VandySports Podcast

Sizing up Vanderbilt's regional draw (and possible pitching strategy)

Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich discuss Vanderbilt's draw in the Nashville Regional, which includes Georgia Tech, Indiana State and Presbyterian. The two talk about the idea of throwing Christian Little to start the regional and talk a little about some of the struggles Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter had in the season's latter half.

One pitch changes everything, Troy LaNeve steps up and Vandy prepares for Hoover

Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich discuss the pitch that changed Vanderbilt's weekend, and the aftermath of the ninth inning on Saturday vs. Kentucky. The two talk about Troy LaNeve's emergence and how the Carter Young injury changed Vanderbilt's weekend infield. Chris and Chip talk about how should Vanderbilt structure its starting pitching going to the SEC tournament, and much more.

Kumar Rocker 2019 vs. Kumar Rocker 2021

Chris Lee and Seabass discuss Vanderbilt baseball, and get into what's different about Kumar Rocker's pitching style now compared to his dominant run in 2019.

A 13-run inning, and Carter Young's status

Vanderbilt won a wild 20-4 game over FIU on Tuesday night, one that featured a 13-run second inning. However, it was also an anxious night for coach Tim Corbin, who saw starting shortstop Carter Young leave the game in the second inning over what appeared to be an injury. Chris Lee and Mitch Light hit both topics in Wednesday's podcast.

The one big concern with Vanderbilt baseball with postseason nearing

Vanderbilt fans have been concerned with the bullpen and with what's perceived as a lack of clutch hitting, and while there's a fair point or two there, there's really only one big concern down the stretch for the Commodores--and that's health. Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich explain why as they unwind a 2-1 series loss at Ole Miss.

Jack Leiter's health and other pitching-related matters

Will Jack Leiter pitch at Ole Miss? That's the question everybody wants answered, and Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich have some guesses. They discuss that, Kumar Rocker's outing, Patrick Reilly's emergence last week, some quick thoughts about the entering class of recruits for next year, and a lot more.

Injuries and lineup shuffles

Chris Lee and Mitch Light discuss the unusual late-season dynamics of the lineup and rotation as injures have hit Vanderbilt baseball hard. Chris and Mitch talk about what that looks like going forward, Carter Young's amazing defense at short and a lot more.

A baseball series win amidst great uncertainty

Outgoing Hustler sports editor Simon Gibbs joins the show to discuss Vanderbilt's 2-0 series win over Alabama in a weekend that didn't include Jack Leiter, Ethan Smith, Isaiah Thomas, Jack Bulger or Jayson Gonzalez but did include Spencer Jones, Troy LaNeve and Patrick Reilly contributing, and often in big ways. What should we make of the way the Commodores are playing? What team will we see in the postseason? We have more questions than answers but size it all up as best as we can.

Discussing the (again) revamped basketball roster (again), plus, baseball talk

Odeyingbo gets drafted; will any current Commodores join him one day?

Dayo Odeyingbo gets picked in the second round by the Colts, which brings Chris Lee and Seabass to discuss (and rank) the best brother tandems to ever play at Vanderbilt. The two then talk about how the fact that only one other Commodore (Andre Mintze) got invited to an NFL camp and what that says about the talent Clark Lea inherits. The two also discuss if there are any future NFL Draft picks on the roster.

Pitching fail in Gainesville

Vanderbilt wins the first game in Gainesville, but loses the next two as Jack Leiter is ineffective and the Commodores couldn't get quality outings from their bullpen. Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich recap the weekend, discuss how much Ethan Smith would help the team, talk about some weekend lineup changes, discuss the SEC's dominance and much more.

Vanderbilt hits Florida riding high

Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich discuss the state of Vanderbilt baseball as the Commodores prepare to head to Gainesville to face Florida. Topics include the No. 3 starter and bullpen roles, some improving hitters and the importance of getting Dominic Keegan back to form.

