Interview with St. Louis Cardinals prospect Justin Wright

Justin Wright, currently pitching for the Springfield Cardinals (AA, Texas League), recently joined Redbird Rants for an interview. Wright is the 17th best prospect in the organization going into the 2012 season.

Daniel Solzman:

Thanks for joining Redbird Rants today for an interview. How are things treating you in Springfield?

Justin Wright: Things in Springfield are awesome. Right now, we’re in the middle of a playoff race with 2 other teams. Were 2 games back with 7 to play so hopefully we can pull it out and win the first half.

Daniel Solzman: Seeing that you went to Virginia Tech, what do you know about Ronnie Shaban? What kind of player are the Cardinals getting in him?

Justin Wright: The Cardinals are getting a great competitor in Shaban. His whole career at Tech, he was a two-way player that we counted on to get the big hits and sometimes, close out games. Cardinal fans won’t be disappointed.

Daniel Solzman: What was it like playing for Virginia Tech coach Pete Hughes and how did he get you ready for the next level?

Justin Wright: Playing for Hughes was great. He was very fun to be around and he knew the game very well. He was a catcher when he played and always stressed pitching inside, which has helped me a lot at the next level.

Daniel Solzman: What was your reaction when you were named to the All-Star team and what was it like knowing that you were unable to play the game due to injury?

Justin Wright: It was an honor to be selected to the team especially since it was at home in Quad Cities. The fans there are awesome and it was pretty cool to be announced in front of the home crowd. I t sucked when I couldn’t play in the game but it was just cool to hang out with guys from other teams in a very stress free game.

Daniel Solzman: What’s the typical day in the life during the season?

Justin Wright: A typical day consists of me getting to the field about an hour before stretch so I can get prepared for the day. Then pitchers go out stretch, condition, and throw. After that we shag BP and then just chill out and play cards before the game starts.

Daniel Solzman: How has Pitching Coach Bryan Eversgerd helped with your mechanics this season?

Justin Wright: He has been a huge help with me this year. At the start of the season, I was having trouble throwing strikes and we worked on a few thing to keep my mechanics more consistent.

Daniel Solzman: Do you have a favorite pitch?

Justin Wright: My favorite pitch is my curveball, it has been my best pitch since high school and is the key to my success.

Daniel Solzman: Thanks again for joining us. Any final words for the best fans in baseball?

Justin Wright: Yea, no problem. Cardinal fans are the best fans in baseball from the minors all the way to the majors. Everywhere I go in Springfield, I see fans wearing Cardinal gear. It’s pretty neat.