Six Reading players honored as Double-A Eastern League All-Stars

Dylan Cozens, image- Jay Floyd

With the unveiling of the Double-A Eastern League All-Star rosters on Thursday, it was announced that six Reading Fightin Phils players have been honored to play in the annual exhibition that is set to take place in Akron, OH on Wednesday, July 13th.

Catcher Jorge Alfaro, first baseman Rhys Hoskins, outfielder Dylan Cozens, infielder Jesmuel Valentin, starting pitcher Nick Pivetta and reliever Hoby Milner are slated to take part in the EL All-Star Game.

Cozens, who is tied with teammate Hoskins for the minor league lead in home runs with 21, was thankful for the chance to represent Reading and the Phillies in the league's midsummer classic.

"It feels good to get recognized and to get the opportunity to play with some of the best guys in minor league baseball," Cozens said.

Overall in 77 games Cozens has a .276 average, 22 doubles and 62 RBI to go along with his remarkable home run total. The 22-year-old was the Phillies' 2nd round draft selection in 2012.

Alfaro, 23, sports a .291 average with nine homers and 42 RBI in 51 games played this year. The righty batting backstop was acquired from Texas as part of the Cole Hamels trade last year.

Hoskins sports a .291 average with 62 RBI in 74 games for Reading this season. The 23-year-old was the Phils' 5th round draft choice in 2014 out of Sacramento State.

Valentin, primarily a second baseman, has tallied a .285 average with four home runs and 36 RBI through 68 games. The 23-year-old was originally a supplementary 1st round pick of the Dodgers, before he was acquired by the Phils as part of the Roberto Hernandez trade in 2014.

Pivetta, a righty, sports a 7-4 record with a 3.31 ERA and a 8.02 K/9 mark in 16 starts this season. The 23-year-old Canadian was acquired last summer from the Nationals in the Jonathan Papelbon trade after originally being a 4th round pick in 2013.

Milner was the Phillies' 7th round draft selection in 2012. Through 24 outings, the Texas product has a 4-1 record with two saves and a 1.97 ERA.

Reading, the reigning Eastern Division champions, will also send manager Dusty Wathan, pitching coach Steve Schrenk as well as athletic trainer Aaron Scott to fill out the Eastern Division coaching staff.

Comments

Prospect Nation 2012: #1 RHP Trevor May

With a massively impressive campaign in 2011 for the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers, right-handed starting pitcher Trevor May locked down his spot as Philadelphia's top prospect and is on the fast track toward the big leagues. He is the reigning Paul Owens Award winner, given to the top pitcher and player in the Phillies' developmental system each year. In 27 starts with the Threshers in 2011, May posted a 10-8 record with a 3.63 ERA, while striking out a Florida State League leading 208 batters in 151 1/3 innings. He also held opposing hitters to a .221 average. The Phillies' 4th round draft pick from 2008, May earned the win in the 50th annual Florida State League All-Star Game at Bright House Field last year. He also was twice named FSL Pitcher of the Week and earned Phillies Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. After signing with Philadelphia, May helped lead the rookie level Gulf Coast League Phillies to a championship in 2008. In 5 regular ...

PhoulBallz Interview: RHP Prospect Brody Colvin

Recently, right-handed pitcher Brody Colvin was promoted from Class A Advanced Clearwater to Double-A Reading. Prior to the 2012 season, Colvin, who turns 22-years-old on Tuesday, was ranked as PhilliesNation's 6th best prospect . This season, following some ups and downs, it's unclear where Colvin will rank next preseason. Earlier this year, Colvin, a Louisiana native, was removed from Clearwater's starting rotation and moved to the bullpen to relax and improve his mental approach. He did so and returned to starting after a brief time. Through his first two outings with the R-Phils, the 7th round draft choice from 2009 posted a 1-0 record while allowing five earned runs in 11 innings (4.09 ERA). In his last start on Saturday, however, Colvin allowed eight earned runs in 2 2/3 innings pitched in a loss to New Britain. In a recent interview with Brody, he spoke about the transition moving to the Eastern League, his brief bullpen stint, physical concerns from last season...

Prospect Nation 2016: #9 Catcher Jorge Alfaro

Alfaro, image- USA Today Acquired as part of the the return for Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman from Texas last summer, catcher Jorge Alfaro quickly became one of the Phillies' most promising young talents. With a powerful bat and outstanding skills behind the dish, Alfaro could become a fast moving performer for his new organization. Originally signed by the Rangers for a reported $1.3 million in 2010 at the age of 16, the Colombia native would make his professional debut in the Dominican Summer League that same year. In 48 games, the righty hitting Alfaro posted a .221 average and a home run along with 23 RBI. The following year, with Class A short-season Spokane, the talented youngster tallied a .300 average with six homers and 23 RBI. In 2012 with full season Class A level Hickory, he batted .261 with five home runs, 34 RBI and 16 stolen bases in 74 contests.

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog