Oct. 6, 2008
Opening Statement ...
"We've gone through three weeks of individual work and had 11 days of team practice.
I'm extremely pleased with our kids and their energy level. We've had an extraordinary
number of relatively minor injuries which has cut down the activity on some of
the kids in practice. They've missed a little bit of time but it's become obvious
that we're going to have a very good defensive club. We've had a number of players
show significant improvement over the past month. Logan Darnell (So., LHP) is
a completely different guy then he was last spring. Clint Tilford (Jr., RHP)
has jumped up and made some solid gains. The biggest area that we can tell right
now is our team improvement in field play. It's going to be a good group [defensively]
and we're all excited about that. Marcus Nidiffer is a stronger catcher. He's
had a very good summer and hit some homeruns in the Valley League. We're really
pleased with the newcomers of the group. We had some high profile signees. It's
a good group and if we can get them back healthy, we'll have a good club."
On the defensive improvement a year removed from an SEC-leading .974 fielding
percentage ...
"I think that part of defense is fielding percentage and part of it is range
and making the play. Obviously, we were very pleased with Collin Cowgill and
Ryan Wilkes [defensive performance] last year. We're going to be a better club
defensively; it's quicker, it's faster."
On third baseman Chris McClendon's condition ...
"He's moving around. It doesn't look like he just came out of the hospital any
longer. It's a disk and a back issue. He moved pretty gingerly for several weeks
but he was playing catch yesterday. He was moving a lot better. He's on the road
to being healthy. We're very optimistic."
On replacing Brian Spear at first base ...
"It's open. We've had several players over there and we are trying it out, with
Will Campbell, Braden Kapteyn, Gunner Glad and Spencer Korus. They're different
type players which is good because it gives us some options once we get to the
spring. We need defense, we need some power and I think we're going to be solid
there defensively, no matter who plays."
On sophomore right-hander Duran Ferguson's recovery after a medical redshirt
in 2008 ...
"Duran's rehab is complete. He's going to throw to a catcher either today or
tomorrow. He could obviously help us in the middle of a game or at the end. He's
back and he's healthy."
On sophomore middle infielder Neiko Johnson ....
"Neiko finally got a little bit of strength gain. His skills have always been
in place. He's much stronger physically. He's able to take the ball to the right
center with a little bit of authority now. He moves quicker and easier and he
has noticeably better concentration at second base. He's done a very good job
for himself in the first month."
On right-hander Alex Meyer, one of five UK freshman HS All-Americans on
the roster in 2009 ...
"At times it looks like I just need to stay out of his way and let him play.
He is a high school kid who has just made the transition. He is very talented,
he has pitched four innings with us [this fall] and has done extremely well.
I'm always concerned about the young guys and giving them expectations they can't
handle emotionally. Alex has done well and he will be a good player."
On improving the strength of the schedule in 2009 ...
"The schedule is firmer this year. The first weekend will be on the road and
the next two weekends are at home. In terms of the philosophy behind that, the
weather isn't much different from anyone else in our region. Since that is the
case, we might as well be at home. Playing at home can be a benefit the first
few weeks in SEC play, and there isn't much difference unless we are travelling
south."
