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Congratulations are in order to BYU junior right handed pitcher Michael Rucker for his selection as the 344th pick in the 11th round by the Chicago Cubs of the 2016 MLB draft.
Rucker was named to the Louisville Slugger All-American Team and 1st team All-WCC for his efforts in the 2016 BYU baseball season. Rucker went 11-1 with a 2.73 ERA over 102.1 innings pitched with 94 strike outs and 31 walks. Opposing bats hit .215 off out Rucker’s arm.
Rucker showcases 3 pitches which all pound the zone. He guns his fastball at 92-96. His delivery is smooth. Perhaps most impressive is Rucker’s approach and competitiveness on the mound. He simply won’t be rattled. He will deliver his pitch with the same amount of effectiveness with the bases loaded as he would with nobody on.
Fans, his teammates, and the Cubs organization will now wait and see if Rucker agrees to his professional contract and forgo his senior season in Provo.
According to Brandon Gurney for the Deseret News during a segment on ESPN 960 AM, Coach Mike Littlewood expects Michael Rucker to go pro:
"I had a chance to talk to Coach Littlewood and he said that he's been expecting Rucker to move on" @BrandonCGurney
— ESPN960Sports (@espn960sports) June 9, 2016
Kudos to Michael Rucker on his being drafted by the Cubs.