Basic Info
Age (Opening Day 2011): 20
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 180 lbs
How Acquired: 2008 draft, 38th round
2010 Stats
Three numbers stand out to me in Cosart’s stats.
First, his 1.07 WHIP, showing batters had a hard time getting on base against him by either walk or hit.
Second, his 4.8 K/BB ratio. The general theme among Phillies pitching prospects is that they can strike people out, but they don’t have much control. Cosart, even though he is only 20, can already do both.
Finally, his 71.3 IP, which is indicative of the fact that he has been oft-injured throughout his short career. Cosart has pitched a whopping 95.2 innings in the last two years, his only in professional baseball. Until he shows he can last through an entire season unscathed, there will be doubts whether he can ever become an MLB starter.
Scouting Report
Uh…he throws hard.
Last year at least one scout said that Cosart had the best fastball in the minor leagues behind only Stephen Strasburg. It sits in the mid-90′s and has excellent movement. He can occasionally ramp it up as high a 98mph.
He accompanies his fastball with a power curve that he throws well. His third pitch is a change-up that needs work.
Because he has one dominant pitch and one above-average pitch (and because of his lack of a 130+ inning season to date), some think that he might be best suited for the closer rose.
What to Look For in 2011
Health is obviously the main thing with Cosart. When he’s healthy, his stuff is good enough to mow down lower level hitters. If he does stay healthy, it will be interesting to see if his performance drops as the year goes on and his innings pile up.
Grades (Out of 10)
Upside – 10
Cosart’s upside is the highest of any pitcher in the system. He could be an “ace” one day or a top-level closer.
Production – 7
When he’s in there, he’s been good and sometimes dominant. His ERA last year was a little higher than his WHIP and peripherals indicate it should be.
Proximity to Majors – 3
Nowhere close at the moment, but a full season would change that quickly.
Video
For all posts on Phillies’ Prospects, including the rest of the top-20, visit our Top Prospects Page
Any reason why he was a 38th round draft pick if he throws gas like that? I don’t understand the dynamics of the MLB draft.
He was an elite HS player (though not 1st round elite) who had a strong commitment to Mizzou.
From phuture phillies
Ten bucks says he’s traded if the Phillies resign Madson.
Could be… though, if we sign Madson to a 3-year deal to be our closer, Cosart will still only be 24 when it runs out.
Looking back over the top ten prospect round up, and the other prospect posts, I don’t think I saw stutes on there? I caught most of spring training on the radio & got my first good look at him yesterday. He’s got some nasty movement on his stuff – I was pretty impressed. Seems like he does have some of the control issues, but curious what your thoughts are on him at this point?