(this is James) Big thanks to jkearse for another interview!

One of the three draft day deadline signings for the Phillies, Jon Musser stands tall at 6’5 weighing 205 pounds. The young right hander is currently 18 years old and won’t turn 19 until December. ‘Muss’ was a 21 round draft pick of the Phillies and can hit 90s on the radar gun along with a good curveball and solid changeup. Because of these pitches, he was projected as a seventh to tenth round pick but slipped due to injury concerns. Jon appears now to be completely healthy and has been improving every year. The Phillies have grabbed a few over-slot pitchers that have been really effective in Brody Colvin and Jarred Cosart. Hopefully, Jon Musser and Kevin Walter can add to this list of success. Thanks to Muss for his time.

Q. What does it mean to be drafted and signed by the Phillies? At any point during your life did you expect either to happen?

A. It meant a lot to be drafted and signed by the Phillies. They have a great reputation for developing young players and their ability to draft and get players to the big leagues is very impressive. This spring is when I started thinking I might get drafted, but before then I wasn’t really thinking about the draft at all.

Q. Is your shoulder healthy?

A. Yes, my shoulder is healthy. I have not had any problems since I originally injured it.

Q. What pitches do you throw and what MPH range do you generally stay in?

A. I throw 3 pitches. I throw a fastball that’s 89-91 MPH, tops at 93. I throw a curveball which is 73-76 MPH. My changeup is 81-83.

Q. What team do you expect to play for this year/next year?

A. I don’t have any expectations, my only job is to go out there and work as hard as I can, and it is up to the organization to place me where they think I fit in best.

Q. Who was your favorite player growing up?

A. Growing up I was a big fan of Chris Carpenter of the STL Cardinals. I love the way he pitches and how he plays the game. He has a great curveball and is a great person on and off the field. He is a leader and the type of player I want to be.

Q. Any other comments?

A. I am very excited to be a part of the Phillies organization and I am looking forward to helping out the organization in any way I can.