Illinois is strong up the middle in the infield with returning sophomores SS Ben Troike and 2B Michael Massey.
The combo helped Illinois rank second the nation in double plays per game (1.18) last year.
Massey was a third team All-Big Ten pick and looks to hit in the middle of the order in 2018.
There are questions at the corners after the departures of 1B Pat McInerney and 3B Trent Hammond.
Junior Bren Spillane, who hit .295 with 5 HR last year will likely to fill one of the spots at first or third base.
Junior Tyler Engel, junior Ryan Haff and transfers Michael Michalak and Grant Van Scoy are likely to fight for the other spot.
Three guys will battle at catcher - senior Mark Skonieczny, junior David Craan and juco transfer Jeff Korte.
A number of guys could start at DH, including last year's starter Casey Dodge, who was a Big Ten All-Freshman team pick.
