J.B.

Cox

He has a 3.06 ERA and a 20/4 K/BB ratio in 17 2/3 IP for Tampa. Cox, who closed for the University of Texas, was probably the third best relief prospect available in the June draft. He might be ready to help the Yankees during 2006.

Cox was expected to miss at least three weeks -- which usually means at least four or five weeks when it comes to prospects -- but he returned after just 17 days off due to shoulder tendinitis. Because he made quick progress, he still has a chance to reach the majors before the All-Star break.

Cox is on the comeback trail following Tommy John surgery. He’s probably a long shot to see time in the majors this season, but if his stuff comes back, he still could have a future as a setup man.

He’s expected to miss about three weeks, according to GM Brian Cashman. He was next in line to be called up to the Yankees bullpen, but those plans will be put on hold.

Cox went by “J. Brent” until this year, but there’s no room for a name like that in the majors, apparently. No unruly facial hair, no names that sound like they belong to an heir to some great fortune. Cox was supposed to be the next reliever called up by the Yankees, but now it could be a while before he gets his chance.

If healthy Cox has a chance to be a factor in the Yankees’ bullpen at some point this season, but he pitched just 36 innings in the minors last year because of shoulder problems.

It sounds like he’ll be ready to go once the minor league starts. Cox, a future setup man for the Yankees, should make his major league debut sometime this summer.

The incident happened about five weeks ago, so Cox should be ready to pitch when the minor league season begins. Still, his decision to involve himself in a fight has cost him an invitation to major league camp.

This after Cox suffered a broken pitching hand in a fight in December. The former University of Texas closer should reemeerge as a quality relief prospect, but he has a lot of work ahead of him.