Fightingillini.com came out with their Illinois Baseball Pitchers Preview for 2010 today.
Nothing too earth-shattering about it nor should it have been. The outlook with the pitching staff was relatively predictable. Sophomores Will Strack and Bryan Roberts, who both looked real good last year and virtually unhittable at some points, will be the Friday and Saturday starters. As for the third starter, Coach Hartleb will have his pick from freshmen Matt Milroy and Kevin Johnson and transfer Brian De la Torriente.
Newcomers Kevin Johnson (left) and Brian de la Torriente
As for the bullpen, many of last year’s relievers return. Lee Zerrusen, who spot started last year (I wouldn’t be too surprised if he did it this year too) will play a big part. Also returning are Nick Chmielewski, John Anderson (who at times, really had his moments), Kevin Manson (who also can spot start if needed), Wes Braun, Mike Sterk, and Corey Kimes.
The new guy in the bullpen is Galesburg native Tanner Libby.
Regarding Illinois pitching, the conventional wisdom out there wonders how badly they are going to be hurt by losing Ben Reeser to graduation and Phil Haig to his unfortunate situation. That’s a fair point but with Strack and Roberts (right) both coming off good freshman years plus a young talented crop of incoming freshman/transfers, we might a little underrated in opinion. Add to that pitchers like Lee Zerrusen who despite his 5.44 ERA really had a solid year in 2009 and not only progressed but also pitched in high pressure situations.
I think we might surprise some people.