LA Angels are getting versatility and production from Zack Cozart
When the LA Angels signed Zack Cozart this Winter they were not totally sure all they were getting with the first-time All-Star who is 32 years old and coming off a career year in 2017.
The LA Angels signed Zack Cozart to play third base which is a position that he has not played in his major league career. Cozart had been a shortstop for six seasons with the Cincinnati Reds where he compiled a .980 fielding percentage.
More from Halo Hangout
- New York Post columnist has LA Angels bringing veteran starter back to LA
- Dodgers make wild mistake signing failed LA Angels starter
- Why LA Angels’ Qualifying Offer to Raisel Iglesias could become historical
- Both Gold Glove finalists for LA Angels getting snubbed is a complete joke
- Marcus Stroman definitely appears to be interested in the LA Angels
Offensively Cozart has hit 83 homers and driven 281 runs with a .255 career average. Not stellar numbers as a whole. However, last season Cozart broke out in a big way smacking 24 homers and driving in 63 runs with a .297 average and a .385 OBP all of which were career-highs.
When Cozart started Spring Training he was the team’s starting third baseman, but he hasn’t played it that much this Spring. Cozart first was called upon to fill-in for Andrelton Simmons at shortstop, who was out with a jammed shoulder. Just recently Ian Kinsler pulled a groin muscle and Cozart was called upon again to fill-in for Kinsler at second base.
Not only did Cozart fill Kinsler in the field, but also his role as a lead-off hitter who sets the table for Mike Trout and Justin Upton to drive him in. