Ok, this time, it’s for real. No chance of a winter weather advisory down in Clearwater, Florida so Play Ball!
The Illinois baseball team are probably on their way right now to Florida in order to participate in the Big Ten/BIG EAST Challenge (I once asked someone in the know why the “Big East” was always in upper case… his answer didn’t satisfy. “It’s because they’re the BIG EAST, of course!”).
Normally at this point in the preview, I’d do quick summary of where the Illini are at this point in the season. Since it’s the first weekend of the season, we’ll skip this part other than to say I’m sure they are raring to go. So let’s take a look at their three opponents in the Big Ten/BIG EAST Challenge.
| Norte Dame Fighting Irish | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 26, 2010 | 3:30pm ct | |||
| Jack Russell Stadium | Clearwater, Fla | |||
| Program website link | Record | 3-0 | ||
| Head Coach: | Dave Schrage | Key player: | Casey Martin | |
Norte Dame firstbaseman Casey Martin was named BIG EAST player of the week thanks to his 7 rbis and two rbis. The Irish are off to a good 3-0 start, winning all three against Mississippi Valley State. Their last game was an especially grand drubbing at 19-3.
| South Florida Bulls | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 27, 2010 | 6:30pm ct | |||
| Bright House Networks Field | Clearwater, Fla | |||
| Program website link | Record | 0-3 | ||
| Head Coach: | Lelo Prado | Key player: | Steve Mende | |
The Bulls of South Florida haven’t been so lucky. One note about Coach Prado, he is three victories shy of his 700th career win.
| St John’s Red Storm | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 28, 2010 | 12:00pm ct | |||
| Naimoli Complex | St Petersburg, Fla | |||
| Program website link | Record | 3-0 | ||
| Head coach: | Ed Blankmeyer | Key player: | Greg Hopkins | |
Like the Irish, St John’s is off to a flying start. They seem to have quite an offense as evidenced by their last game against New Orleans when they scored 31 runs. Wow. Their pitching so far ain’t so bad either allowing 11 runs in 3 games.
What the Illini need to do this weekend
The most important key to this series from Illinois’ perspective is their pitching. If our starters (especially “veterans” Will Strack and Bryan Roberts) can show they handle themselves under pressure, it will put to rest the rumblings that Illinois’ arms aren’t up to the task.
Random Stuff
Diamond Notes, the baseball program’s platform to have players and personnel tell us what’s going on from their view, is back. For the first installment, reliever Lee Zerrusen (right) has been given the ball. Lee reminds those of us back in Illinois that we can follow the games with Gametracker. Read what else Lee has to say.
In other news, former Illini infielder Toby Gardenhire has made the Minnesota Twins spring training camp. He is, of course, the son of the manager Ron Gardenhire but doesn’t expect any favors from his father:
"I’ve played with a lot of these guys the last three, four, five years and they’re my friends," he said. "I’ve moved my way up the organization just like everybody else here."
Good luck, Toby! Don’t let Dad give you any guff.
Finally, former Illinois catcher Chris Robinson got written up by Cubs beat writer Carrie Muskat today on mlb.com. Robinson is in spring training with the Cubs and got a chance to catch Carlos Zambrano and Carlos Silva.
"I’d never had a chance to catch either one of them," Robinson said. "It was a good experience to get used to them and see them throw different pitches. Obviously, they’re in the beginning stages of where they’re going to be in the next couple weeks. Both guys looked pretty good and it was pretty impressive."
Keep an eye on Chris. I’m hoping to see him in the bigs soon.
Good luck to the Illini this weekend!!!!
Go Illini!!!