Introducing Incoming 3rd Baseman

Joe Loftus

How excited are you to be coming to Vanderbilt?

I'm extemely excited to be playing for one of the top teams in the Nation. It has both Education and athletics creating what i think the best baseball school to come to in the Nation. It is right in Nashville also making it easy to get too and one of the nicest campus' i have seen.


How tempting was it to sign with the hometown Minnestoa Twins after they drafted you?

I was supposed to be a top 2-5 round draft pick but I told schools I wasn't going to sign for that kinda money so I was picked up by the twins. My dream was to play pro ball for the Minnesota twins. If it was any team I would have thought about signing with it was them. It was very tempting but Vanderbilt was to hard to turn down with all the great oppurtunities to progress as a student athlete, and as a person.

I heard Arizona State was pretty high on your list. Why did you choose Vandy?

It was Vanderbilt or Arizona State in my top two college choices. They both have great teams. But Vandy has a top of the line education. Vandy also has state of the art facilities that as players can use anytime. Corbin has done all of this to create a place to be a national contending team.

Are you going to miss the cold weather?

Haha, I do sometimes miss the cold air of Minnesota. I'm not used to the hot weather here yet, it will take a month or two. One thing I will not miss is shoveling the driveway every other day. But otherwise I love the weather here and being able to wear shorts everyday it is very comfortable.

Vandy was hit hard with graduation do you expect to contribute right away?

I hope to start at 3rd and being a big contributer straight out of the gates but nothing is set in stone. Im going to have to work by butt off to earn my spot in the field and in the lineup. I don't expect anything to be given to me it needs to be earned. I have all the tools to do it but its just all hard work and repitition. I will work everyday to achieve my goal.

Have you thought about possibly being the guy who replaces Pedro Alvarez at 3rd base?

I have thought about coming in and taking 3rd base. I have some big shoes to fill and will try the best as i can to do it. But no two player are the same. Pedro is one of the best players around, thats why he was the number 2 pick in the draft. I stayed with him on my official visit and he is an amazing player and person. Hes a very well spoken and polite guy. I hope hes in the pros within the next 2 years. But I will do the best I can to fill his shoes.

What are your thoughts on getting to play for Coach Corbin?

Well on to Coach Corbin, there are so many things to say about him. And to only have known him for about 9 months. I probably could go on for days. To meet a coach that has so much love and passion for the game is incredible. Hes the kind of coach that makes me never want to leave the field, to play 110% every play, to work as hard as I can. He brings the best out in his players. He is the best college coach in the Nation hands down. He is not only an outstanding coach he is like a father to me. His wife Maggie also loves baseball and she is always there for us players which was a first to me. To not only have a coach like that but Maggie there for me too. Im looking forward to being coached by Corbin for the next three years. I haven't even got down half the things you could say about him.

You are a pretty good pitcher too, has Coach Corbin said anything to you about possibly pitching somewhere down the line?

As of right now I was brought in mainly to play 3rd base. But I have been throwing off the mound at school right now and have been doing well. I was a very good pitcher in high school. I topped out at 95 but usually throw low 90's but the only thing i have heard will maybe be a closer.

I heard you were also the quarterback for your high school team which positon did you enjoy playing more, Pitcher, 3rd base, or QB?

I was a free safety in highschool but played QB for the first 2 games. I loved Free Safety just to try to lay kids out. Id try to hit kids as hard as possible. Thats what i was known for. But my favorite thing is 3rd base. I hope to play there for a while.

Is there anything else you'd like to say to the fans?

Well I think the fans know what kind of team Vanderbilt is. I think Vandy has the talent to bring home a National Championship and I know we will do it. The only thing on my mind is winning it and being at the College World Series and won't be off my mind to we accomplish that title. Then it will be on my mind for the next one. The players that are on this team are the best of the best. I seen plenty of the Vandy games and the fans are the best in the world. They love the game.

Introducing Michael Bryant

Why did you choose Vanderbilt? I heard that some other schools like MTSU were trying to steal you away.

I chose Vanderbilt because Its challenging academically, It's Division one, and they were the first to offer me. It showed me that they really wanted me on their team.

When did you make your decision to choose Vanderbilt? You commited early didn't you?

I commited to them on April 4th, the day they offered me.

Did you get to watch many Vandy games last year?

I went to every home game last year, i didn't get to travel much last year so I didn't go to any out of state games.

Your a local guy, how big of a factor was staying close to home for you?

Staying close to home wasn't much of a factor or really a thought but being close to home feels more like a perk now.

I hate UT. It drives me crazy how everyone in Nashville seems to pull for them instead of Vandy, the hometown team. What are your thoughts on that?

I believe to each their own. If that's the team that you want to root for than be my guest. Just don't put someone else down for rooting for another team. That's All UT fans do.

Do you have any idea if you will redshirt this year?

Right now I am working hard not to red shirt and I am not planing on it but, if the coaches feel that would be the best thing for me than i will be red shirting.