Recapping a series win over Mississippi State

Vanderbilt took the Friday and Sunday games from Mississippi State behind clutch pitching from Kumar Rocker and Chris McElvain, and the Commodores are now in great stretch as we head to the final month of the regular season. Chris Lee and Mitch Light talk about that, Vandy's pitching depth and answer some mailbag questions.

Spring football talk, with Bruno Reagan

Chris Lee and Bruno Reagan talk about the good and the bad of the spring game, and how that compared with the rest of the season. Topics include whether the defense is better than it showed in the spring game, Will Sheppard's breakout Saturday, increased use of the tight ends and whether Mike Wright can carve out a role in the offense.

The portal giveth, the portal taketh away

Chris Lee and Vanderbilt Hustler sports editor Simon Gibbs discuss the loss of basketball star Dylan Disu and starting football safety Donovan Kaufman to the transfer portal on Wednesday, including hoops ramifications for next year given Disu's departure.

Vanderbilt's pitching depth will be just fine

Yes, Commodore fans have fretted about the state of the bullpen and the third starter, but Vanderbilt has plenty of pieces to make it work. Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich discuss that and compare Vandy's pitching with the rest of the league--and the comparison is fairly startling.

The VandyBoys get a series win in Knoxville

Vanderbilt won the first and third games of its baseball series with Tennessee, and emerges tied for first with Arkansas atop the SEC's overall standings. Chris Lee and Mitch Light discuss that and answer several interesting questions from the mailbag.

A change in chancellors meant everything

Former Vanderbilt chancellor Nick Zeppos finally showed his true feelings as it comes to athletics investment in a recent editorial, and it's no wonder the athletic department had so much trouble getting much done. New chancellor Daniel Diermeier has truly shown it's a new day. Chris Lee, Bruno Reagan and Seabass discuss that as well as spring football.

How concerned should be be about Vandy baseball heading to Tennessee?

Former Commodore pitcher Chip Fridrich and host Chris Lee digest the last couple of weeks of baseball and discuss what was behind a five-game stretch of baseball that's been Vandy's worst of the year. The two also talk about Isaiah Thomas's return, a Sunday pitching plan and more.

Things may be looking up for both basketball programs

Chris Lee and Simon Gibbs talk about Shea Ralph's hire as women's coach before a long discussion on how the men's season next year could go in several directions (and a few of them being good). The two talk about the importance of Isaiah Thomas's return for the baseball team, as well as Vandy's third weekend starter issue and where Thomas Schultz fits in after his good start on Tuesday.

A bad baseball weekend and a hoops star transfers in

Chris Lee and Mitch Light discuss Vanderbilt's bad baseball weekend against Georgia and what it means going forward, and in the midst of the show, process some big basketball news as it happens. The two also field mailbag questions.

Another one bites the dust

Under the direction of chancellor Daniel Diermeier, Vanderbilt has fired its second major coach in barely four months. Chris Lee and Seabass discuss the significance of that, the amazing pitching of Jack Leiter and how the structure of next year's football schedule could build some confidence.

Dortcast

Chris Lee and Sean Williams talk about coach Jerry Stackhouse landing prized Texas prospects Lee Dort and Noah Shelby.

Pitching switching?

The Commodores have had some hiccups with Game Three weekend pitching, and some issues in mid-week games also. Could we see a different pitching plan in both situations? Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich discuss that, the health of the lineup and a lot more.

Would you do anything differently with Vanderbilt baseball?

Vanderbilt has an abundance of pitching and hitting depth, making for some tough choices for coach Tim Corbin as to who he'll start and who sits. Chris Lee and Mitch Light consider the questions of what they'd do differently on the hitting and pitching side, and what happens once the roster returns to full health.

