Chows Fill Out their Rotation

Illinois Times -

It was no surprise to anybody that Illinois GM Brad Sherlag went with a starting pitcher in the first round this year. After dealing for DeJesus last season and Huff this offseason, Illinois took care of their main holes in the line-up. Although the Maine trade helped with the staff, Illinois was still a starter or two short for 2008.

With their first pick the Chows selected Edinson Volquez. "We had four starters that we really liked in this year's draft. We felt comfortable we would get one of them with the 8th pick. Volquez was toward the top of that list and we were thrilled to see him still available when we selected. Edinson's MLB numbers last season indicate to us he is ready for the NASBL. Anytime you can get a 25 year-old who struck out more than a man an inning in the MLB over a full-season -- well that's a guy you have to feel can be a foundation of your staff."

Edinson slots into the Chows rotation as their number two starter. The Chows are expected to draft one more starting pitcher being a few starts short of the required 162 for next season.

Edinson Volquez 2008 MLB Key Stats: IP 196 K 206 W 17 L 6 ERA 3.21

Chows Current Rotation

1. Halladay
2. Volquez
3. Shields
4. Maine
5. Blanton