It’s the fall semester now at the University of Illinois. As is the tradition with the Illinois Baseball Report this time of year, I’ve replaced the banner photo with up to date photos (and players!). I do put some thought into who goes up top but it’s certainly not a scientific formula. I tend to rotate players when I can and try to get a mix of hitters and pitchers.
For reference, here’s the photo you all saw for the last year:
The new banner photo has the current Illini from left to right:
First, starter Drasen Johnson who had a solid 2014 with a 2.91 ERA. Here’s hoping for better offensive support for him in 2015.
Reid Roper who is my only repeat from last year. Given his performance with the Rochester Honkers this summer, I’m expecting big things from him in the spring.
Tyler Jay had a fantastic summer with Team USA and came home with plenty of hardware for his mantle.
Casey Fletcher really showed off what he could do with his bat towards the end of the 2014 season for the Illini. I’m looking for more of the same.
Finally, I’m looking for Rob McDonnell to have a breakout year for the Illini. He went 7-3 with a 3.29 ERA for the Madison Mallards in the Northwoods League. Like Roper, that may translate to a great spring.
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Rumor has it from management that individual practice for Illini Baseball has already started this past week. They may start practice on Illinois Field as early as next week. Keep an eye on the Fighting Illini web site or on this site for a scheduled date for the intrasquad Orange and Blue World Series this fall.