work hard to keep it current.
The Commodores will be playing at Florida State in Tallahassee, Florida beginning on Friday at 11:00 am central time. Saturday and Sunday's games would be at 12:00 noon central time. First game will be televised on ESPN 2 and the next two on ESPN.
There will be some ticket availability through the Vanderbilt allotment for this best of three series. No information is available currently on pricing and National Commodore Club members will get first priority on tickets, as is part of the benefits package of becoming a member.
Stay tuned to vucommodores.com for the latest information. We will work hard to keep it current.
Commodores win NCAA Louisville Regional
By Travis Young
The Vanderbilt baseball team has punched its first-class ticket to the 2010 NCAA Super Regionals! The Commodores (45-18) did so by outlasting the nation's No. 7 overall seed (Louisville) at their home ballpark. Connor Harrell's 10th inning bunt for a single down the first-base line allowed Curt Casali to score from third base for the game's winning run.
The 'Dores will be making its second ever trip to Super Regionals next weekend when they will face-off with Norwich Regional Champion Florida State. The 2010 team joins the 2004 VU squad as the only teams to advance to the supers.
Vanderbilt became the first non-No. 1 seed to advance to the Supers on Monday night.
Stay tuned to VUcommodores.com tonight for official postgame coverage. The site and location of the super regional will be posted later this evening after the conclusion of all the regional games that are currently in progress.
The Vanderbilt baseball team has punched its first-class ticket to the 2010 NCAA Super Regionals! The Commodores (45-18) did so by outlasting the nation's No. 7 overall seed (Louisville) at their home ballpark. Connor Harrell's 10th inning bunt for a single down the first-base line allowed Curt Casali to score from third base for the game's winning run.
The 'Dores will be making its second ever trip to Super Regionals next weekend when they will face-off with Norwich Regional Champion Florida State. The 2010 team joins the 2004 VU squad as the only teams to advance to the supers.
Vanderbilt became the first non-No. 1 seed to advance to the Supers on Monday night.
Stay tuned to VUcommodores.com tonight for official postgame coverage. The site and location of the super regional will be posted later this evening after the conclusion of all the regional games that are currently in progress.
How to follow the VU/Louisville game
by Barca Blog (Photo by John Russell)First pitch for Vanderbilt's contest with No. 1 seed Louisville is scheduled for 5 p.m. CT at Jim Patterson Stadium (view bracket).
The winner of tonight's regional championship will advance to face Florida State in the Super Regionals this weekend.
The game will not be televised, but you can watch the action live on the Cardinals' official site, uoflsports.com. Tune into Joe Fisher's radio call on 560 AM and VUCommodores.com.
For score updates, follow @VandyBaseball on Twitter, or track live stats at VUcommodores.com.
Baseball starting lineup vs. Louisville
By Travis Young (Photo by Jimmy Jones)Weather: partly cloudy, 81 degrees. Winds blowing from the Northwest at 8 mph, gusting up to 15 mph. Tonight's weather is the best of the weekend in terms of temperature
Here is Vanderbilt's lineup for tonight's NCAA Regional final vs. Louisville
1. Brian Harris SS
2. Anthony Gomez 2B
3. Aaron Westlake 1B
4. Jason Esposito 3B
5. Joe Loftus RF
6. Andrew Giobbi C
7. Curt Casali DH
8. Mike Yastrzemski LF
9. Connor Harrell CF
Grayson Garvin SP
As SID indicated earlier this afternoon, the Commodores will send southpaw Grayson Garvin to the bump for tonight's regional final. Garvin pitched 4.1 innings of relief against Illinois State in the opening game of the regional on June 4. He allowed one run on four hits with six strikeouts and a walk and threw 73 pitches in the Commodores 8-7 win in 13 innings. On the season he is 1-1 with a 1.33 ERA with 32 strikeouts and eight walks in 27.0 innings.
Louisville will counter with ace right-hander Thomas Royce, a third-team Collegiate Baseball All-American. He is 9-1 with a 2.91 ERA with 94 strikeouts and 25 walks in 99.0 innings.
Royse will be making his 16th start of the year and the first since facing West Virginia on May 26. He gave up four runs on seven hits in six innings with six strikeouts and no walks in an 11-4 win.
Tonight's starting pitchers are...
by SID
Sophomore southpaw Grayson Garvin will get the ball at the start of tonight's game against Louisville.
Garvin pitched 4.1 innings of relief against Illinois State in the opening game of the NCAA regional on June 4. He allowed one run on four hits with six strikeouts and a walk and threw 73 pitches in the Commodores 8-7 win in 13 innings.
Garvin missed the first month of the season due to injury and has come along nicely in his sophomore campaign. He has made 11 appearances, including one start against Austin Peay on April 27. He held the Govs scoreless on four hits in five innings of work with four strikeouts and a walk.
On the season he is 1-1 with a 1.33 ERA with 32 strikeouts and eight walks in 27.0 innings.
