Cincinnati Reds: Exclusive B/R Interview with Reds Prospect Brad Boxberger

Sometimes you just know.

GM Walt Jocketty and the rest of the Cincinnati Reds front office knew what they were getting when they selected Brad Boxberger with the 43rd pick in the 2009 draft.

I had a chance to pick Boxberger's brain on a number of different topics, starting with how he got to this point in the first place.

The 6'2" right-hander had a spectacular college career at the University of Southern California and has baseball in his blood. His father was a stellar pitcher for USC, and Boxberger has been around the game his entire life.

When it came to deciding what he wanted to do for a career, it was an easy decision. 

His dad has been helping him his whole career, but now that he’s in professional baseball, Boxberger says his dad has stepped aside to allow his son to make the most of his right arm.

Boxberger came to the Reds as a starting pitcher but was converted into a closer for Double-A Carolina. The move has sent him on the fast track to the majors, and now he’s worked his way into a comfort zone. He’s been dominating the competition at Triple-A Louisville as of late.

In his last nine appearances, Boxberger has given up zero runs in nine innings while surrendering a grand total of three hits. The stat that really makes the Reds excited is his 12 strikeouts. He has consistently been racking up K’s at a rate of 1.5 per inning.

Boxberger credits his unique high leg kick with all of the swings and misses:

"For me it really helps with my timing. It’s something I feel comfortable with, and it allows me to hide the ball until the last possible second."

He lifts his knee up to his chest, generating more strength at the apex of his delivery.

Boxberger went on to say that he doesn’t feel his velocity, which can reach the mid 90s, has been affected by his delivery. With his fastball being his pitch of choice, it certainly doesn’t hurt.

The name of the game for Boxberger is all about adjustments. It’s been the hardest part for him since making the jump to Triple-A:

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"The hitters are so much more patient. If you aren’t throwing strikes then it’s going to be a long night. Basically, I have been trying to focus on hitting the corner of the zone without leaving them up in the hitter's power zone."

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It’s been a learning experience, but a necessary one as well. Adjusting this quickly to the next level is an encouraging sign and another indication that Boxberger will be sporting the big Reds "C" on his chest in the near future.

Yet, don't expect a September call-up this season. Boxberger himself admitted as much. But heading into next season, he is one of the top players in camp to keep an eye on.

With the likely loss of closer Francisco Cordero and a few others in the bullpen, there are going to be open spots.

Boxberger is going to be one of the prime candidates for Jocketty and manager Dusty Baker to evaluate this fall when he plays for the Phoenix Desert Dogs in the Arizona Fall League.

There is still a lot of work to do, but all signs point to 2012 as the year Boxberger makes his major league debut.

The humble Boxberger hasn’t even thought that far ahead:

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"I just focused on my next game here with the (Louisville) Bats. I’m concerned with finishing the season strong and using that momentum to find more success this fall. Right now thinking about next spring is not a concern of mine."

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As the oldest cliché in the book goes, Boxberger is focused on the day in front of him and nothing further, as he takes everything day by day.

While the 2011 season may not have gone how many expected for the Reds bullpen, there is help on the way.