BLN goes one-on-one with Phillies top pitching prospect Jarred Cosart

Recently Brotherly Love Nation went one-on-one with Phillies top pitching prospect Jarred Cosart. Cosart was a 38th round draft pick in 2008 due in large part to his firm commitment to play ball at the University of Missouri. Injuries have limited the highly touted prospect to just 95 innings over the last two seasons, pitching 71 at Lakewood last season.  Cosart is 6’2 right-hander who throws in the 93-98 range with sinking action on the fastball and a pretty delivery. His curveball is above average and is expected to keep improving. Cosart is extremely athletic and was once a top hitter. As with every prospect patience is the key but the Phillies expect great things from their young power pitcher.   

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Brotherly Love Nation: I’ve heard you will most likely start the season at Clearwater, are you going be invited to Major League spring training?

Jarred Cosart: I've been in Clearwater for about a month now and no I’m not actually going to big league camp I’m down here just preparing for a long season.

BLN: Before being drafted you had committed to the University of Missouri, how difficult was the decision to sign with the Phillies?

JC: It was the toughest decision I have ever made. There were a lot of factors and intangibles that I had to live with after my decision. Either way I would be leaving home for the first long period of time, but going pro would also involve me putting the bat down and jumping into a new world with a signing bonus and freedom. In the end I believed that the best decision was to embark on the journey to the big leagues and I still back that decision 100%.

BLN: You were born in Texas, which is known more for its football. Did you play at all growing up? And if you did, why did you choose baseball?

JC: I only played football in middle school and was never deeply in love with the game. It was tough having to watch the other sports until baseball came around in the spring, but it was something that I dealt with year after year. I played basketball growing up, but baseball was the only sport that I loved.

BLN: Who was your favorite baseball player growing up?

JC: I liked Josh Beckett my whole life and he just grew on me as a pitcher. He is also from Texas. I felt that we both had similar arsenals and bodies.

BLN: How closely do you follow the big league club?

JC: I check the scores and website every single day they play. It's awesome to be involved in such a great organization and I would like to keep up with the guys I'll hopefully join them at CBP soon.

BLN: Which current/past MLB pitcher do you think you most resemble?

JC: I think body stuff and everything combined I would resemble Clay Buchholz from the Boston Red Sox. He's tall and athletic and has the same pitches/velocity as myself.


BLN: Was there a player who you tried to mold your game around?

JC: I just loved watching the game in general. I wouldn't say I liked someone that much that I molded my game around because I want to be my own player and maybe have someone look up to me one day.

BLN: When you need to make a big pitch, what pitch do you feel most comfortable throwing?

JC: My fastball is my best pitch and I feel that it is the pitch I can put where I need to if I need to get someone out.

BLN: Do you have a personal goal on when you will reach the majors? If so when?

JC: I’ve been competitive my whole life and always wanted to be the best at all I do. I just want to stay healthy, pitch every fifth day, and pitch my best. Whenever the Phils or anyone feel that I'm ready to step in a role in the big leagues I will gladly except the challenge and I will be ready. 



Special thanks to Jay Floyd and Jarred Cosart for taking the time to talk to Brotherly Love Nation. We wish you the most success and can't wait to see you at CBP in the near future!


BrotherlyLoveNation.com

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