Star Performer of the Week: July 8-14

The Astros won only once in five games this past week. The win was the result of a fantastic performance by one particular individual. That made the competition for the Star Performer Award a runaway.

In his big league debut Jarred Cosart provided the true definition of a star performance.

The 23-year old right-hander held the Tampa Bay Rays hitless for the first 6 & 1/3 innings of Friday night’s game, resulting in a 2-1 Astros victory. Cosart gave up only two hits and three walks in eight scoreless innings of work before giving way to Jose Veras out of the bullpen.

Cosart showed better fastball command than expected and his curveball was nasty. Cosart not only impressed Astros fans — Rays fans paid the rookie a nice tribute by applauding his effort when he gave up the first hit, and again when he left the game.

It was a magical night for Cosart. One that will be difficult to duplicate. Jarred now becomes the first player ever to get the water cooler shower, the shaving cream pie in the face, and the coveted Star Performer Award after only one game in the big leagues.

What will he do for an encore? Astros fans can hardly wait to find out. Hopefully Cosart’s performance will be rewarded with a spot in the Astros rotation after all of the All-Star festivities have been completed.

photo by Tammy Tucker