2010 VANDERBILT COMMODORES BASEBALL

The Vanderbilt Commodores are coming off somewhat of an uneven season in 2009. The team had stretches in which it played extremely well, but it also had some stretches of very poor play. Much of this inconsistency is probably attributable to the fact that the team was, generally speaking, quite young in 2009. This youth is evidenced by the fact that the team really did not lose any significant firepower from last year's squad entering this season.

All told, the Vanderbilt baseball team managed an overall record of 37-27 in 2009, and a record of 12-17 in conference. And while the team managed to turn out some strong performances over the course of the season, the aforementioned inconsistency displayed made it difficult for the team to establish itself.

Key Returning Players:

Vanderbilt has a significant amount of talent returning to its bench in 2010, and all of this talent will come to the plate one year older, and one year more experienced. The best of the lot may very well be offensive phenom Aaron Westlake. This designated hitter returns to the Commodores in 2010 coming off a season in which he batted .377, hit 10 home runs, and drove in 57 runs. What Westlake can do with another year of seasoning under his best has to be an exciting proposition for Commodores fans. Westlake is joined by fellow slugger Curt Casali, who split his time between first base and catcher in 2009. He batted .336 while hitting 10 home runs and driving in 69 runs. Second baseman Riley Reynolds is also expected to continue developing into one of the better middle infielders in the SEC.

Vanderbilt also returns a fairly strong pitching unit in 2010. This group is led by Russell Brewer, the hard throwing right hander. In limited action in 2009, Brewer went 1-2 with a 2.96 ERA. But Brewer's role is expected to be elevated in 2010. Sonny Gray and Chase Reid are also expected to contribute, however, both are right handers. Vanderbilt may have some difficulty against left handed hitters, however, as the team does not return any notable lefthanders from the 2009 club.

Key Departing Players:

As indicated above, Vanderbilt does not have a significant number of key players departing from the 2009 club, which bodes well for the team's expectations in 2010. However, there were some losses that should be mentioned. Outfielder Steven Liddle is one loss that may be difficult to compensate for easily. Liddle batted .348 in 2009, to go along with 10 home runs and 51 runs batted in. Speedster Jonathan White is also going to have to be replaced, particularly on the base paths, where he managed 18 steals in 21 attempts.

From the hill, Vandy's only significant loss is probably that of lefthander Mike Minor. Minor was good, although not great in 2010. He managed a 6-6 record overall and an ERA of 3.90. However, given the lack of LHP depth on the Commodores roster, his loss will be felt.

Check out Why Mr. Commodore or Mr. C is the Vandy Mascot and Why Vanderbilt picked black and gold as its color?

Prepare for the 2010 baseball season by getting all the Apparel, Tailgate Party Shop

• 2009 Vanderbilt Commodores Baseball


• Tim Corbin Biography --Vanderbilt head coach

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