Kansas City Royals: Prospect Q&A with pitcher Austin Cox

“This is something that the Royals have preached to us since day 1 is that winning is a priority here.”

Q: Consistency has been a big key for you posting nearly identical ERA’s from Single-A to High-A this season. Can you tell me why you think you were able to be so successful this year?

A: I think it was just learning to really pitch and see how hitters react to certain things. Not to mention trusting the great defenses that were behind me every outing. The biggest adjustment I had to make early in the year was not nibbling and falling behind early, but instead going right after guys with my best stuff. The second big reason would have to be pitching inside. Third, I would have to say that refining my curveball and learning the situations that really help it play up.

Q: You were fantastic in 2 playoff starts. Can you walk me through those starts and what that championship run for you guys felt like? And what does it personally mean to you seeing several of the Royals affiliates winning their respective league’s championship?

A: Postseason baseball is always so much fun. I’m an extremely competitive guy so I love these situations and want the ball in my hand in these situations. For those two starts, I just told myself to trust the guys behind me and get this team to the next day. If I could get us to game 5 I had a really good feeling about what would happen the next day. If I did my job I know the guy following me whether it was relievers or the next days’ starter was going to do their job. That championship run was extremely special because of the way we played with our backs up against the wall. We were 5-0 facing elimination. That’s something that doesn’t come easily without guys coming together and fighting for one another. It’s also awesome to see the guys all over the farm getting it done too! This is something that the Royals have preached to us since day 1 is that winning is a priority here.