Jared Carrier
Director of Scouting, NY

AROUND THE CAGE

This week we strike up a conversation with recently committed 2017 LHP James Rubino (LaSalle Institute).   Rubino is ranked No. 23  overall in our latest 2017 Rankings. The projectable lefty repeats his delivery, maintains a fluid arm action and has a feel for his secondary offerings.  With a frame that has room for growth, look for Rubino to develop within the confines of the Seton Hall program.

LEADING OFF

PBR: What’s the biggest part of your game that has improved over the last year?
RUBINO: Definitely the velocity of my fastball, due to strength training and arm care.

PBR: What is an area you would like to become more consistent with?
RUBINO: Throwing my changeup for strikes and in any count consistently.

PBR: What was the biggest thing you’ve been able to take away from the PBR experience?
RUBINO: The professionalism of the events and the knowledge I received regarding the recruiting process.

MIDDLE INNINGS

PBR: Name the best hitter you’ve faced over your high school years and why?
RUBINO: Kevin Smith (Columbia HS/Maryland) in my freshman year and because he's just that good!

PBR: Name the best opposing pitcher you’ve seen and why?
RUBINO: Brooks Knapek (Albany Academy/UMass-Amherst) because he has 3 pitches that are effective and he can throw in any count

PBR: Current or former pro player that you would like your game to emulate?
RUBINO: Chicago Cub LHP John Lester

CLOSING IT OUT

PBR: Give us 3 goals for this upcoming 2017 season.
RUBINO: 1. Staying healthy 2. Keep getting stronger 3. Using all my pitches in any count

PBR: What were the deciding factors on choosing Seton Hall?
RUBINO:  It was just the best overall fit for me, from the academics to the coaching staff especially Coach Cundari, the pitching coach. Knowing that I am going to be in great hands for the next four years is a great feeling to have.

PBR: How are you hoping to contribute during your freshman year as a Pirate?
RUBINO: I'm hoping to contribute anyway I can to help my team win and ultimately win a Big East title and more.

EXTRA INNINGS

PBR: Ok, let’s finish with some fun...Favorite pre-game snack or meal?"
RUBINO: Definitely a bag of honey roasted peanuts.

PBR:Most embarrassing moment on a baseball field
RUBINO: Probably when I struck a kid out and started walking toward the dugout and then realizing there were only 2 outs!

PBR: Superstitions?
RUBINO: I always have to listen to music before a game. It gets me in the zone.

PBR: Nickname? The story behind it?
RUBINO: Rubie not sure how it started but my teammates and coaches just started calling me it.

PBR: Choose your eternal walk up song (Edited Versions of course).
RUBINO: Down and Out by Tantric