Moderators Blake Munroe Posted Friday at 09:11 PM Moderators Share Posted Friday at 09:11 PM On February 14th, the Longhorns will take the field at Globe Life in Arlington for the first time under new Texas Head Coach Jim Schlossnagle. With just 21 days away from that first pitch, I spoke to a couple of sources to see where things stand. Pitching: Two players in particular have carved out starting roles on the mound. LHP Jared Spencer (Indiana State) looks to be your Friday starter, while LHP Luke Harrison will take the Saturday slot. Spencer has been particularly impressive from what I've been told, with multiple people raving about his abilities. As for Harrison, it sounds like pitching coach Max Weiner has helped him come on really strong (get ready for one heck of a breaking ball). Sunday and the weekday starter(s) are still up in the air at this time. As for Ruger Riojas, I'm told that he's the best all around pitcher on the staff. Look for him to have a very similar role to what Evan Aschenbeck had for Texas A&M last season. He's hands down the best reliever, but may not be seen as a closer. True freshmen Drew Rerick, Jason Flores and Dylan Volantis should all see playing time on the mound this season as well. Fan favorite Ace Whitehead is still battling back from surgery recovery and there is no timetable for his return. Projected Lineup: Catcher - Ryan Galvan 1B - Kimble Schuessler 2B - Ethan Mendoza 3B - Adrian Rodriguez SS - Jalin Flores LF - Easton Winfield CF - Will Gasparino RF - Max Belyeu It wasn't long ago that we weren't sure who will take the starting roles at 1B, 3B and CF, but I've been told that Schuessler, Rodriguez and Gasparino have came on strong. As for Rodriguez, it sounds like he's the best freshman position player out of the bunch at this point. The staff loves that he's a switch hitter and have full faith in him, despite being new on campus. Jonah Williams: In case you missed my update on Williams from yesterday... One source close to the baseball program told me that there is no definitive timetable for Williams return. “I’m not sure. Hoping to be cleared for some stuff and we’ll go from there,” said the source. Williams is doing certain work outs trying to balance being in both baseball and football shape at the same time. He also works with both the football and baseball staff at different parts of the day. As for where he’ll end up on the diamond, I’ve been told that will all work itself out as he continues to get healthier. On the mound or in the outfield are the two options, but the quicker path to earlier playing time will be pitching… for now. 34 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AJJ_Sports Posted Friday at 09:34 PM Share Posted Friday at 09:34 PM First pitch is almost here 🤘 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Horn Takes Podcast Posted Friday at 09:41 PM Share Posted Friday at 09:41 PM Nice insight on the pitching staff. That was one of the only things I didn't think we'd know much about until the week leading up to the Shriners Classic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted Friday at 09:59 PM Moderators Share Posted Friday at 09:59 PM I will add some notes of my own after watching the first four innings of the scrimmage from this afternoon: Adrian Rodriguez I don't think it can be emphasized enough how impressed I was after watching this kid in action. 1st AB – right-handed double off the base of the right centerfield wall. 99 mph EV. 2nd AB – left-handed grand slam. 103 mph EV and 366 feet down right field line. He is your guy at third base. 16 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted Friday at 10:03 PM Moderators Share Posted Friday at 10:03 PM Pop in the Lineup This was a big case from the last few years for Texas Baseball, and at times it became a detriment when facing super elite arms. But there is plenty of power in the lineup for Texas. Just through the four innings I watched, I would have to assume the team OPS was north of 1.500, it was that ridiculous. Some highlights from the plate: C Rylan Galvan – HR to LCF ... 423 feet CF Will Gasparino – HR to LCF ... 426 feet, 105 EV INF/OF Jayden Duplantier – HR to LCF ... 100 mph EV, 396 feet 3B Adrian Rodriguez's at bats above. ^^ LF Easton Winfield – RBI 3B off base of the LCF wall. 353 feet. 1B Jaquae Stewart – 103 mph EV liner up the middle ... ball actually hit Luke Harrison who recovered for the out. There were two additional at bats with EV's over 103 mph that ended up as line outs. Actually chased down rather well by Texas outfielders. The make up of this lineup is going to be really fun with Flores, Beyleu Gasparino, Rodriguez, Schluessler, etc. Plenty of pop throughout. 