Because of his long relief outing on Friday, it's likely Garvin will be on some sort of pitch count. Every other active pitcher besides Jack Armstrong and Richie Goodenow is likely an option out of the bullpen as the season is on the line tonight for both team's.
Louisville will go with ace right-hander Thomas Royce, a third-team Collegiate Baseball All-American. He is 9-1 with a 2.91 ERA with 94 strikeouts and 25 walks in 99.0 innings.
Royse will be making his 16th start of the year and the first since facing West Virginia on May 26. He gave up four runs on seven hits in six innings with six strikeouts and no walks in an 11-4 win. He has not had a decision in his last four starts.
Ideally the Cardinals would have used him earlier, but an unknown ailment has kept him out thus far in the regional.
Sophomore southpaw Grayson Garvin will get the ball at the start of tonight's game against Louisville.Garvin pitched 4.1 innings of relief against Illinois State in the opening game of the NCAA regional on June 4. He allowed one run on four hits with six strikeouts and a walk and threw 73 pitches in the Commodores 8-7 win in 13 innings.
Garvin missed the first month of the season due to injury and has come along nicely in his sophomore campaign. He has made 11 appearances, including one start against Austin Peay on April 27. He held the Govs scoreless on four hits in five innings of work with four strikeouts and a walk.
On the season he is 1-1 with a 1.33 ERA with 32 strikeouts and eight walks in 27.0 innings.
Because of his long relief outing on Friday, it's likely Garvin will be on some sort of pitch count. Every other active pitcher besides Jack Armstrong and Richie Goodenow is likely an option out of the bullpen as the season is on the line tonight for both team's.
Louisville will go with ace right-hander Thomas Royce, a third-team Collegiate Baseball All-American. He is 9-1 with a 2.91 ERA with 94 strikeouts and 25 walks in 99.0 innings.
Royse will be making his 16th start of the year and the first since facing West Virginia on May 26. He gave up four runs on seven hits in six innings with six strikeouts and no walks in an 11-4 win. He has not had a decision in his last four starts.
Ideally the Cardinals would have used him earlier, but an unknown ailment has kept him out thus far in the regional.
Monday Regional notebook
By David Rutz (AP Photo - Ed Reinke)The Commodores enter the same scenario as last season in today's Regional final against Louisville, coming in on the heels of a victory over the Cardinals a day earlier, a 7-0 gem thrown by Richie Goodenow.
They hope the similarities end there.
Click here to read more about today's match-up and player reactions to the weekend's action here in Louisville.
Reid & Esposito shake it out
Vanderbilt baseball student-athletes Chase Reid and Jason Esposito give you the inside scoop on their pregame handshake rituals.
Which one is your favorite?
Which one is your favorite?
Major League Draft and the Commodores
by SID
For the first time since 2006, don't expect Vanderbilt to have a player drafted in the first round of Major League's Amateur Baseball Draft that starts tonight.
According to Baseball America's draft preview, VU players to watch over the next three days (First round and supplemental round today) are as follows:
Rank of Players In Tennessee
7. Taylor Hill, rhp, Vanderbilt
11. Russell Brewer, rhp, Vanderbilt
12. Drew Hayes, rhp, Vanderbilt
16. Chase Reid, rhp, Vanderbilt
18. Aaron Westlake, 1b/of, Vanderbilt
21. Curt Casali, c/1b, Vanderbilt
Fifth-year seniors Brian Harris and Andrew Giobbi should also get an opportunity to play at the next level.
Although it could be a down year for the draft for current Commodores, it could be good news for the 2011 Vanderbilt team with guys potentially coming back to improve on their draft status.
The first-round no-show will be short-lived though, as next year the Commodores will have at least three guys projected to go early in 2011 in right-handed pitchers Sonny Gray and Jack Armstrong and third baseman Jason Esposito.
According to Baseball America's draft preview, VU players to watch over the next three days (First round and supplemental round today) are as follows:
Rank of Players In Tennessee
7. Taylor Hill, rhp, Vanderbilt
11. Russell Brewer, rhp, Vanderbilt
12. Drew Hayes, rhp, Vanderbilt
16. Chase Reid, rhp, Vanderbilt
18. Aaron Westlake, 1b/of, Vanderbilt
21. Curt Casali, c/1b, Vanderbilt
Fifth-year seniors Brian Harris and Andrew Giobbi should also get an opportunity to play at the next level.
Although it could be a down year for the draft for current Commodores, it could be good news for the 2011 Vanderbilt team with guys potentially coming back to improve on their draft status.
The first-round no-show will be short-lived though, as next year the Commodores will have at least three guys projected to go early in 2011 in right-handed pitchers Sonny Gray and Jack Armstrong and third baseman Jason Esposito.
