Category: University of Illinois Baseball

Shawn Roof in Spring Training

Former Illini and current member of the Detroit organization Shawn Roof shot me an email update tonight.  I always enjoy hearing from Shawn but now that he’s in his first spring training, I was anxious to see how things were shaking.  Not surprisingly, Roof was one of the first ones down there:

“I’m down here in Florida right now.  I’ve been down for about a week working out with some of the other guys that have gotten down here early.  I am having a blast.  The weather is beautiful and its nice to take ground balls on a real field again.  Anyways its almost like the circus came to town down here with all the excitement from the trades the Tigers made.  We pretty much have an All Star at every position.”

Baseball runs in Shawn’s family.  Brothers Eric and Jonathon both play for Michigan State.  Jonathon was drafted by Boston out of high school last year.  There’s seems to be a rivalry among the three that can only exist between brothers.

Illini SS Shawn Roof dogging baserunner Eric Roof from MSU during a 2007 Illinois-MSU game

Fortunately, Shawn was able to catch Eric and Jonathon in action when MSU played a tournament in Deland, Florida last weekend.

“I had a great opportunity to go and watch Michigan State play down here this past weekend.  I got a chance to see my little brothers play, and its hard to believe that they are all grown up and not the little turds I remember in the back yard.  Eric is strong as an ox now, and hit the ball very well this weekend, and he’s going to catch quite a bit as well.  He has really turned himself into a good player.  I also got a chance to see the little brother Jonathan, hit his first career home run, so now they have both one upped my career home run total of 0, but he looks like he has a chance to have a very good year, and a chance to be an unbelievable player down the road.  He made one fine catch up the middle that made me pretty jealous.  I know I’m bragging on them, but I’m pretty proud of how they have come along, not to mention the Spartans look like a decent team as well.”

“Little turds”… how affectionate. 

Roof said he expects good things from the Illini this year.  He and last year’s Big Ten Player of Year Lars Davis were both in town working out with the team before the season started.

Illini Martin, Reeser mow down Cardinals

Illinois 1 Lamar 0

 

martinreeser 

CSTV’s Gametracker pitching line says it all

It was another pitcher’s duel this morning at the Al Ogletree Tournament but this time Illinois came up on top. 

Aaron Martin and Ben Reeser were lights out against the Lamar University Cardinals just as were all summer as teammates in the Coastal Plain League.  They combined for a six hit shutout with seven strikeouts. 

That was fortunate since the offense was still a bit lean and provided them with the one run they needed to win.  That run came in the bottom of the 5th (the Illini were the home team today) when Kyle Hudson singled, stole second, and scored on a Brandon Wikoff base hit. 

That was Hud’s third stolen base in the first three games of the season.  Wikoff had two hits to go along with his rbi in the game. 

That closes out Illinois’ participation in the Al Ogletree Tournament.  After winning the first against Sam Houston 6-4, they lost 2-1 against Texas State. 

Wrap-up and Analysis of the Tournament:

As much as I like Gametracker, it is certainly no replacement for being at the game.  You just don’t get a feel for the game and there is so much that you miss.  I am so much looking forward to Illinois’ home opener. 

That said, I think it’s safe to say that the pitchers were on their game this weekend.  Opponents scored five earned runs in three runs in the three games.  Take away the four run inning in the first game against Sam Houston, and well.. you do the math. 

The offense is another matter and that will probably come with time.  Some of the problem is due to rookie mistakes and the team learning to gel.  We have some new guys being put in some key roles and they are learning to produce. 

Freshman Casey McMurray is playing leftfield and has been leading off.  Transfer John Schlichter is playing the hot corner and batting in the cleanup spot.  Both made offensive contributions this weekend. 

Coach Hartleb spoke to the media about the lack of offense after the 2-1 loss to Texas State:

“I was disappointed with the offense today,” Hartleb said. “We had numerous opportunities to move runners with no outs, but we didn’t do it and that was the difference in the game. If we move runners at all today, we’re 2-0.”

My guess is that he’ll be working on the offensive fundamentals this week.  That said, he’s not feeling too bad about winning two out of three this weekend.  

By the way, here is the typical lineup being used:

McMurray, Casey lf
Wikoff,Brandon ss
Hastings, Ryan 1b
Schlichter, John 3b
Webb, Daniel rf
Johnson, Aaron c
Giller, Mike dh
Bonadonna, Joe 2b
Hudson, Kyle cf

Illinois’ next game will be against Baylor on February 29th. 