12 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hashtag Posted Friday at 10:06 PM Share Posted Friday at 10:06 PM Obligatory: it sounds like pitching isn’t good! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ojeezy Posted Friday at 10:06 PM Share Posted Friday at 10:06 PM 2 minutes ago, CJ Vogel said: Pop in the Lineup This was a big case from the last few years for Texas Baseball, and at times it became a detriment when facing super elite arms. But there is plenty of power in the lineup for Texas. Just through the four innings I watched, I would have to assume the team OPS was north of 1.500, it was that ridiculous. Some highlights from the plate: C Rylan Galvan – HR to LCF ... 423 feet CF Will Gasparino – HR to LCF ... 426 feet, 105 EV INF/OF Jayden Duplantier – HR to LCF ... 100 mph EV, 396 feet 3B Adrian Rodriguez's at bats above. ^^ LF Easton Winfield – RBI 3B off base of the LCF wall. 353 feet. 1B Jaquae Stewart – 103 mph EV liner up the middle ... ball actually hit Luke Harrison who recovered for the out. There were two additional at bats with EV's over 103 mph that ended up as line outs. Actually chased down rather well by Texas outfielders. The make up of this lineup is going to be really fun with Flores, Beyleu Gasparino, Rodriguez, Schluessler, etc. Plenty of pop throughout. Who is pitching to these guys?? They’re getting shelled 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted Friday at 10:06 PM Moderators Share Posted Friday at 10:06 PM Aggressiveness on Base Paths This caught my attention, really from both angles, during the scrimmage. Texas stole three bases, one of which on a ball in the dirt, but there was also several back-pick attempts and Luke Harrison ended up picking off a runner to end an inning as well. INF/OF Jayden Duplantier stole 3rd base off of Jared Spencer. Duplantier was the lead runner of a double steal, though was the only one to follow through with the steal. 3B Casey Borba stole 2nd base off of Jared Spencer. C Cole Chamberlain stole 3rd base off of Jason Flores. The Texas defense also attempted several back picks. Some from the pitcher, some from the catcher spot. Really aggressive all over and Schloss actually spoke about that during his time with the media as well. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted Friday at 10:07 PM Moderators Share Posted Friday at 10:07 PM Just now, Hashtag said: Obligatory: it sounds like pitching isn’t good! Yeah, that's the obvious takeaway when you hear the bats had a good day. However, per Schloss, this is the first time he has allowed his staff to go more than 2 IP during the offseason. The build up will help the Longhorn pitching staff over the next three weeks, but really the first extended look for a lot of these guys. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glass Joe Posted Friday at 11:56 PM Share Posted Friday at 11:56 PM Who has the lead for DH? J.Stewart? Maybe T.Farmer? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cmk4pres Posted Saturday at 01:07 AM Share Posted Saturday at 01:07 AM Nothing surprising other than I thought Stewart would win 1st base 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
horns96 Posted Saturday at 03:59 AM Share Posted Saturday at 03:59 AM What was Whitehead's injury? I think I missed that one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.45s Posted Saturday at 04:34 AM Share Posted Saturday at 04:34 AM Thoracic outlet syndrome. It is a narrowed passage for a group of blood vessels and nerves that can be serious. It was most of the cause of J. R. Richard's, the former Astros pitcher, demise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
.45s Posted Saturday at 04:35 AM Share Posted Saturday at 04:35 AM 4 hours ago, Glass Joe said: Who has the lead for DH? J.Stewart? Maybe T.Farmer? Some say Borba. But the Spring will tell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
THookem Posted Saturday at 01:33 PM Share Posted Saturday at 01:33 PM 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texas84 Posted Saturday at 02:08 PM Share Posted Saturday at 02:08 PM Driving from Georgia to Arlington. Let's go! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators CJ Vogel Posted Saturday at 02:29 PM Moderators Share Posted Saturday at 02:29 PM Borba had a really solid scrimmage by the way. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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