Photo courtesy of J.J. Cooper
In this segment, we will be examining the depth, the Phillies have in outfield prospects in the continued players to watch in 2014.
Jose Pujols (2013-GCL Phillies)- A name that you might not have heard much about, at 18, Pujols’ raw power and bat speed is what has gotten him noticed. Phillies signed him in July 2012 as non-drafted free agent out of the Dominican Republic. At the time he was ranked the #20 international free agent. Defensively, Pujols looks destined to play corner outfield. Last season with the GCL Phillies, he hit 6 homeruns and had 18 rbi’s in 45 games. As he fills out, I believe he will improve in power and arm strength. Most likely will repeat GCL Phillies, then move to Williamsport.
Cord Sandberg (2013-GCL Phillies)- Drafted in the 3rd round of the 2013 draft out of high school. Sandberg was high school quarterback and committed to play at Mississippi State before ultimately signing with the Phillies. Sandberg projects a toolsy outfielder with raw power potential on most scouting reports. There are also a few comparisons to Josh Hamilton with power coming from a 6’2” 215lb high schooler. After a hot first month with GCL Phillies, Sandberg cooled down and I believe he will repeat GCL then move to Williamsport.
Julsan Kamara (2013- n/a)- Signed out of Germany last spring, 17-year-old Kamara finally will be playing Minor League ball in 2014, after graduating high school. Details are sparce on this young prospect. But the 6-4 192 lb. right-hander attended an MLB academy in Germany and is a member of the German national team. Benny Looper described Kamara as, “The ball comes off his bat well and we think there is potential power there, He hasn’t played a lot and with a lot of international signings he needs to be taught how to play the game, He has good tools and we are looking forward to working with him.” Kamara most likely will play for GCL Phillies.
Dylan Cozens (2013-Williamsport)- Drafted in the 2nd round of the 2012 draft, Cozens (19 years old) has amazing power potential with good plate discipline. He is mostly a pull hitter with power potential similar to Stanton. Cozens is natural RF, but still shaky defensively but has an arm to make up for it. In 2013, Cozens hit a line of .265/.343/.469 with 9 homeruns and 19 doubles in 68 games. As he fills out, some of those doubles will be become homeruns. Cozens mostly likely will move up to Lakewood this year.
Carlos Tocci (2013-Lakewood)- At the age of 17, Tocci has already played a full season in Lakewood. While his hitting number weren’t there, from facing much more advanced pitching, he still hit .236/.300/.288. While incredibly young, he has advanced baseball instincts. Defensively, Tocci is a plus plus runner allowing him to cover a ton of ground in CF. He is also armed with a great arm that Phillies are missing currently in CF. His bat should continue to come along, but he projects more as a leadoff or number 2 hitter with good contact and lots of gap power. Tocci will repeat Lakewood and might move up to Clearwater later in the season.
Cameron Perkins (2013-Clearwater)- Perkins played in the Arizona Fall League and held his own against some better pitching. At the age of 23, Perkins is an older prospect, but he hit .295/.346/.444 in Clearwater last season. Perkins doesn’t project to give much to be much of a power threat but more of doubles hitter with average defense. If he makes the league, he will most likely be a good bench bat. Perkins mostly likely will move up to Reading this season.
Aaron Alther (2013- Clearwater)- Like Kamara, Alther is another prospect out of Germany. Although, Alther didn’t impress in the Arizona Fall League, he hit very well in Clearwater with a line of .275/.337/.445 with 12 homeruns in 123 games. At the age of 22, Alther is has a ton of upside as anyone in the system. He projects to have plus speed and average power and finally broke out in 2013. Some scouting reports, predict that as Alther fills out he will hit closer to .300 with 20 homeruns and 30 stole bases, but it might take a few years to come into fruition. Alther will probably move up to Reading this year.
Zach Collier (2013-Reading)- Former supplemental 1st round pick from 2008, Collier is going to have a sink or swim year. In 2011, Collier faced a 50-game suspension for amphetamines. Defensively, Collier has great range and instincts and can play all three outfield positions. He still needs to work on his bat only hitting .222/.310/.348 last season. If he wants to stick around, he will need to improve this season. Collier probably repeat Reading, and might move up to Leigh Valley mid season if his bat improves.
Kelly Dugan (2013- CLR/REA)- Dugan split 2013 in Clearwater and Reading. After knocking the cover of the ball in Clearwater after 56 games he was moved up to AA. Dugan isn’t a standout in one area, but very solid all around ballplayer. Last year hit .291/.352/.506 with 20 homeruns in 112 games. Some scouting reports have Dugan’s upside around a 4th outfielder. A solid, smart ballplayer could become very helpful off the bench and filling in for regulars. Look for Dugan to move up to Leigh Valley in 2014 with little depth in the outfield at the higher levels of the minors.
