Drew Rucinski is another one of those Valley League alumni that I root for. (Although, to be fair, I root for pretty much everyone…)

Drew Rucinski signed Rockford 2013Drew pitched for Luray in 2009 and 2010- well enough in 2010 to be named ATVL’s #10 starter in the league for the champion Wranglers. He was signed by the Cleveland Indians out of Ohio State as a nondrafted free agent, in 2011. In that season, Drew pitched very, very well at three different levels. He was a total of 4-0, 2.92, while allowing 36 hits, 10 walks, and striking out 47 in 37 innings pitched. You would think that the Indians would be looking to challenge Drew the next year, but instead, they released him.

Drew didn’t give up, though. He signed with Rockford of the Frontier League, but only pitched in one game for them in 2011. In 2012, he went back to Rockford, and threw 15 very, very good starts (and 7 relief appearances, too). He went 7-4, 3.13, with a 1.177 WHIP, 2.3 BB/9, and 7.9 K/9 in 103 2/3 innings pitched.

Still no nibbles, so Drew headed back to Rockford for a third go-round in 2013. This time, he pitched exclusively as a starter. After 15 starts, he was 4-6, 2.88, with a 1.130 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9, and 9.1 K/9 in exactly 100 innings pitched.

I think it was clear that Drew should get another shot at organized ball, and the Los Angeles Angels gave him just that- a second

Drew pitching for Luray in 2009 against New Market
Drew pitching for Luray in 2009 against New Market

chance. The Angels signed him, and assigned him to High-A Inland Empire. Drew made the most of the opportunity, going 2-2, 1.86 in 5 starts, with a 1.138 WHIP, 1.2 BB/9, and 6.5 K/9 in 29 innings pitched.

Now the calendar has flipped over to 2014. Drew has made the big jump to Double-A; the Angels have put him in Arkansas of the Texas League. Double-A is where players are either found worthy or wanting, and so far, after three starts, Drew has been very, very good. Worthy. So far, he’s 2-0, 1.20, with a 1.333 WHIP, 4.2 BB/9, and 9.0 K/9 in 15 innings. (Here is a short game report on Drew’s third start a couple days ago.)

Congratulations on your excellent start, Drew! Keep taking advantage of this second chance!