Vandy's away-from home dominance, plus, facilities talk with Simon Gibbs

Chris Lee and Vanderbilt Hustler sports editor Simon Gibbs talk about how Vanderbilt is steamrolling through its baseball schedule, and discuss some things they didn't expect. The two also talk about the on-campus climate around sports and how different chancellors have treated the student media on campus. Plus, the two talk about Jerry Stackhouse's performance at VU as well as his interviewing at UNC, the transfer environment around college sports and much more.

The VandyBoys are red-hot heading to LSU

From Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker's pitching, to Dominic Keegan's re-emergence as a dominant bat, to C.J. Rodriguez's recent hitting makeover, to Vandy's elite defense up the middle, Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich discuss Commodore baseball heading into a huge series at LSU. The two also throw in some Nashville nostalgia talk about minor league baseball and Opryland at the beginning.

What difference can football facilities make?

Vanderbilt has finally committed to football facilities.... so, now what? Chris Lee, former VU player Bruno Reagan and Seabass discuss the difference that could make in recruiting, fan experience and on-field success. Bruno also discusses what he saw at Saturday's football scrimmage, and Seabass shares a funny story from his college days regarding missing a breakfast check-in.

When Vanderbilt makes football success an option

Vanderbilt sent shock waves through the sports world with the announcement of a $300 million commitment to sports. Chris Lee and George Plaster discuss that announcement, along with positive impressions of Clark Lea, and discuss how those two things in tandem have the potential to completely change the culture around Vanderbilt sports.

Vandy makes a $300 million athletics commitment (and sweeps another baseball series)

On Monday morning, chancellor Daniel Diermeier and athletics director Candice Lee announced a $300 million commitment to athletics. Chris Lee and Mitch Light watched the announcement and take us through their thoughts and the implications of the announcement. The two also talk about Vanderbilt baseball's sweep of Missouri.

Spring practice, and $2,000 in parking tickets

Spring football has begun, Bruno Reagan got a small slice of it and he and host Chris Lee and Seabass talk about it, as well as a bit of recruiting momentum for coach Clark Lea. Plus, Bruno tells a few crazy stories from his time at Vanderbilt involving campus parking and transportation.

Depth helps Vanderbilt deal with injuries heading into Columbia

Vanderbilt has had several major injuries this year on offense, but it doesn't seem to hurt as the Commodores are now ranked No. 1. The latest is Tate Kolwyck's hand injury, but the 'Dores may have a way to cope with that, too. Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich also discuss Sunday pitching issues and more.

Vanderbilt gets three football commits for 2022

Vanderbilt gets commitments from Langston Patterson, Linus Zunk and BJ Diakate, and Sean Williams joins the podcast to talk about each. He and host Chris Lee also answer some recruiting-related mailbag questions.

Jack Leiter no-hits South Carolina as Vanderbilt ascends to No. 1

Jack Leiter threw one of the best games in college baseball history, striking out 16 while no-hitting a good-hitting South Carolina team. Chris Lee and Mitch Light break that down, talk about Vanderbilt's underrated lineup (and what to do with the bats not in it) and also discuss whether the Sunday starting situation is a concern.

Vanderbilt readies for SEC play

Chip Fridrich and Chris Lee discuss the state of Vanderbilt baseball heading into the SEC opener, including some pitching surprises and a discussion of how good the lineup has been.

Four hoops transfers, great baseball and the start of spring football

What do we make of four basketball players hitting the transfer portal? Of Vanderbilt baseball's 13-2 start? And what are we watching at the start of spring practice? Chris Lee and Seabass discuss all these things.

Vanderbilt gets a big series win at Oklahoma State

Vanderbilt's offense exploded for 29 runs at Oklahoma State, and its pitching was good for the most part, too. Chris Lee and Mitch Light discuss what they saw over the weekend and also talk about hoops expectations for 2021, too.

Can Vanderbilt make the NCAA basketball tournament in 2022?

Chris Lee and Seabass discuss whether making the NCAA tournament is a possibility for Vanderbilt's basketball team in 2022, and wrap up 2021 with some thoughts on the season. Plus, Seabass learns they make apps for TV during the podcast.