Have you gotten to a chance to get to know your new teammates yet?

I had the chance this past January to meet all of them on my official visit and i think i met most of them. especially the offensive linemen. they seemed like a nice down to earth bunch and i can't wait to start working with them this summer.

What did you think when you heard that Coach Johnson had interviewed at Duke?

When I heard that Coach Johnson had interviewed at Duke I was so upset and mad I couldn't really believe he did it. but about a week later he called me and told me the deal and that he wasn't going to go to Duke and that relieved me.

Had Coach Johnson gone to Duke do you think you may have changed your mind?

If coach had gone to Duke I don't think i would have changed my mind about Vanderbilt because i had such a good vibe from everyone else.

Were you disappointed to hear that Earl Bennett was leaving a year early for the NFL?

I wasn't really disappointed that Earl is gone to the pro's. Thats every football player's dream and it was his time so I am proud of him. just kind of upset I didn't get the chance to say I played ball with him.

What are your thoughts on playing in some of the biggest and loudest stadiums in the country like Neyland in Knoxville and The Swamp?

Playing in the biggest, meanest crowds in NCAA football is going to be some of the most exciting and adrenaline rushing years of my life. I can't wait.

Thanks again Michael, is there anything else you want to say to the fans?

To the fans: thanks for being there through the good and the bad. And please we need more gold and black in the stadium than any other color.

 

 

Introducing

John Burrow

Why did you choose Vanderbilt? I heard that you were considering Alabama and Auburn too.

Well, Alabama and Auburn as well as a few other schools were showing early interest last summer. Vanderbilt was the first camp I went to and I absolutely fell in love with the place.

When did you make your decision to choose Vanderbilt?

At that same camp they offered me a scholarship and I committed, and decided to end my recruitment by other schools.

Did you get to watch many Vandy games last year?

Yeah I watched one or two on TV, and I made it up to Nashville for about five home games.

Didn't your Father play at Auburn?

Yes, from 1974-1978.

Does that make the home game with Auburn this year mean a little more?

Well I grew up as an Auburn fan, and all the people in my community are Alabama fans, so it'll be that much sweeter to go beat those two teams.

Do you have any idea if you will redshirt this year?

Not yet, coaches have told me that i have a good opportunity to get some early playing time, but that is all depending on how hard I work.

What did you think when you heard that Coach Johnson had interviewed at Duke?

I didn't think anything about it. I knew the great job he is doing at Vanderbilt and how good the University is, and I knew it would be too good to pass up.

Had Coach Johnson gone to Duke do you think you may have changed your mind?

No, I decided that once I committed to the school that I was totally set on not changing my mind

Were you disappointed to hear that Earl Bennett was leaving a year early for the NFL?

Not too much, he would've been a great weapon for another year, but I'm glad that he worked hard to put himself in that position.

What are your thoughts on playing in some of the biggest and loudest stadiums in the country like Neyland in Knoxville and The Swamp?

I'm excited. My dad has told me that those two stadiums are two of the most exciting places to play in.

Have you thought about what you will do if you sack Tim Tebow? Maybe a dance or something?

Well I dont know, I'll have to think about it after i get up to Vanderbilt...he is a pretty big dude, so I'll have to get in the weightroom a little bit before I think about it.

 

Introducing Rob Lohr

Why'd you choose Vanderbilt over Syracuse?

Academics was important. It was 19th versus 52nd in overall academics. I took visits to both campuses. Syracuse has a nice campus but the environment here is much more enjoyable. I didn't really enjoy the practices that I saw. The whole philosophy as well.

Who else recruited you?

My first offer was Temple. Also Syracuse, Harvard, Vandy, and Villanova.

You wanted to come to a warmer climate didn't you?

It's funny. I went to the furthest school from home. It's been warmer. It's going to get hotter I'm sure.

Did you get to watch any Vandy games last year?

Honestly I never saw one.

It's funny. I'm down here now. This is only my third time in Nashville. I came down here last year, June 16th. When Coach Fisher my recruiter came to visit me the first time I had no idea where Vanderbilt was. I had never heard of them. He told me that I should come to a camp. I told him no, it's probably not going to happen. I had nationals for track the same day. I threw the javelin. My dad told me we should go so we skipped it and drove 13 hours to Nashville. Then July 3rd they offered me. The day after Syracuse offered me.

Do you know if you are going to play Tight End or Defensive Line?

Actually, they just moved me to Defensive Tackle.

Did you have a preference?

It didn't matter. All my other offers where for Tight End though. This is the only school that offered me for defense. It's worked out well so far.

Do you know if you are going to redshirt or not?

No they don't really tell you until camp. They've showed a little interest in me. I think they are a little thin so I'll have to wait and see.

What did you think about Coach Johnson talking to Duke?

He actually came to my house the very next day. He came to my house and ate dinner with my family. I wasn't too worried. I think he was just trying to show Vanderbilt they needed to upgrade their facilities and stuff.

Had he left would that have changed your decision to come to Vandy?

