Aug. 17, 2011
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by Brandon Barca (Archive) Twitter updates @brandonbarca |
Pitcher Tyler Beede reportedly turned down $2.5 million from Toronto to become a Commodore. “Obviously the academics stuck out to me, the campus, the area, and the coaching staff and Tim Corbin–he’s a second father to me,” Beede told Baseball America. Outfielder John Norwood (Seton Hall Prep, N.J.) also chose Vanderbilt over an offer of $800,000 from the Blue Jays.
Baseball America’s Aaron Fitt listed Vanderbilt as one of the winners on signing day.
Former Commodore third baseman Jason Esposito is excited about the next phase of his life after signing a deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
Pitcher Grayson Garvin decided late Monday night to come to terms on a contract with Tampa Bay. “It’s been my dream since I was a little kid,” Garvin stated. “I’m glad the whole process is over and I’m very excited to get to work and I’m very excited to get better at a game I love.”
Football head coach James Franklin is utilizing the fullback position in his offense.
Larry Smith is leading the race for the starting quarterback job.
Casey Hayward looks to make a big impact in his senior season after finishing tied for fifth in the nation with five interceptions last year. “He does have all the talent to be a great one,” cornerbacks coach Wesley McGriff said. “The common denominator with Casey Hayward is he is a playmaker. He can diagnose formations at a moment’s notice. You run the same play at him twice, he’ll get you the second time for certain.”
Punter Richard Kent is featured in his hometown paper, The Marietta Daily Journal. The Walton High standout would be fine if he had less punting attempts than his school record 84 last year. “Fans understand that (being on the field) is not a good thing, but if you are doing your job, they will respect you,” said Kent.
The Commodores focused on the two-minute drill to close practice Tuesday night.
The votes have been tallied and the naval horn inside Vanderbilt stadium has an official name.
$12 tickets are available for the football home opener with Elon with fireworks scheduled for postgame. Fans are encouraged to wear black.
The men’s basketball team will be featured twice on ESPN’s Super Tuesday during the 2011-12 season. The Dores will face Arkansas in Fayetteville on January 31, and host Florida on February 28.
Additional Commodore News
Football: Tate discusses moving from to receiver (The Tennessean)
Football: Vanderbilt’s Franklin getting physical (ESPN.com)
Football: Tate moves to WR for Dores (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Five To Watch: Kenny Ladler (VUcommodores.com)
Football: Five To Watch: Wesley Tate (VUcommodores.com)
Baseball: Beede chooses college over MLB (CBS Boston)
Baseballl: VU holds onto top recruit (The City Paper)
Baseballl: Beede: ‘I’m very happy about decision’ (Worcester Telegram & Gazette)
Baseballl: Beede headed to Vanderbilt (VUcommodores.com)
General: 33 student-athletes named to SEC All-Freshman Honor Roll (VUcommodores.com)
Video of the Day
Ally the Kid Reporter gets the scoop by asking Coach Franklin the tough questions most media members choose to ignore. Watch Video
Photo of the Day
Tyler Beede, a first-round draft pick, is Vandy-bound after choosing the Commodores over the Blue Jays. (Telegram & Gazette Staff File Photo/PAUL KAPTEYN)
Song of the Day
The Cars “Blue Tip”