Scouting Update: Rob Rasmussen, LHP, UCLA (2010 Draft)
By John Klima
April 13, 2010
Rob Rasmussen’s first three innings against Stanford recently were the best I have seen him in the numerous times I’ve seen him pitch for UCLA. Here’s why: Rasmussen has matured from a little guy with a big breaking ball who was an anomaly coming from a private high school into a legit front-line major league left-handed starting pitcher prospect with four quality pitches.
Pitching with his fastball at 89-92 and averaging 91, Rasmussen’s bulldog, up-tempo mound presence is complemented by fastball command and control that for me are above-average. He uses the confidence in his fastball and he’s not afraid to attack the inner-half against right-handers, a fundamental building block for a major league left-handed starting candidate. Rasmussen also has above-average fastball movement and continues to show the ability to get on top of the ball, create downhill plane, get extension, and land well. He’s closed, compact, and he has the arm speed.
The curveball has long been Rasmuseen’s calling card. In this look, he was 75-79, averaging 79. The pitch is best when he has it snapping with shape and depth, but he’ll also throw a slower one that rolls off his fingertips. That’s more of a different show-me look than anything, but it can be used to help exaggerate deception on the hard bender.
The change-up will be the curveball’s wingman in the big leagues. At 82-84 and averaging 82, the pitch has average velocity and movement but makes its money on its deception. Rasmussen sells the pitch with the same slot and arm speed, rarely slipping, and making it hard to read out of his hand.
Physically, Rasmussen should no longer be deemed a little guy. He’s filled out nicely and he’s taller than he was in high school. He’s balanced and coordinated from launch to landing. There is more power than meets the eye. With the combination of stuff, command, athleticism and out pitches, Rasmussen’s polished arsenal will give him an excellent chance to be drafted high and ride the fast track.
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