Illinois Baseball Report

On Monday, Illini recruit Charlie Tilson finally made his decision and he chose to sign with the St Louis Cardinals who drafted him in this year’s MLB draft.  It might not have been an easy decision to make but the $1.275 million may have helped the 79th round outfielder make that decision a little easier. [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on August 17th, 2011 | 1 Comment »

On the third and last day of the First-Year Player Draft, Willie Argo was chosen by the Pittsburgh Pirates.  He was chosen in 43rd round.  He joins Adam Davis, Josh Parr and Corey Kimes (and Illini recruit Charlie Tilson) who were picked in Day 2. Willie Argo Position Outfielder Round/Overall Pick 43rd/1,292 MLB Team Pittsburgh [...]

Filed under: Draft on June 8th, 2011 | Leave a Comment! »

Three Illini (and one Illini recruit) were drafted today, the second day of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.   Adam Davis Position Catcher Round/Overall Pick 11th/335 MLB Team Baltimore Orioles   Josh Parr Position Shortstop Round/Overall Pick 12th/364 MLB Team Arizona Diamondbacks   Corey Kimes Position Pitcher Round/Overall Pick 18th/568 MLB Team Minnesota [...]

Filed under: Draft on June 7th, 2011 | 2 Comments »

Highest pick from the Big Ten Alex Wimmers who was nabbed 21st overall Below are all the Big Ten players picked in the first two days.  As is usual with the Big Ten, catchers are heavily represented.  Five backstops were drafted. [UPDATE]:  I’ve updated the list to reflect yesterday’s picks.  Some quick thoughts: Six catchers [...]

Filed under: Draft on June 8th, 2010 | Leave a Comment! »

  Bonadonna:  Bound for Rookie League As of today, four Illinois draftees have signed pro contracts with their respective teams.  Big Ten Network has the info. Brandon Wikoff has signed with the Astros and will report to single-A Tri-City Valley Cats in the New York-Penn League.  He’ll start June 23.  As mentioned before, Dominic Altobelli [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 16th, 2009 | Leave a Comment! »

SS Shawn Roof dogging baserunner and brother Eric Roof in a 2007 MSU-ILL game "It’s awesome, it’s the coolest thing ever.  He’s worked his tail off, and not too many people get to say they have a brother who plays minor-league baseball as well. Now, he gets to play in the same organization. Hopefully, he [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 12th, 2009 | Leave a Comment! »

  I just got off the phone with Mike Altobelli, father of Dominic Altobelli.  Turns out a representative of the Colorado Rockies will be coming to the Altobelli household tonight so that Dom can sign his first pro contract.  Over the weekend, Dominic will be heading to his first assignment which I assume will be [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 12th, 2009 | 2 Comments »

Illinois fans can celebrate again today as Illini centerfielder Joe Bonadonna was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 43rd round.  This makes three current Illinois players drafted, the most since 2005.  Yesterday, Brandon Wikoff was chosen in the fifth round and Dominic Altobelli was picked in the 16th round. Bonadonna is a speedster and [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 11th, 2009 | Leave a Comment! »

Dominic Altobelli, our thirdbaseman, has made it to pros.  As someone who watched Illinois games from the left field fence, I got to see a lot of Dom so that makes me happy.  I’m also happy for his parents who I got to know pretty well.  They were kind enough to let me hitch a [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 10th, 2009 | Leave a Comment! »

Once again, congratulations to Brandon Wikoff.  Wikoff, chosen by Houston Astros in the fifth round in the MLB draft deserves it.  He’s been one of the most hard working, talented Illini baseball player since I’ve been covering the team.  A quiet player on and off the field, I’m happy his small stature (5’8”, 5’9” according [...]

Filed under: Former Illini in the pros on June 10th, 2009 | 2 Comments »