Men down heading to Stillwater, and an SEC tournament win

Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich talk about Vandy's SEC tournament victory over Texas A&M before discussing the absences of Dominic Keegan and Luke Murphy heading into the Oklahoma State series, and how that affects things. The two also discuss Christian Little's role this year, and more.

Basketball tournament time, and baseball lineup decisions

Scotty Pippen's return has hit extremes, while Jordan Wright may be becoming that supporting player Vanderbilt needs. Chris Lee and Mitch Light discuss that, then, get into Vanderbilt's issues with how to divide playing time among the bats, which seem to have more power than we suspected coming into the season.

Scotty Pippen's monster night, and Rocker v. Leiter

Chris Lee and Willy Daunic discuss Scotty Pippen Jr.'s 36-point night, entertain the Kumar Rocker-Jack Leiter debate and assess basketball coach Jerry Stackhouse's strengths.

Dominic Keegan's start, and lineup decisions

Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich talk about Vanderbilt's offense, what happens when Cooper Davis returns, and whether a couple of Commodores should be moved up in the batting order. The two also discuss how well the pitching staff performed despite an unusual stretch of seven games in seven days last week.

A hoops upset over Ole Miss, and a baseball series win

Vanderbilt pulls a stunning upset of Ole Miss without Scotty Pippen Jr. and Dylan Disu, and comes back from a series-opening loss to Georgia State to win that series, 3-1. Chris and Mitch discuss how Vanderbilt pulled off an undermanned upset in hoops while talking about some pitching and power surprises emerging for the 6-1 baseball team.

Freshman arms galore

Several freshman pitchers have thrown, and they've looked great so far. Chris Lee and Willy Daunic discuss that and also talk about some things they've seen from the lineup.

VandyBoys earn an "A" three games in

Vanderbilt is 3-0 and has outscored opponents 27-2 so far. Chris Lee and Chip Fridrich hit the high points, including Vanderbilt's depth of pitching, great starts for Jayson Gonzalez and Dominic Keegan. The two dive in on what they've seen across the board and offer a few minor concerns.

Doubleheader sweeps and Dylan Disu

Chris Lee and Mitch Light rewind the highlights of Vanderbilt's doubleheader sweep of Wright State, including some incredible pitching numbers and the return of Jayson Gonzalez. The two talk about the remarkable season Dylan Disu is having before diving into a couple of mailbag questions.

Our baseball preview podcast

Vanderbilt's expected to make another College World Series run due to its exceptional pitching talent and depth, but do the Commodores have enough in the way of hitting? And what about a brutal schedule populated by more experienced teams? Chris Lee and former Commodore pitcher Chip Fridrich tackle those topics, plus, examine the variables in the lineup that could determine how good a season this is.

Senior hoops impact, and a brief baseball season preview

Chris Lee and Mitch Light discuss the impact of Scotty Pippen Jr.'s assist-to-turnover ratio as well as the play of seniors Clevon Brown and Max Evans in a 21-point basketball win in Starkville. Discussion then turns to baseball, as they preview the season, and identify the two biggest wild cards in the lineup.

Jerry Stackhouse's wild weekend

Vanderbilt had perhaps its best performance of the Jerry Stackhouse era in a 72-51 win at Mississippi State, but that was overshadowed by comments the Commodore head coach made to Joe Rexrode in a piece published Friday at The Athletic. Chris Lee and George Plaster discuss the win, and also Stackhouse's comments and also the actual substance behind the criticisms of the second-year head coach. The two also field several mailbag questions.

When public opinion turns for the worse

When Vanderbilt lost by 21 to Arkansas three weeks ago, and coach Jerry Stackhouse followed that up with a press conference that wasn't well received, the Commodores' second-year coach saw his support begin to erode quickly. Is there a realistic path for success for Stackhouse going forward? Chris Lee and Seabass discuss that and hit several questions from the mailbag.