During his junior year, McArthur started Sunday games for Ole Miss.
While his numbers were uneven, his stature (6-foot-7) and feel for the game drew the attention of the Phillies, who selected him in the 12th round of the 2006 MLB Draft and paid him $215,000 to keep him from returning to school for his senior year.
During his first full season, he pitched both as a reliever and as a starter in the Florida State League, where he pitched well as a starter.
McArthur has a four-pitch mix and an idea on how to use them all.
His fastball, which used to sit in the low 90s in college, now averages over 94 mph and approaches 97 mph with good riding life.
His slider, which has strong and late action, is his finest secondary offering, missing bats.
His curveball continues to improve with more bite, though it’s still more of a get-me-over for a strike offering for now, and his fading changeup has improved command.
McArthur has been held back primarily by command and control. As a junior in college, he walked 5.2 batters per nine innings, and 4.5 batters per nine innings in his brief pro career.
During an outstanding showing at instructions this past autumn, he tweaked his delivery and was commanding all of his pitches more consistently, giving hope that he can achieve his potential as a starting pitcher.
Who Are James McArthur Parents?
James McArthur was born to Greg and Rebecca McArthur.Greg, his father, played minor league baseball for four seasons.