It was case closed for 'Horns' opponents with Cox pitching

Sporting News, The, July 8, 2005 by Kirk Kenney

J. Brent Cox sounds more like someone you'd call on to get out of legal trouble than to get out of the eighth inning.

A player's name isn't one of the primary considerations when Texas coach Augie Garrido is looking for a closer, however.

"It requires a pitcher to have exceptional movement on the ball, command of his pitches and a gunfighter's mentality," Garrido says of closing.

Cox, a 6-4, 206-pound righthander, fits the bill. He has command of three pitches, including a hard sinker and hard slider with tremendous movement. His fastball ranges from 88 to 92 mph, but his aggressive nature, that gunfighter's mentality, makes him seem more like a power pitcher.

"My mentality has always been the same," says Cox. "It's always been going right at people."

That much was evident at the College World Series. Cox appeared in all five of Texas' games in Omaha and saved both of the Longhorns' wins during a sweep of Florida in the finals. Against the Gators, he struck out eight in 3 2/3 innings and worked out of a jam in each game.

"He's got things you can't teach as far as attitude, work ethic, mentality," says Texas catcher Taylor Teagarden. "He has great stuff. He's pitched and had success in big environments. Those go hand in hand. People don't ever forget about that."

The Yankees were impressed enough with the overall package to use a second-round pick on Cox, who led the nation in saves this season with 19. Cox is eager to match the rapid rise of two of his teammates from last season--A's righthander Huston Street and Royals lefthander J.P. Howell. Both reached the majors less than a year after being drafted.

"I think I can get there within a year," he says. "I might not be closing (immediately). Come out of the bullpen, short relief. But I think it's realistic.

"I've done all I can to prepare myself."