Update:  Here is a link to FightingIllini.com’s summary of Illinois’ game against Lamar.

Illinois lose tough pitching duel with Texas State

Texas State 2 Illinois 1

Today’s game was a mirror image of yesterday’s.  Friday Illinois scratched out runs out of nothing.  Today, the hits were there but runs were scarce. 

Illini starting pitcher Mike Stankiewicz pitched a six inning gem allowing six hits and one run.  Unfortunately, the Illinois offense didn’t back him up and when he left the game it was 1-0 Texas State. 

It goose eggs till the to of the eighth when the Illini finally drew blood and tied the game.  John Schlichter doubled home Ryan Hastings who had walked. 

Unfortunately, it was also Schlichter who booted the ball at third base in the bottom of the 9th allowing Spenser Davis to reach base.   One wild pitch later, Bobcat Adam Witek singled him home for the wining run.

The offense obviously wasn’t there today but you gotta feel good about the pitching performances about Mike Stankiewicz and Nick Chmielewski (wild pitch notwithstanding). 

Newbie catcher Aaron Johnson went 3 for 4 though his offensive effort was somewhat wasted with no runs and no rbis.

Tomorrow, it’s another early 9am game against Lamar University Cardinals.

 

Next Game:

Game #3

Sat Feb 24, 9 am

Record: 1-1

vs Lamar

at Edinburgh, Tx

 

 

Opponent: Lamar
Nickname: Cardinals
Conference: Southland Conference
Head Coach: Jim Gilligan (30th year)
Location: Beaumont, Texas
Current Record: 1-1
Baseball Program website: Link
Players to watch: Reliever Tim Erickson who was named to the NCWBA Stopper Watch list. 
Team Facts: Lamar won the Southland Conference East Division in 2007 with a 20-10 record.  Pre-season polls predict the Cardinals to win their division again.

 

This will be the last game of the Al Ogletree Tournament.  After that, the team will be off till next weekend when they play Baylor on the 29th.  

Go Illini!

Update:  Lamar just lost a tough one to Sam Houston State 18-7 this afternoon.  Also, here is FightingIllini.com’s summary of the game.

Illini Win Season Opener!

gametracker It’s hard to believe with a heavy snowstorm upon us here in Illinois, that I would be following a baseball game today.  With the help of CSTV’s Gametracker, that’s exactly what I did as I saw the University of Illinois win their season opener against Sam Houston State at the Al Ogletree Tournament in Edinburgh, Texas. 

Offensively, the Illini made the most of little especially at first.  With the help of an error, two walks, and a hit batsman plus a Daniel Webb single, Illinois scored two runs in the second inning. The next inning they scored another run on a another Bearcat error, scoring Brandon Wikoff who singled and stole second. 

Meanwhile, Scott Shaw was lights out for five innings allowing no runs.  However, Shaw ran into trouble in the 6th when he gave up four earned runs.  Kevin Manson came in relief. 

In the 7th, rbi hits by frosh Casey McMurray and Ryan Hastings made it 5-4.  For good measure, Joey Bonadonna scored on a sac fly after the Illini loaded the bases. 

Back to Kevin Manson… he closed out the game pitching 3 2/3 innings allowing no runs with 3 strikeouts and got the precious win.  Final score Illinois 6 SHSU 4.

I’ll bet the players will be celebrating tonight!

But not too much.  They have a early 9am game tomorrow.   Here are the details:

Game #2

Sat Feb 23, 9 am

Record: 1-0

vs Texas State

at Edinburgh, Tx

 

Illinois go from facing the Bearcats to facing the Bobcats of Texas State.  It’s their second game of the Al Ogletree Tournament. 

Opponent: Texas State
Nickname: Bobcats
Conference: Southland Conference
Coach: Ty Harrington (9th year)
Location: San Marcos, Texas
Current Record: 1-0
Baseball Program website: Link
Players to watch: Thomas Field, Adam Witek
Comments: SS Field was named pre-season Southland Conference First Team and pitcher Mike Hart was named pre season second team. 
The Bobcats were 37-23 in 2007 and were listed in the Top 100 college teams in a preseason poll.

 

Again, their opponent is tough.  More importantly, they have a win under their belt, defeating Stephen Austin in a 10 inning game today.

Go Illini!

Update:  Here’s Fightingillini.com’s summary of the game.

2008 begins for Illinois on Friday night

Go Illinois!

