Bruno7481

I've always liked Tracy as a hitter. Injuries have bugged him quite a bit the past couple of seasons. There are the type of fliers that I like to see. He could be a very useful bat off the bench and spot starter if healthy.

Grace was never going to be a huge source of power. You could have done a lot worse than him though. It wasn't Grace's fault that a lot of the team's he played on were so bad. He hit for average, got on base at a very good rate, and played great defense.

Theriot has been discussed quite a bit on this board for his relatively short career. A couple of years ago the big debate was between Theriot and Cedeno. Many thought the wrong choice was made going with Theriot, but so far it has seemed to be the right one. I don't think he's said anything that inflammatory. He's a light hitting SS, always will be. But I still think he's a good enough player to be better than a lot of the other options around the league at SS.

Eh, I don't know. Everytime I think they are making progress, they take a step backwards. They did just lose by 24 a few days ago. Before that, they blew a double digit lead at home and lost. If they can continue to get this type of effort at home and steal a couple of road wins, I'd be satisfied with this season. For that to happen, IU has to take care of the ball more consistently, rebound like they did today, and make some damn free throws. After Iowa next weekend, IU's home schedule is Purdue, Michigan St, Ohio St, Wisconsin and Northwestern. I'd like to win at least 6-8 conference games, which means at least 4 more from somewhere. If we can get both vs. Iowa and keep Penn St down this weekend, then I'd like our chances to take at least 1 of those home games. Of course, a win at PSU and home win vs. Iowa would mean 4-3 in conference and 3 straight, which would be a huge boost. In that case, just 2 more wins could be a sign that things aren't going as well as they need to be. I don't know how likely 6 conference wins is, but it would be a hell of a turnaround from last year's squad. IU is lost on the road, which isn't surprising considering the majority of their team is freshmen and sophomores. What gives me hope, and a sense of progress if the play of the younger guys that should be around 4 years. Guys like Jones, Watford, Creek (before injury), Hulls, etc. They are gaining quite a bit of experience early on. Obviously having a team that sin't very good will give you plenty of opportunities for playing time.

Just wanted to say that IU is tied with Purdue in the Big 10 standings. Kidding aside, this team is slowly making progress. Losing Creek was bad, but it is nice to see them do well without him. They will most likely continue to lay an absolute turd in every road game this year, but should be competitive with most other teams at home.

I love people who put videos like this online. I can never imagine me caring so much about something like this to post online. Language warning.

5 yrs/30 Million. How many picked the Reds to sign this guy?

Your missing your best player. I know. It doesn't show in the W/L column, but watching this year's team has been enjoyable. There are at least signs of light with this team. I don't think Crean is god by any stretch, but he's building the program up incrementally.

Ehhhh.... Good job by Illinois in the 2nd half. IU will get there, slowly.

I'd be upset if I didn't see this coming...

OK... So which team's fans have less confidence in their team pulling out the win in the final 2 minutes?

IU starting to play pretty dumb on the offensive end.

Here we go...

I laughed.

I'll give you guys that call.... But now I have to say something bad about Illinois. Weber's facial expressions rival Mike Davis (the IU one) in stupidity.

IU needed that from Jones. I imagine he's up for this one.

The IU I have come to know and love starting to show itself.

Dakich couldn't have bee supported more when he took over for Sampson. Not sure I understand that statement. I don't know, I don't recall Da-an Dak-ich chants like they had for the coach he took over for. I have no idea what chants came from the crowd, come on. I never felt like he wasn't supported while he was the HC. Like I said though, not many wanted him as the full time guy after that season, but I don't think that means he was treated badly.

Just for the record, I still fully expect Illinois to make this a game and probably win it. Thats what being IU fan over the past couple of years has done to me.

Dakich couldn't have bee supported more when he took over for Sampson. Not sure I understand that statement. Now, the admin didn't give him any chance at the full time gig, but I'd rather have Crean all things considered. It was the right choice.

IU is outplaying them, its not all on the refs. Agreed, but they're helping us get to a deficit we can't come back from. IU has committed 14 against Illinois' 8.... BECAUSE IU IS HACKING ON EVERY PLAY Obviously. But its hard for me to buy your "The Refs are against us" schtick when Illinois has shot 23 freakin free throws.

IU is outplaying them, its not all on the refs. Agreed, but they're helping us get to a deficit we can't come back from. IU has committed 14 against Illinois' 8....

IU is outplaying them, its not all on the refs.

O:) I have no confidence that this will continue, but I am enjoying it.

I don't think it is as bad as some around here want to make it out to be. STL needed him and they got him, good move on their part.