Prospect Nation 2015: #9 OF Dylan Cozens

Dylan Cozens, image- Jay Floyd

Raw power is what scouts, media members and the Phillies alike covet with outfielder Dylan Cozens. Loads of pop combined with a strong adaptability as well as remarkable athleticism have Cozens rising toward the top among the team's best prospects.

At six feet six inches tall and 235 pounds Cozens has an imposing frame that was well-suited for the grid iron, as he was a two-sport star during high school. Already touting a great ability to drive the ball, the Arizona native has 30-plus homer potential. Last season marked just the second calendar year that Cozens had devoted all of his time to baseball, no longer competing in football after signing with the Phillies.

After he was selected in the second round of the 2012 MLB amateur draft, Cozens debuted in the minors with the rookie level Gulf Coast Phillies. In 50 games there, the lefty hitting youngster notched 15 doubles, two triples, five homers and 24 RBI. Cozens also participated in the Florida Instructional League in 2012.

After a productive spring in 2013, Cozens was retained in extended spring training and made his official season debut with the short-season Williamsport Crosscutters of the New York-Penn League when they kicked off in June. Cozens was among the league leaders in many categories that year, placing second in the league in doubles (19), extra base hits (30), and runs (50) while ranking third in slugging percentage (.469). Additionally, he batted .265 with two triples, nine home runs and 35 RBI in 68 games for the Cutters.

In 2014, with Class A Lakewood, Cozens took strides had a good season, posting a .248 average with 16 homers and 62 RBI. He followed that up with a solid campaign in the Australian Baseball League this off-season. In 45 games with Melbourne, he tallied a .255 average with eight home runs, 23 RBI and 11 steals.

Phillies brass and coaches praised the amount of development Cozens showed last season with Lakewood, as he was pressed with the notion of finishing his work and not chasing pitches out of the zone. Director of player development Joe Jordan told me in August that Cozens improved in every aspect of his game in 2014.

Sometimes critiqued for having a long swing, Cozens may not hit for great average (.254 clip in 250 affiliated minor league games), but with his slugger potential, he should be able to produce well enough at the plate to play at the upper levels of the sport.

On the bases, the 20-year-old isn't as slow as most people might expect of a big-bodied masher. He's proven to be somewhat of a threat on the base paths, swiping 23 bases in 30 attempts last year in the Sally League. He sports a 74% success rate in steal attempts as a pro. While he shouldn't be projected to collect similar steal totals at higher levels, Cozens could contribute with his feet.

Cozens, who has played a wide majority of his games in right field, has been praised for his adaptability and is a very capable fielder. He covers a good amount of ground and has a strong arm in the outfield.

Expect Cozens to be on the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers' roster this coming season.

To follow along with this year's full countdown, click HERE.

2017 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #4 OF Mickey Moniak

Mickey Moniak, image- Joe Wombough Taken with the top overall selection in last year's MLB amateur draft, outfielder Mickey Moniak has garnered a lot of attention as a highly promising talent in the Phillies' developmental ranks. After signing out of La Costa Canyon High School for a reported $6.1 million, the lefty batting Moniak had a very good professional debut. In 46 games with the Phillies' Gulf Coast League team, Moniak posted a .284 batting average with 11 doubles, four triples, a home run and 28 RBI. Additionally, he showed some speed, swiping 10 bases in 14 opportunities. Following the regular season, Moniak participated in the Florida Instructional League and spent time at the Phillies' training facility in Clearwater, where he worked to add strength and muscle to his six-foot-two 185-pound frame. At the plate, Moniak, who was committed to play at UCLA prior to the 2016 draft, makes steady, hard contact. He is touted as a line drive hitter tha...

Chris Truby Speaks on Santana & Other BlueClaws Matters

On Monday, it was announced that the Astros selected outfielder Domingo Santana as the player to be named later in the late July trade that sent Hunter Pence to the Phillies. Santana, a Dominican born slugger, posted a .269 average with 7 HR and 32 RBI in 96 games with the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. The 19-year-old is regarded as a five tool talent and has been ranked among the Phillies' top ten prospects by multiple national outlets. I had the opportunity to speak with Lakewood manager Chris Truby about Santana, the PTBNL list of five Phillies prospects that the Astros had to choose from, as well as other matters pertaining to the BlueClaws, as they enter the final few weeks of their regular season. Check out the media player below to hear the full interview. ______________________________________________ You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE . You can also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE .

2019 Phillies Prospects Countdown: #9 OF Dylan Cozens

Dylan Cozens, image- Jay Floyd Powerful outfield prospect Dylan Cozens hopes to shake the reputation of a free swinger and become a more complete hitter in order to fulfill his dream of reaching the major leagues. At six feet six inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, Cozens has an imposing frame that was well-suited for the grid iron, as he was a two-sport star in his high school days. After he was chosen in the 2nd round of the 2012 draft, Cozens debuted in the minors with the rookie level Gulf Coast Phillies. In 50 games there, he notched 15 doubles, two triples, five homers and 24 RBI. Cozens also participated in the Florida Instructional League in 2012. Following a productive spring in 2013, Cozens was retained in extended spring training and made his official season debut with the Class A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters when they began playing in June. Cozens was among the league leaders in many categories that year, ...

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