It would have been a big factor if he would have moved.

Where you disappointed to hear Earl Bennett was leaving to go to the NFL?

No not really. I'm sure he'll do well. Obviously you can't replace him but he's got to do what he's going to do.

Do you know which number you'll have?

84.

That's a Tight End number.

Kind of. We are out of 90's. They gave me 84. I'm not going to complain. My High School number was 81.

What are your thoughts on playing in some of the big stadiums in the SEC?

It's going to exciting. I am going to go from playing in a stadium in Pennsylvania on it's busiest day that held 10,00 to stadiums that hold 100,000. It's going to be an exciting environment.

What can we expect from this season?

You know, to be honest my personal goal is a bowl. Definitely.

Anything else you want to say to the Vandy fans?

Keep supporting us. This is a really exciting time for me. And for the rest of the guys. Come out and cheer us on.

 

Introducing

Jason Esposito

How excited are you to be coming to Vanderbilt?

I’m very excited. It has been my dream ever since I was a little kid to play in a big time college program like Vanderbilt’s and play for a coach like Coach Corbin. I cant wait to get in and meet all of my teammates and the surrounding people of the baseball program.

How tempting was it to take the 1.5 million dollar signing bonus from the Royals and go pro?

It was tempting, but I had to put the dollar amount aside and figure out whether I wanted to go off as a 17 year old and start working (literally) or come to school, get an education, and try and be apart of a first Vanderbilt team to go to Omaha. But my family was really supportive of the fact that I need an education and my 15 year old brother actually convinced me to come to school. Which was a real shock hearing that from him. He’s been there for everything I’ve done.

If it had been a better team like the Red Sox or Yankees that drafted you would you have been more inclined to go pro?

No, my decision wasn’t based on performance or prestige of a team, it was more so on coming to Vanderbilt, progressing as a teammate and as an educated person.

What made you decide to turn down the offer and come to Vandy? I heard that your initial decision was to take the money.

Yeah, but I made that decision based on emotion. I was extremely excited when I heard they wanted to make that offer and that was my initial reaction. But When I talked to Coach Corbin and Coach Bakich they told me to slow everything down, slow the decision making process down, and make a decision without any emotional attachments, of course when I heard how much they wanted to offer I told my mom and dad I wanted to take it. Then I thought about how I would live the next 3-4 years in the middle of no where in Idaho (haha) you never know where you’re going to end up. But at Vanderbilt I know im going to be in a great support system with teammates who all have the same hopes as dreams as I do. I wanted to be a part of the Vanderbilt tradition.

What are your thoughts on getting to play for Coach Corbin?

I'm really excited about getting to play for Coach Corbin. He’s been nothing but supportive to my family and I throughout this whole process. Everyone has. Seeing what he’s and the coach staff have done for guys like David Price, Casey Weathers, Jensen Lewis, Pedro, Flash just to name a few! Seeing their improvements over the years was inspirational for me to come to school and play for Coach Corbin and his staff. I couldn’t be happier for all of the guys whom have been drafted after wearing a V on their hats, I wish them all the best!

Who were some of the other schools that were pursuing you?

Florida, University of North Carolina, Univ. were the 2 others who I was considering before choosing Vanderbilt.

What made you choose Vandy over those other schools?

I chose Vandy because it combines the 2 biggest aspect of playing college baseball. 1 being the program coach corbin and his assistants have built over the years. 2. Being the prestigious academics that Vanderbilt has to offer. Not to mention the beautiful campus and everything Nashville has to offer.


Vandy was hit hard with graduation do you expect to contribute right away?

I just hope to come in and compete for a starting position. There are a lot of great ball players who deserve a chance as well.

Are you going to miss the cold weather in Conneticut?

That’s a funny question, because I don’t know if im going to leave the cold. On VUCommodores.com I watched a game during a snow flurry! But yeah, im ready to leave the cold winters behind and get a chance to play baseball everyday rather then just 4 months out of the year in Connecticut.

I had read that you are involved a lot in the community. Can you tell us about some of the clinics you organized?

Yeah, our high school program is really supportive with the little league teams in the area, so me and some of the seniors put together some clinics on our varsity field for the smaller kids hoping to come to Amity High School and put on the same colors as we did. So we get them practice t-shirt like we have and put them through an everyday practice like our team would go through. It a great time because they all laugh and have fun and we get to eat pizza after each clinic!

How honored were you to be named Conneticut's Gatorade Player of the Year?

It’s a great honor anytime you’re even considered for an award like that you feel great knowing someone thinks highly of you, and to win it- its an unbelievable feeling. But I need to thank my teammates for that because without them I wouldn’t have anything.

Is there anything else you'd like to say to the fans?

I would like to say I love the passion they have for the sports teams at Vanderbilt and especially the baseball team. I can’t wait to host a regional, and super regional at the hawk and hear the black and gold cheer! Also, they are the ones that motivate us to make the diving play or hit the walk-off homerun because of the intensity they bring to the games. So in advance I’d like to say thanks!