 

     

Game #1

Friday, Feb. 22 3pm

Record: 0-0

vs Sam Houston State

at Edinburgh, TX

 

Tomorrow night, the University of Illinois begin their 2008 season.  They take on Sam Houston State in the first game of the Al Ogletree Classic Tournament in warm Edinburgh, Texas.

Word from the clubhouse is that the guys are ready to play and that they are “excited to get outside and see a different-colored jersey”.  After an off-season of playing each other in scrimmages, I don’t doubt it. 

Game One will see Scott Shaw on the mound for the Illini.  Shaw was 5-5 with 6.42 ERA last year but showed some real stuff when he was on his game. 

Sam Houston will be coming into the game with the same record as the Illini, 0-0.  Here is their rundown. 

Opponent: Sam Houston State
Nickname: Bearkats
Conference: Southland Conference
Location: Huntsville, Texas
Current Record: 0-0
Baseball Program website: Link
Players to watch: Bobby Verbick, Jacob Howard, Keith Stein
Comments: Verbick, Howard and Stein have all been named to the Brooks Wallace Watch list.  Sam Houston is the only team in the state that has three players on the list.  Considering the state is Texas, that says a lot. 

 

No doubt, they look tough.   But it bears repeating that this year no team gets a head start and that helps the northern teams. 

For those of you wanting to follow the game, go to the Fighting Illini web site and you can follow along with Gametracker.  Gametracker had gone through some major enhancements last year and it’s very nice. 

Good luck to the Illini!!

FightingIllini.com preview of the Al Ogletree Classic

Illini Diamond Notes start up again

For those who enjoy reading what’s going on with the Illinois baseball team from an inside point of view, you will be happy to know that the Illini Diamond Notes are beginning again. 

This week, Diamond Notes#1 is written by team manager Michael Schroeder who gives an update on Illinois’ preparations for their first series of 2008 this weekend. 

Go Illini!

A quick look at the Big Ten Schedule

The Big Ten Network has the full Big Ten baseball schedule for the 2008 season. 

Penn State kicks off the Big Ten season this year as they have a Thursday game next week against High Point.  Then on Friday, it’s game on as all ten teams play.  For those not in the know, Wisconsin does not have a baseball team.  Welcome to Big Ten baseball… where Big Ten actually means Big Ten.

Some tough outings… Minnesota will battle #6 Tulane on March 1.  Penn State will take on #1 Miami on March 11.  Iowa will have home field advantage against #7 Nebraska.  And well, anyone playing Michigan. 

Looking ahead, Big Ten fans should block out May 21-24 on their calendar.  That’s when the Big Ten tournament will occur.  Of course, the place is TBA.  The host will be determined by the standings. 

10 days and counting: FightingIllini.com reviews the position players

The Illinois baseball season starts a week from Friday in the warm weather of Texas (see University of Illinois baseball schedule here).

FightingIllini.com just did an in-house review of the position players.  No doubt a review of the pitchers will be coming soon.

There will be some changes on the field.  For those paying attention, it shouldn’t be too much of a surprise but it’s worth noting.

Sophomore Brandon Wikoff, who started 54 games at third base in 2007, will move to his natural shortstop position, and junior Joe Bonadonna looks to challenge for a starting spot on the infield after a monster summer season for the Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League.

You can read the full review at the FightingIllini.com website. 

Update:  Here is their review of the Illini pitchers.

Photos of new turf at Illinois Field

I stopped by Illinois Field to observe the new turf for the first time.  I had the camera with me and took a few photos.  The gates were closed, of course, but I managed to zoom in enough for you to get the idea.

This is a few mounds of Hilltopper Mound & Mound Homeplate Clay waiting to used.

TTI Sports was the firm employed to install the “Field Turf”.

Now, some shots of the field:

First home game for the Illini is April 2!

Check out more photos of the new turf here.

Here is the link for my University of Illinois baseball photo gallery.

Big Ten Hardball reviews Illinois

Zealot friend Brian DeCaussin from the excellent site Big Ten Hardball takes a turn at reviewing the University of Illinois squad. 

He does a quite thorough job.  His take on the Illini?

The good thing for Illinois is that outside of Michigan, the remainder of the conference appears to be very close. The hunch here is the Illini finish in the middle of the pack in 2008. However, if McMurray and Chmielewski explode onto the Big Ten scene, all bets are off.

Read Brian’s full review at Big Ten Hardball.