Spring Training Notebook: Moscot

GOODYEAR, Ariz.- It may be his first Major League camp, but former Blue Wahoos starter Jon Moscot isn't fazed.

In fact, he's almost relaxed.

"In Minor League camp, there's so many guys that it's so hard to relax at any point," Moscot said. "Not that there's a chance to relax in big league camp, but the atmosphere is more relaxed. It's a lot more of a team atmosphere. You feel like you're a part of something bigger than yourself."

For two seasons, Moscot spent Spring Training competing for attention among 140 Minor League pitchers and catchers. Now, the Southern League All-Star is working under the supervision of the Cincinnati coaching staff. He's already caught the eye of Reds manager Bryan Price.

"You look at Moscot and he's got good velocity," Price told MLB.com's Mark Sheldon. "But what people talk about is his efficiency, his command, his ability to pitch inside, his ability to throw a quality breaking ball for a strike when behind in the count, maturity, a presence on the mound. When you talk about his attributes and what we like about him, it's not about being a raw power guy. It's about being a true pitcher. That quite often plays more than the overpowering velocity."

Price cited Moscot as a possible middle relief option for the Reds. That role could acclimate him to a Major League starting job better than a stint in Triple-A Louisville.

"That's something that I'm totally open to," Moscot said. "I'd love to get to the Major Leagues, and however I can help the team, I'm happy to be there.

"I've pitched out of [the bullpen] before, a little bit in college, so I know how to handle that change. It's definitely a little bit different."

As he continues to develop his changeup and slider, Moscot is also adding a two-seam sinker to his arsenal.

"I started throwing a real sinker this offseason that I was kind of missing last year," Moscot said. "I'd run a ball into a right-hander, but it wouldn't have the depth that I would want to get a ground ball on a double-play situation on a consistent basis."

Moscot appreciates the attention, but he sees it as a testament to the Reds' pitching philosophy.

"I actually think that speaks more of a volume to what we try and do out here," Moscot said. "You go out there with an idea of what you want to accomplish when you're on the mound, and if you can execute your pitches, that's what going to stand out. It's not necessarily just wowing him with stuff, but having an idea of what you want to do and competing in the strike zone."