Sunday baseball pictures
Vanderbilt 7, Louisville 0Jimmy Jones' Photo Gallery
Associated Press Photo Gallery
Vanderbilt 10, Illinois State 4
Jimmy Jones' Photo Gallery
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Video: Sunday night presser
Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin, Richie Goodenow, Aaron Westlake and Jason Esposito answer questions from the media following the Commodores' 7-0 win over Louisville Sunday night at the NCAA Louisville Regional.
Part 1
Part 2
Part 1
Part 2
Wondering who is going to pitch?
By Eric Jones
By no means do I have any insight, so I will say that up front. As a fan, I am looking at our cumulative stat sheet in the after-glow of Richie Goodenow's longest career outing. While Corbs, DJ and Josh Holliday are relaxing in a sequestered area in downtown Louisville talking about real options.
Coach Corbin didn't tip his hand much at all in the post-game press conference when asked who he thought he would start tomorrow. For the record, every pitcher says they are ready to pitch. In lite of how the Cardinals bats were silenced, the knee-jerk reaction would be Grayson Garvin. Garvin threw 73 pitches in a dominating 4.1 innings of relief on Friday, so you have to ask, could he be as dominating against the UL lefty powerhitters on three days rest? The same could be said for Taylor Hill whose groundball tendencies didn't translate on Friday when he threw 76 pitches, but might be perfect for a big game. Then there is Chase Reid who threw three shutout innings after Hill and Garvin on Friday expending just 50 pitches. Sure, Chase threw an inning and a third today to help eliminate Illinois State, but needed just 23 pitches and that curveball would be nice to throw against good fastball hitters. Will Clinard is another guy that has thrown twice in the Regional, most lately today using 26 pitches in one inning.
Then again, Navery Moore and Russell Brewer haven't seen action at all in the Regional and would appear to be prime candidates for match-ups in the later innings. Brewer is chomping at the bit to try for his 19th career save to tie former Commodore Ryan Rote for the top spot. Navery Moore threw against Louisville in Nashville back on May 11 striking out three Cardinals in 1.1 innings. His fastball-curveball combination has never looked better than it did that long 17-inning night.
Everybody is geeked up about tomorrow's game, so naturally guys like promising Sam Selman and even the walking wounded in Corey Williams and "Cowboy" Mark Lamm are apt to throw their names in the hat. Everyone will want the ball tomorrow. We will all just have to see for ourselves who answers the bell.
Louisville announced tonight that there will be several hundred bleacher tickets that will go on sale tomorrow at the Louisville box office at 8am central time. They don't take phone orders, so you'll have to be here in person to buy. It should prove to be a tremendous showdown between two teams who both badly want to go to Omaha. Cue the Rocky III, "Eye of the Tiger" theme. It's going to be a streetfight.
By no means do I have any insight, so I will say that up front. As a fan, I am looking at our cumulative stat sheet in the after-glow of Richie Goodenow's longest career outing. While Corbs, DJ and Josh Holliday are relaxing in a sequestered area in downtown Louisville talking about real options.
Coach Corbin didn't tip his hand much at all in the post-game press conference when asked who he thought he would start tomorrow. For the record, every pitcher says they are ready to pitch. In lite of how the Cardinals bats were silenced, the knee-jerk reaction would be Grayson Garvin. Garvin threw 73 pitches in a dominating 4.1 innings of relief on Friday, so you have to ask, could he be as dominating against the UL lefty powerhitters on three days rest? The same could be said for Taylor Hill whose groundball tendencies didn't translate on Friday when he threw 76 pitches, but might be perfect for a big game. Then there is Chase Reid who threw three shutout innings after Hill and Garvin on Friday expending just 50 pitches. Sure, Chase threw an inning and a third today to help eliminate Illinois State, but needed just 23 pitches and that curveball would be nice to throw against good fastball hitters. Will Clinard is another guy that has thrown twice in the Regional, most lately today using 26 pitches in one inning.
Then again, Navery Moore and Russell Brewer haven't seen action at all in the Regional and would appear to be prime candidates for match-ups in the later innings. Brewer is chomping at the bit to try for his 19th career save to tie former Commodore Ryan Rote for the top spot. Navery Moore threw against Louisville in Nashville back on May 11 striking out three Cardinals in 1.1 innings. His fastball-curveball combination has never looked better than it did that long 17-inning night.
Everybody is geeked up about tomorrow's game, so naturally guys like promising Sam Selman and even the walking wounded in Corey Williams and "Cowboy" Mark Lamm are apt to throw their names in the hat. Everyone will want the ball tomorrow. We will all just have to see for ourselves who answers the bell.
Louisville announced tonight that there will be several hundred bleacher tickets that will go on sale tomorrow at the Louisville box office at 8am central time. They don't take phone orders, so you'll have to be here in person to buy. It should prove to be a tremendous showdown between two teams who both badly want to go to Omaha. Cue the Rocky III, "Eye of the Tiger" theme. It's going to be a streetfight.
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