Interview with St. Louis Cardinals Rule 5 Draft Pick Jay Voss

Jay Voss took some time this week to talk with Redbird Rants. The St. Cardinals picked him up during the Rule 5 Draft over the offseason.

Daniel Solzman: Jay, thanks for joining Redbird Rants today. How are things treating you as we get ready for the start of spring training?
Jay Voss: Things are good. I’m focusing on my rehab and getting my elbow stronger. Things are progressing, and I can’t wait for everything to get started.

Daniel Solzman: You grew up in Breese, Illinois. Did you grow up a St. Louis fan?
Jay Voss: Yeah I basically lived in old Busch stadium when I was little. We went to probably 10-15 games per year when I was young.

Daniel Solzman: How excited were you when you found out that the Cardinals drafted you in the Rule 5 draft?
Jay Voss: I was pretty excited. It gave me a chance to put on the home colors. Growing up putting the jerseys on as a fan, it will be cool to wear one as a player. It’s a new opportunity, and I’ll get to play much closer to home.

Daniel Solzman: How did Kaskaskia College coach Brad Tuttle get you ready for the next level?
Jay Voss: He helped me grow so much as a man in my 2 years there. I wasn’t ready as an 18 year old. He molded me and and helped make me the grinder and player I am today. He taught me how to fight adversity and be tough. It has more than prepared me for what I’ve faced as a professional.

Daniel Solzman: You underwent Tommy John surgery and missed most of the 2012 season. How is the rehab process treating you and when do you expect to be cleared to play?
Jay Voss: Rehab is good. Tentatively I hope to be cleared sometime in May. I am on schedule right now, but rehab is a day to day grind.

Daniel Solzman: Did you get to do anything exciting over the offseason?
Jay Voss: I have been in Florida most of the offseason rehabbing. I got to go home for the holidays and had a rehab session at Busch and got a taste of the field and personnel areas so that was cool. I just enjoyed spending time with all of my family and friends back home. That’s what is really fun for me is going back home and feeling the love and support.

Daniel Solzman: Who was your favorite player growing up?
Jay Voss: Ozzie Smith and Ken Griffey, Jr. Ozzie was a great Cardinal. Griffey was a favorite because my early dream was to be a power and speed CF like him. That obviously did not work out the way I planned. I ended up a tall, slow LHP with a bad swing! I’ll take it though.

Daniel Solzman: What is the typical day in the life like during the regular season?
Jay Voss: Typical wake up late morning because our gamedays get done late. Get a morning workout in a few days a week, get some good meals in and wait to go to work. Pregame usually gets going around 3-330 for pitchers for nightgames. Very routine.

Daniel Solzman: Thanks again for joining Redbird Rants and we hope to see you pitching at Busch sooner rather than later. Any final words for the best fans in baseball?
Jay Voss: Can’t wait to get going and reach my dream. Glad to be home! Go Birds!