Houston Astros’ pitching prospect comfortable with any role for the team- MLB News
With the Houston Astros trading Wilton Lopez to the Colorado Rockies for starter Alex White, the Astros have a gap to fill in their bullpen. Astros No.4 prospect, Jarred Cosart is willing to take the role if it was offered to him.
So far indications are that the Astros will be filling the position with an external candidate but Jeff Luhnow, the general manager for the Houston Astros, did float the idea of Cosart being an option if they did so internally. Cosart has been primarily
a starting pitcher and it will be a new role altogether for him.
Jared Cosart is not shying away from the opportunity and thinks it can be a fun thing to do and perhaps a learning curve for him as well.
"I've actually never done it, but I've messed around with it in All-Star games and stuff while pitching late in a couple of close games, and it's fun," Cosart said. "It's a different aspect. For me, I'm predominantly a guy that pitches off my fastball, so
I think that would be fun."
Cosart was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies last year in a trade. His 2012 season was split between Double-A Corpus Christi and Triple-A Oklahoma City. He did well during the season, posting a combined 6-7 win-loss record. He did not give away an
earned run in five of his last 10 games in 2012 which speaks volumes of his overall pitching quality.
Jarred can pitch his fastball up to 99 miles per hour and that creates a lot of interest for him. The Astros have been working with him in developing a curve ball and changeup. With his fastball, Cosart could be well suited to closer’s role but the Houston
ball club would likely use him as a starter for a fair period of time.
Cosart at the moment is looking forward to playing in the majors and is not too bothered about the role he will be assigned. He is willing to take the challenge and believes that he has the tools to deliver.
"That would be to my strong suit with the stuff I have," Cosart said. "Basically, it comes down to whatever I think I need to do to get to the big leagues, whether it's closer first and then starting, or they just want me to close ... it doesn't matter to
me. I want to help the team whatever way possible. I'm open for anything."
Jarred Cosart will most likely be one of the pitchers looking to bag one of the two spots left on the opening rotation. His willingness to take the role of a reliever will also help his chances of making it to the big leagues early. Jared is a talented pitcher
and should soon be an impregnable part of the Astros pitching unit.
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