OTF Premium Notes from the Texas Baseball Availability | Friday AM

[CJ Vogel]

Texas Baseball Availability Nuggets

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2B Ethan Mendoza

— Ethan Mendoza says he added 15 pounds this offseason. Says he is currently up to about 200 pounds after playing around 183-185 in 2025. Mentioned his exit velocities have improved and he feels better as a whole overall even when off the field.

— Mendoza says pitching depth is really noticeable this year. 

Sam Cozart “is throwing gas” and praise for Max Grubbs as well.

Says Cody Howard “looks really good in bullpens and (intrasquad) games.”

— Mendoza says the freshmen and guys out of the portal will help on the basepaths. 

— Mendoza speaking on the Texas culture under Jim Schlossnagle: “We are gritty… we are going to show up and try to outwork everyone, that is our goal.”

OF Aiden Robbin’s 

— Robbins said Jim Schlossnagle called him within 30 Minutes of entering the portal. On his visit he walked into the Disch and got chills, which went a long way towards his decision.

Says he considered Tennessee, LSU, Texas A&M but is glad he ended up at Texas.

— ”I’m a good hitter, and can play some defense. I take pride in playing both sides of the ball.”

— On pitchers standouts: Brett Crossland, Max Grubbs, Dylan Volantis, Kaleb Rogers  

“we are looking really good right now, I’m excited.”

— Says he’s played outfield every year of his baseball life since he was about eight years old. Says he will play any of the three positions back there.

— Robbins says the outfielders collectively call the outfield “The Graveyard.”

 

Casey Borba

— Borba says he played everywhere in the infield growing up, so the transition to first base has been smooth.

Borba says he is doing work at both spots at the moment.

At 3B, Josh Livingston and Temo Becerra are both getting time at third base as well.

— Says the goal is “Omaha and to win a National Championship.”

Borba mentioned this is in no way a rebuilding year for Texas.

— Anthony Pack was mentioned as a player who could surprise this season by Borba. 

Borba also said Jason Flores has “looked good all fall.”

— a few of the older guys on the team have had team outings at someone’s house to get the whole team out for team building exercises.

Luke Harrison and Cody Howard were given “pit masters” credits. 

[CJ Vogel]

 

[Bunk Moreland]

<insert comment from grouchy OTF subscriber asking whether the baseball team has anyone who can play guard>

[CJ Vogel]

Added Casey Borba's comments today as well.

[CJ Vogel]

Dylan Volantis: “I’m not a starter, or a closer, I’m a Longhorn.”

[CJ Vogel]

Volantis also mentioned Brett Crossland. The third player to mention him so far today.

[Uthookem4800]

@CJ Vogel anything on Jonah Williams 

[CJ Vogel]

Volantis is up to 225 he says. 

Anthony Pack was mentioned as a newcomer at the plate who has been doing well.

Aiden Robbins has been “outstanding” and hits the ball hard seemingly every time he’s up to the plate.

[Rocky P]

Who are the freshmen to watch this year?

[CJ Vogel]

Dylan Volantis says he’s been messing around with a change up, and that he’s excited to throw it this year.

[CJ Vogel]

Schloss is here. 

[CJ Vogel]

Schloss says from a pitching standpoint, he says he doesn’t like the idea of “pitcher only” 

Wants to coach that out of them to add athleticism.

[CJ Vogel]

Schloss says the draft hit Texas pretty hard late in the cycle but he expects the Horns to have plenty of options 

[CJ Vogel]

Schloss says  Luke Harrison will most definitely be a weekend starter, everyone else will be in competition to find the rest of the rotation.

Mentioned Riojas, Winter, Cozart, Grubbs, Volantis as other guys in the mix

[.45s]

Thanks for the updates CJ.  Sp.  - Seton.    

 

@CJ Vogel-  What was the context of Schloss' comments- "

Schloss says from a pitching standpoint, he says he doesn’t like the idea of “pitcher only” Wants to coach that out of them to add athleticism."

Is that relating to playing 2 ways?

[CJ Vogel]

Schloss says Casey Borba has really changed his body and is moving around really well.

”playing first base most of the time.”

 

At SS — Rodriguez if he is 100% from hand surgery. Becerra also getting time.

3B might be a platoon with Livingston and Temo Becerra

[CJ Vogel]

1 minute ago, .45s said:

Thanks for the updates CJ.  Sp.  - Seton.    

 

@CJ Vogel-  What was the context of Schloss' comments- "

Schloss says from a pitching standpoint, he says he doesn’t like the idea of “pitcher only” Wants to coach that out of them to add athleticism."

Is that relating to playing 2 ways?

Just wanting to add more athleticism to the mound. 

Getting the idea that they “can only pitch” out of their brains. Basically to be more than a pitcher — but didn’t speak on hitting for those guys.

[CJ Vogel]

Schloss on Crossland: “heck of a pitcher… has really gotten better under Max (Weiner).”

Sam Cozart “is a strike thrower.”

Brody Walls, Mccurnin, Mike Winter all mentioned as well. 

 

[CJ Vogel]

Schloss says Texas was a little heavier in the portal this cycle than maybe they wanted to be considering the late start in the 2025 cycle. 

Says there were days of 7 am to midnight for about three weeks to find the guys they needed for the roster.

[CJ Vogel]

Weiner will call pitches once more in 2026. 

Schloss says Carson Tinney has begun learning the staff a bit more behind the plate, and has even improved lately given there’s finally a batter’s eye.

 

[Jeff Howe]

Among the freshmen, a lot of talk today about Brett Crossland on the mound and Anthony Pack in the outfield/at the plate.

[CJ Vogel]

Adrian Rodriguez “is on track to comeback from his hand surgery.”

He is not swinging a bat yet, but should be soon.

Jonah Williams is not playing in games on offense just yet, but is about a week away from being a full go, says Schloss.

[CJ Vogel]

By the way, Jonah being “a week away” is not due to injury, but just getting back to seeing college level pitching after being away for football in the fall.