Cincinnati Reds Zack Cozart makes a new beginning – MLB News
The Cincinnati Reds’ had a wonderful start of the 2012 on Thursday when they beat the Miami Marlins in the Opening Day game. However, there was another achievement that one of their players, Zack Cozart, added to his credentials.
The 26-year-old shortstop was to become the first rookie to start as the shortstop since 1971 for the Reds. It was Frank Duffy who attained this milestone in 1971. Cozart, it is to be emphasized, could not have got it at a more propitious time.
The player had two hits to his credit that led to the team’s victory. To be at shortstop makes him feel good.
"I like it," Cozart said. "That's something that is fun, to be out there at shortstop, being an important guy communicating and getting to know your pitchers.”
His talent did not go unnoticed when he stepped in the professional circuit. However, much to his disappointment and sadness, it was left elbow injury that ended the season for him last year after he had an impressive .324 average in 11 games.
That required a Tommy John surgery; something that he had to go through. However, he was bound to make a return, and he return made. Like said earlier, his talent had already been recognized, and he was all set to turn the tide.
"I saw it last year when he came up," said Reds utility infielder Miguel Cairo, who is 37. "I saw the confidence and how he handled himself in the field. And when he takes at-bats, he takes good at-bats, and that's what you want. It's hard to find players that young, or the first time they get to the big leagues, that have that confidence. It's good to see that."
With the start at shortstop on Thursday, Cozart evinced the talent he possesses. He is supremely fit this year to have an uninterrupted season. If nothing untoward happens, the Reds will have a capable player at their disposal to do his best in bringing victories for the team as the season progresses, helping the team fulfil the aims it has.
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