Today I'm gonna take a look at left handed starting pitcher of the UCLA Bruins, Rob Rasmussen. Rasmussen is listed at just 5'11", 170 pounds, and his size is going to be an obstacle as he will probably get grouped in with all of the small lefties that have failed to make it to the big leagues. Don't get me wrong, Rasmussen isn't a "crafty" lefthander by any means, but the smaller pitchers generally have to prove themselves at every level of the minors before they get their crack in the bigs.
I've seen Rasmussen on two occasions this year, early in the season against USC, and again this past Sunday against a more formidable Arizona State team. The outcomes of these games pretty well tell you what the key is for Rasmussen, and that is fastball command. Against USC, he wasn't hit very hard, but he was missing the zone, which led to four walks in 4 2/3 IP. He was able pitch around these walks and struck out six while allowing just one run.
On Sunday we were able to see what happens when he is in the zone, but misses his spots. ASU was able to pounce on several fastballs up in the zone which led to an early exit by Rasmussen. ASU knocked three homeruns off of the lefty, and had quite a few other loud outs. Rasmussen's line from Sunday ended after 4IP, and included an ugly 7 hits, 7 runs, 1 BB, and 6 strikeouts.
Not many doubt Rasmussen's stuff, which features a fastball with good movement at 88- 91,92, a plus curveball that ranges from 75-80, a change at 80-83, and a slider around 80-83. He was primarily working with the fastball/curve/slider when I was behind the plate, and I didn't get much of a read on the change. He did double up on the slider one time to record a strikeout, with the knockout pitch coming in on the right handed batter, and at his back foot. The varying speeds on the curveball help it play up even more. You don't get a feeling that Rasmussen is a small guy when he pitches. He pitches big, generally attacking hitters with his arsenal and working fast.
Rasmussen helps himself on the mound as well. He employs different pickoff moves while holding runners on and is quick to the plate. A solid athlete, Rasmussen also fields his position well.
Rasmussen's stats for this season are : 11 GS, 57 2/3 IP, 52 H, 23 ER, 22 BB, 78 K's
With lefties always being in demand, Rasmussen is sure to draw some attention on draft day. Some mock drafts have him as high as the first round or first supplemental, and others much lower. He probably has the stuff to merit a round one selection, but I think his size will be a big deterrent for many teams. With that in mind, I think he will probably be selected in the second or third round. Once he does sign though he should be a guy that rises to the majors quickly.
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