Drafted in the 4th round (140th overall) by the Chicago Cubs in 2009 (signed for $140,000).
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Rusin can't reach the mid-90s like Kentucky teammates James Paxton and Alex Meyer (projected first-rounders in 2009 and 2011, respectively) but he pitched both of them this spring. He finished his career ranked second in career wins (23) and strikeouts (274 in 302 innings) in school history, and he should be one of the first college seniors drafted this year. Rusin had a chance to go in the first five rounds in 2008 before coming down with a sore elbow shortly before the draft. He had arthroscopic surgery in the fall to repair a slight tear in a tendon and has been as good as ever this spring. Six-foot-2 and 190 pounds, Rusin primarily works with a lively 87-89 mph fastball and a curveball. He'll need to improve his changeup to succeed as a starter in pro ball. He doesn't have a pretty delivery, but it adds deception to his pitches without impairing his ability to throw strikes. He repeats his mechanics well, though some scouts wonder if they could lead to more arm problems down the line.
Best Tools List
Rated Best Control in the Chicago Cubs in 2011
Rated Best Changeup in the Chicago Cubs in 2011
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