Sept. 15, 2011
This is the second of a three-part series discussing some of the questions surrounding the baseball team as fall practice is underway.
3. How good is this incoming recruiting class?
Hopefully, really good because some of them will need to play important roles on a team that went to its first-ever College World Series last June but lost 14 players from that squad. Obviously anytime you get a first round pick to come to school it’s a huge deal and Tyler Beede was the only first rounder that didn’t sign from last summer’s MLB draft. While the big right-hander headlines the class, he’s far from the only talented newbie. Chris Harvey was a late, surprise addition to the class and the talented catcher is a welcomed addition. Harvey could be entering his senior year of high school but instead he’s at one of the best academic universities in the country playing for one of the best baseball programs in the country. A likely first or second round pick in next year’s draft had he decided not to attend VU this year, he’ll be facing SEC pitching this spring instead of going to the prom. Convincing one first rounder to come to school does not happen very often but luring two first round picks to school is extremely rare, if not one-of-a-kind.
Corbin’s take: Tough to say – need to see them perform. We will know this in three years – the worth of a recruiting class is their body of work over the course of time. They look good in a uniform, but we will need to see what that uniform looks like when they play.
Corbin’s thoughts on the newcomers:
Tyler Beede – RHP – Tyler was one of the most sought after major league prospects this past year, selected by The Toronto Blue Jays in the 1st round, 21st overall. We have known him for quite some time, as he was part of our camps since his freshman year in high school. He is a very skilled pitcher who has an advanced foundation for pitching and should be very impactful to our rotation early in the process.
Adam Ravenelle – RHP – Adam was a highly sought after recruit who chose Vanderbilt over many east coast and ACC schools and was selected in the 44th round of the MLB draft by the New York Yankees this spring. In his senior season, Adam lead Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School to a state championship. He has tremendous athletic ability and very high ceiling on the mound, which should help him earn innings this year.
Philip Pfeiffer – LHP – Philip was one of the most accomplished pitchers in the entire country. He is Tennessee high school baseball’s all-time leader in career wins with 46 and winner of four consecutive state championships. He was an AFLAC All-American, a two time Team USA participant, and 44th round draft pick of the Texas Rangers. His bulldog mound presence and pitching skill should allow him to compete immediately.
Brian Miller – RHP – Brian was one of the most accomplished pitchers in the Southeast and a highly sought after recruit. He is a highly skilled pitcher who pitches from multiple arm slots. He was extremely successful in his high school career and was named Mid-State player of the year. We love his athleticism, competitiveness and his unique pitching style.
Jared Miller – LHP – Jared was one of the top prospects in Indiana and a highly sought after recruit. He is a physical left-handed pitcher with a sharp breaking ball and a high 80s fastball. Much like the rest of the pitchers in this class, he is an athletic multi-sport athlete. Jared has tremendous room to grow and develop in our program.
Drew VerHagen – RHP – Drew was widely considered one of the most talented junior college pitchers in the country last year. Drew was a part of the 2010 Oklahoma Sooners team that reached the College World Series and helped lead Navarro College to the Junior College National Championship this past season. Drew will remind many of our fans of Jack Armstrong with his size and hard fastball and advanced secondary pitches.
Connor Castellano – IF – Connor is one of the nation’s most gifted left-handed hitting infielders and most widely recruited prospects. We identified him in our summer camp and were fortunate to get him out of Louisiana. His swing is capable of generating loft and backspin and his advanced approach to hitting should enable him to challenge for a starting infield role early in his career.
Chris Harvey – C – Chris is one the most advanced catching prospects in the country. His physical frame will remind fans of former backstop Curt Casali. Chris has big-time power from the right side and a strong arm. He chose to forgo his senior year of high school in order to challenge for a starting role this spring. He participated in all of the major recruiting events this summer and excelled – he will be impactful to our program.
Vince Conde – IF – Vince was a highly sought after recruit, who picked Vanderbilt over many southeast schools. He is a very strong right-handed hitter whose impactful stroke helped him hit 12 home runs during his senior season. In addition to his hitting, Vince is very versatile and capable of playing shortstop, third base and second base. His advanced hitting tools as well as his glove will allow him to compete for playing time.
Will Cooper – IF – Will was one of the most athletic players in the Southeast, who after impressing our staff at one of our camps really excelled at the East Coast Professional Showcase. He received offers from several SEC and southeast schools. His sound swing, power potential, above average speed and athleticism should enable him to develop into a successful player. He is extremely versatile and could play a number of positions in the infield and outfield.
John Norwood – OF – John is a super athletic outfielder from Seton Hall Prep (same high school as former pitcher Nick Christiani) that was selected in the 11th round by the Blue Jays. He runs extremely well, has a strong arm and has become a very good hitter. He became a very sought after outfielder by ACC and northeast schools. John will challenge for playing time in the outfield this spring and will develop into a future everyday starter.
Zander Wiel – IF – Zander is a big physical right-handed hitter from Blackman High School (same high school as former pitcher David Price) in Murfreesboro. He is another player who we identified in our camp. He has a chance to be a very powerful hitter and sound defensive player at first base. He plays the game with very good energy and intensity.
Nevin Wilson – LHP – We were very fortunate to sign Nevin late in the recruiting process. He is an accomplished left-handed pitching prospect who was a 44th round selection of the Philadelphia Phillies this spring. Nevin has a loose quick arm and hard spinning breaking ball should allow him to compete for innings this spring.
Tomorrow: Who is the team leader? Who will play catcher?
Part 1 – Who will play first and third base and who will be in the starting rotation?
