When the New York Mets selected 6-foot-6 right-hander Brant Rustich (pictured, left/Photo by UCLA Sports Department) out
of UCLA with the 93rd pick in this past year’s first player draft, it's
pretty safe to assume that he didn't expect this quick of a move
through the club's farm system. Rustich was a college reliever coming off a poor statistical year at
UCLA, but if you watch him pitch, you know why he was the 93rd
selection. His main issue has been control, but a lot of people
attribute the control issues to a finger surgery he had in college (the
same surgery that Phillies pitcher Adam Eaton had).
In a recent conversation with Rustich, he said that his finger has been “great, better than ever, and he couldn’t be happier with it right now.” And it showed in his pro debut -- granted it was only 23 -- innings, between rookie teams Kingsport and Brooklyn. Rustich walked only two batters over that span, striking out 21. He had a poor showing in winer ball in Hawaii, but as he spent 2007 pitching his college ball in a warm climate like where UCLA (where they start their baseball program in the fall) , he had pitched practically 12 months straight.
Rustich was one of only two selections from this past draft to be invited to big league spring training (along with 1st selection Eddie Kunz). I asked what it was like to know he was just a year ago in a UCLA clubhouse, and now sharing a locker room with the likes of Johan Santana, Pedro Martinez and David Wright.
BR: It's definitely been a wonderful feeling. I never would have imagined this would all be happening so quickly, but I'm very thankful. My first day in the locker room was exciting to say the least, but it didn't take long until I felt like I was one of the guys. It's kind of a strange feeling growing up watching some of these guys play like Pedro, to now playing along side them, cracking jokes, and having a good time.
JD: Though you were a closer for UCLA when you got drafted , the Mets are going to try you as a starter this season. How will you change your routine to accommodate possibly up to 150 innings, and how are your offspeed pitches are, given that you're known as a big time power pitcher.
BR: I think the most important thing is to get in great shape and get my arm strong and durable to withstand the workload of a starter. It’s going to take some time, but I really would like to be able to start at the major league level. As for my pitching style, I don't think it's going to change much. I'm still going to be an aggressive power pitcher. Of course I can't overthrow and spend all my energy in the 1st inning, but I don't plan on taking much off my fastball. I had two starts early in my pro season last year, and both times I had my best fastballs all year. I throw a 4seam and 2seam fastball, slider and change up. I'm thinking as a starter I'll incorporate my change up a lot more, and also try to mix in a slower curveball once I've established my other pitches.
JD: Give the fans an overall review of his experience thus far as a rookie in your first big league camp.
BR: My experience in my first spring training has been wonderful so far. I'm very excited that the games have begun, and I'll get to show a lot of people what I can do. Rubbing shoulders with guys like Pedro Martinez, Johan Santana, Jose Reyes, David Wright, and so on has been a dream. It's so exciting to wake up every morning knowing I have this to go to. I can't wait for tomorrow and do it all over again.
Rustich is expected to start the season in Single-A St. Lucie with a possible quick transition to Double-A Binghamton. He is a kid to keep an eye on, if healthy, the sky’s the limit for him, he very well could be the best product for the Mets from the 2007 draft.
When the New York Mets selected 6-foot-6 right-hander Brant Rustich (pictured, left/Photo by UCLA Sports Department) out
of UCLA with the 93rd pick in this past year’s first player draft, it's
pretty safe to assume that he didn't expect this quick of a move
through the club's farm system. Rustich was a college reliever coming off a poor statistical year at
UCLA, but if you watch him pitch, you know why he was the 93rd
selection. His main issue has been control, but a lot of people
attribute the control issues to a finger surgery he had in college (the
same surgery that Phillies pitcher Adam Eaton had).
