In anticipation of this Friday’s opening day against Tennessee Tech, Illini Baseball has put out its 2013 Illinois Baseball Season Preview.
A lot of it is a summary of what you’ll find in the preseason notes section of the Record Book which was released over the weekend. However, if you read between the lines, you might pick up a few more hints as to the direction Coach Hartleb is heading in 2013.
For example, it seems pretty apparent that the Sunday starting pitching job is Robby McDonnell’s to lose.
“Redshirt-sophomore Rob McDonnell will be back in the mix for a rotation spot after being shut down in 2012 due to arm soreness after making two appearances on the season as Illinois’ No. 2 starter.”
McDonnell was out for most of 2012 with shoulder injury. I’m sure he’s anxious to get back on the mound.
Still no definite word on who will play first base or catcher. The Illini have three solid choices at catcher between experienced Kelly Norris-Jones and Alex Lincoln as well as highly touted freshman Jason Goldstein. At first, we may see David Kerian or Ryan Nagle.
We have plenty of time before Big Ten season to sort these things out. But only four days to prepare for opening day.
Go Illini!