It seems once we find a good closer, he’s taken away from us… at least for a year.
My heart sank a little when I read the news that Bryan Roberts had Tommy John surgery last week. Doing so means that he’ll be out for the 2011 season.
The good news is that Roberts will be able to apply for redshirt status meaning he will be eligible for two more years of college play. And from what it seems like, it is the best move for him.
It is a shame though. In my opinion, 2011 will be a pivotal year for the Illini baseball team. We’ll have a seasoned crop of talented seniors ready to show off their stuff for the scouts. Not only that our already talented juniors and sophomores will have one more year of experience. All we need to add to the mix is someone who knows how to close games and Coach Hartleb finally found that person in Mr. Roberts who saved nine for the Illini this past year.
Hartleb who always seems to making the right choices, especially when it comes to the players, is looking out for Roberts:
"We could have milked him through next year and he could have pitched," Hartleb said. "But he has pro potential, and (surgery now) was the right thing for him to do long term.”
We’ll be waiting though. If there’s anything Illinois always needs is good pitching particularly a good closer.
Get well soon.