Vanderbilt Commodores
Overall Rank: #19
Conference Rank: #5 SEC
Vanderbilt Team Page
The Vanderbilt Commodores are coming off a very impressive 2013 when they reached the NCAA Super Regionals, only to lose to Louisville and not advance to the College World Series. Vanderbilt remain one of the stronger teams in the SEC even after losing some of their key players to graduation, with two award-winning pitchers hoping to lead the charge. With facilities that have been upgraded during the offseason, the Commodores have 20 players returning from last year, including most of their pitching staff. They must replace six starters in the field, but will be confident of filling the gaps that remain, even though a new combination of outfielders is required.
2013: 54-12, 26-3
2013 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Tim Corbin
Field Players:
Vince Conde enjoyed a very successful year at the plate, and the infielder will be relied upon for production with the bat after the graduation of a number of other field players. He will be joined by Xavier Turner as one of 2013’s top producers, and with very few seniors on the team it will be up to those two to provide experience. Not a single Vanderbilt field player is a senior, so this team may be something of a work in progress as their young side finds their way in a competitive conference.
Pitchers:
The pitching staff will be led by two aces – Tyler Beede and Brian Miller. Both have been named preseason All-Americans by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association having both set new school records in 2013. If they can stay healthy, the Commodores could be in for a superb year, especially as their staff is largely intact from last year.
Who to Watch:
One of the best freshman pitchers in the country last season, Carson Fulmer enjoyed a stunning debut season in 2013 and will look to build on his already stellar career with the Commodores. An All-SEC Freshman selection last year, Fulmer had an ERA of just 2.39, and has built on a young career that has already seen him represent the 18U Team USA.
Final Projection:
With such a young team, it might be a difficult year for Vanderbilt as they may struggle for consistency. However, if their star pitchers Tyler Beede and Brian Miller can find the form they hit in 2013, that will give them quite a boost. However, after a 2013 that saw them reach the NCAA Super Regionals, the Commodores will be hopeful of further success and could well be a force if they peak at the right time.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Baseball Tournament
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Vince Conde, IF, 238
Hits: Vince Conde, IF, 73
Home Runs: Vince Conde, IF, 6
RBIs: Vince Conde, IF, 44
Runs: Vince Conde, IF, 43
Stolen Bases: Xavier Turner, IF, 22
Wins: Tyler Beede, P, 14
Innings Pitched: Tyler Beede, P, 101
Strikeouts: Tyler Beede, P, 103
Saves: Brian Miller, P, 16
Madness 2014 MLB Draft Rankings:
#6 Tyler Beede
Madness 2014 Baseball Recruit Rankings:
#1 Jordan Sheffield
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