Tennessee Baseball: Josh Elander's Take on the Nicholls Sweep
In a thrilling doubleheader on Saturday, Tennessee's baseball team emerged victorious over Nicholls, securing a 5-1 and 12-2 win. Coach Josh Elander, with a perfect 3-0 record to start the season, shared his insights with the media, offering a glimpse into the team's dynamics and individual performances.
The Star Player: Blaine Brown
Elander praised Blaine Brown, a standout player who has been consistently improving. He highlighted Brown's unique ability to stay calm and focused, attributing his success to his natural talent and a fun-loving attitude. Brown's performance, including a home run, left the coach impressed, and he expects great things from him throughout the season.
A Reminder of Kameron Misner
When asked about players who remind him of Blaine, Elander drew a comparison to Kameron Misner, a former first-round pick from Missouri. He noted the similarities in their physiques and athletic abilities, especially their hand speed and leverage. Elander believes Brown's combination of athleticism and power makes him a special talent.
Blaine's Fun-Loving Personality
Elander shared a lighthearted moment, describing how Blaine and his teammate, Ariel Antigua, brought energy and music to the team. Their enthusiasm and knowledge of each other's walkout songs kept the mood upbeat, even during long games. However, Elander gently reminded them to stay focused, especially during crucial moments.
Pitching Performance: Landon Mack and Evan Blanco
The coach praised the poise and competitiveness of Landon Mack and Evan Blanco, who started in the doubleheader. He appreciated Mack's ability to throw a variety of pitches effectively, including a well-executed curveball and a hybrid cutter-slider. Blanco's performance was also highlighted for his ability to keep batters off-balance with a mix of pitches.
Cam Appenzeller's Velocity and Control
Elander expressed excitement about Cam Appenzeller's performance, noting that his velocity continues to increase. He recalled the recruiting process, where Appenzeller consistently hit 93-94 mph. The coach believes Appenzeller's ability to attack the strike zone and his maturity on the mound make him a valuable asset. Elander expects Appenzeller's role to evolve throughout the season.
The Role of Appenzeller
When asked about Appenzeller's role, Elander revealed that he was brought to the team to pitch on the weekend. He emphasized the need for progression and clear communication regarding Appenzeller's development. Elander is confident in Appenzeller's ability to get outs and believes he will continue to evolve into a key player.
Tyler Myatt's Impact
Elander acknowledged the challenge of keeping Tyler Myatt out of the lineup, praising the depth of the team. He mentioned Finley Bates, who came off the bench and hit a home run, as an example of the team's depth and competition. Elander believes this competitive environment will drive the team's success.
Team's Resilience
The coach expressed pride in his team's resilience, playing 18 innings in a single day. He highlighted the effort of players like Hunter High, who dove to keep the ball in the infield. Elander emphasized the difficulty of winning two games in one day in college baseball and commended his team for handling their business.
Coaching and Pickoffs
Elander took responsibility for the team being picked off three times in the first game, attributing it to a need for better coaching from the third base box. He acknowledged the challenge of managing young players and the occasional aggressive baserunning, but assured that they would improve in this area.
Manny Marin's Absence
Manny Marin, a key player for Tennessee, missed the Saturday doubleheader due to an injury from being hit by a pitch the previous weekend. Elander praised the medical staff for their work with Marin and expressed confidence in his recovery. He emphasized the need to keep the big picture in mind regarding Marin's health.
Brayden Krenzel's Performance
Elander shared his thoughts on Brayden Krenzel's performance, stating that he needed to pitch against other teams. He praised Krenzel's ability to attack the strike zone and his overall performance, which included pitches up to 94-95 mph with good movement. Elander has full confidence in Krenzel's ability to contribute significantly this season.
Landon Mack's Pickoff Move
The coach attributed Landon Mack's effective pickoff move to his athleticism and shorter arm action. He compared it to other pickoff techniques, highlighting Mack's ability to deceive runners and keep them off-balance. Elander believes this skill is important for protecting the 90 feet and keeping runners in check.
Trent Grindlinger's Work Ethic
Elander introduced Trent Grindlinger, a player with a calm demeanor and a strong work ethic. He praised Grindlinger's dedication, noting how he spent his summer working tirelessly to improve. The coach credited Grindlinger's teammates for their support and belief in him, and he expressed excitement for Grindlinger's upcoming performances.
And there you have it, folks! A glimpse into the world of Tennessee baseball and the insights shared by Coach Josh Elander. But here's where it gets controversial... What do you think about the team's depth and the competition for playing time? And this is the part most people miss... How will the team's dynamic and individual performances translate into a successful season? Let's discuss in the comments and share your thoughts!
