Jan. 22, 2013
Nashville, Tenn. -
Vanderbilt will open the 2013 season ranked third in the country by Perfect Game.
The Commodores return 23 lettermen from last season's team that finished 35-28. The roster features a wealth of experience alongside the team's second consecutive top-ranked recruiting class. Seniors Mike Yastrzemski and Connor Harrell each turned down professional contracts last summer to return to West End for their senior seasons. A deep junior class - headlined by preseason All-Americans Conrad Gregor, Tony Kemp and Spencer Navin - leads the way on a roster that features 10 players that started at least 10 games for the Dores in 2012. The pitching staff brings back all three weekend starters in juniors T.J. Pecoraro and Kevin Ziomek along with sophomore Tyler Beede. The bullpen is experienced after learning on the job last season with a combined 99 appearances returning to the squad.
"We were very fortunate to return Yaz, Connor, Andrew [Harris] and Jack [Lupo] for their final years," Head Coach Tim Corbin said. "Those are four kids that could have signed or graduated. We also were able to keep most of our freshman class... this has enabled us to build quality depth in all four areas on the field. We will move one step at a time and see how far this group can bring us."
The Southeastern Conference leads the way with eight teams in the poll ahead of the Pac-12's six teams. The Commodores are scheduled to play seven teams in the preseason poll.
Vanderbilt opens preseason practice Friday at Hawkins Field in preparation for Opening Day on February 15 against Long Beach State. The team will host its annual Baseball Banquet on February 9 at the Student Life Center with an autograph session with the team from 6-7 p.m. and dinner to follow. For more information call 615.322.GOLD or click here.
Perfect Game Preseason Top 25
1. North Carolina
2. Arkansas
3. Vanderbilt
4. Stanford
5. LSU
6. UCLA
7. Florida
8. Oregon State
9. NC State
10. Oregon
11. South Carolina
12. Georgia Tech
13. Kentucky
14. TCU
15. Louisville
16. Mississippi State
17. Florida State
18. San Diego
19. Ole Miss
20. Oklahoma
21. Rice
22. Arizona
23. Cal State - Fullerton
24. Texas
25. Arizona State
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