University of Tennessee Athletics
VOLS BASEBALL TEAM BEGINS FALL PRACTICE
October 02, 2006 | Baseball
Oct. 2, 2006
The Tennessee baseball team officially began its preparations for the 2007 season Monday afternoon, opening its three-week period of fall practice with a workout under summer-like conditions at Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The Volunteers fall roster includes 27 players, a dozen of whom are newcomers to the Big Orange lineup.
Tennessee previously had been conducting individual workouts and conditioning drills since the beginning of the fall semester.
"I'm happy and eager to get to work," head coach Rod Delmonico said. "We've got about three weeks to get better. It's very important that we make the most of our time during the fall. Every pitch, every swing counts. It will be interesting to see who steps up."
Right-handed pitcher Craig Cobb is the Vols' only returning senior. However, four experienced juniors return in left-handed pitcher James Adkins, catcher J.P. Arencibia and outfielders Julio Borbon and Daniel Beasley. A group of 10 underclassmen round out Tennessee's core of returning players, highlighted by 2006 Freshman All-America shortstop Tony Delmonico.
Tennessee's full-time coaching staff remains the same for the third consecutive year. Rod Delmonico is entering his 18th year guiding the Vols, while infield coach Larry Simcox embarks on his 17th season at UT and pitching coach Mike Bell begins his third year. Between them, the Tennessee staff has 41 games of NCAA College World Series playing and/or coaching experience. Rounding out the staff is first-year volunteer assistant coach Joe Wingate.
The Vols' fall practice schedule will culminate with an Orange & White intrasquad game tentatively scheduled for Friday, Oct. 20 at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.
