Holbrook Presser Recap - Tennessee

Chad Holbrook held a press conference Thursday to preview this weekend's home series against Tennessee. Here is a recap of what he said.

Another big SEC weekend vs. quality opponent. Tennessee has team batting average of .309 and the middle of the lineup is very dangerous. Tennessee will throw three lefthanders at USC. Some of our LH hitters need to hit better against LHP.We have a lot of LH hitters in our lineup. We have had some success vs. LH pitching this season.

Home SEC weekends are big. We have to play well. We are in a good position right now from a competition standpoint. We have to continue playing well. This will be just our second home SEC series. Players are excited about that.

Alex Destino is questionable at best for the series. "A little bit doubtful" he will be be available. The shoulder injury is painful. But all the reports and X-ray are good. Now it's just a pain tolerance issue. A little less optimistic right now he will be available for the weekend.

He hasn't swung a bat or thrown a ball. Have to make a decision soon because you have to name the roster before Game 1. Who catches depends on whether Destino plays.

Braden Webb has gotten comfortable in his last two starts. If he is throwing strikes, he is tough to hit because he has great stuff.

Madison Stokes could be key this week because he is a righty bat against 3 LHP.

Adam Hill's command has been a "little shaky" in recent starts. But he competes and makes big piches when he has to. He has grown into pitching vs. SEC hitters.

What has been the difference for Gene Cone? Experience helps. Playing the way he is capable. He knows he belongs here and he is on eof USC's better players. Confidence waned last season, but feeling good right now.