Assistant takes over Tide baseball program

According to a new release, long-time Alabama baseball assistant Mitch Gaspard has been promoted to the head coaching job in the wake of Jim Wells’ retirement.

Gaspard agreed to a 3-year contract that requires final approval from the compensation committee of the board of trustees. That is the same body that still must approve football coach Nick Saban’s contract extension.

In Tuesday’s release, Athletics Director Mal Moore said Wells informed him Monday of his intentions to retire.

“Jim served our baseball program with distinction for 15 seasons,” Moore said in the release. “I have tremendous respect for Jim and the reasons for which he made this decision at this time.”

Read more in Wednesday’s paper.

Tide baseball coach stepping down

More news is breaking in Alabama athletics. It looks like Crimson Tide baseball coach Jim Wells is stepping down.

I am heading over to the campus and will get details for you there.

Wow. What a day.

SEC baseball tourney preview

I will have stories in then next two editions of the Daily about the SEC baseball tournament which is set to begin Wednesday. Here is a quick preview of what to expect:

• Alabama has not played first-round opponent South Carolina. Does that give either team an edge?
• Tide coach Jim Wells is shaking up the practice schedule this week. Read the paper to see how.
• What is the pitching rotation and how does it become a major strategic move?
• What are the players saying after losing an opportunity at the No. 1 seed and falling back to the No. 4.

That’s it for now. Check back later for more.