Oct. 6, 2008
Kentucky Head Coach Gary Henderson
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 extraordinarynumber of relatively minor injuries which has cut down the activity on some ofthe kids in practice. They’ve missed a little bit of time but it’s become obviousthat we’re going to have a very good defensive club. We’ve had a number of playersshow significant improvement over the past month. Logan Darnell (So., LHP) isa 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 rightnow 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’shad a very good summer and hit some homeruns in the Valley League. We’re reallypleased with the newcomers of the group. We had some high profile signees. It’sa 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 rangeand making the play. Obviously, we were very pleased with Collin Cowgill andRyan Wilkes [defensive performance] last year. We’re going to be a better clubdefensively; 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 anylonger. It’s a disk and a back issue. He moved pretty gingerly for several weeksbut he was playing catch yesterday. He was moving a lot better. He’s on the roadto 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, withWill Campbell, Braden Kapteyn, Gunner Glad and Spencer Korus. They’re differenttype players which is good because it gives us some options once we get to thespring. We need defense, we need some power and I think we’re going to be solidthere 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 ortomorrow. He could obviously help us in the middle of a game or at the end. He’sback and he’s healthy.”
On sophomore middle infielder Neiko Johnson ….
“Neiko finally got a little bit of strength gain. His skills have always beenin place. He’s much stronger physically. He’s able to take the ball to the rightcenter with a little bit of authority now. He moves quicker and easier and hehas noticeably better concentration at second base. He’s done a very good jobfor 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’thandle 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 andthe next two weekends are at home. In terms of the philosophy behind that, theweather isn’t much different from anyone else in our region. Since that is thecase, we might as well be at home. Playing at home can be a benefit the firstfew weeks in SEC play, and there isn’t much difference unless we are travellingsouth.”
