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From high school underdog to surprising ERA leader -- the rise of Kyle Hendricks

CHICAGO -- It was 2008, and Kyle Hendricks had a decision to make. Actually, he had two decisions to make.

He had just been drafted in the 39th round by the Angels, a franchise whose ticket office his father, John, worked in for six years. Should Kyle start his pro career or attend college? That question turned out to be the easy one. When you throw in the low 80s, you need to have a backup plan.

"I told the Angels thanks, but it's going to be hard to pass up this opportunity," the Chicago Cubs' starting pitcher recalled recently.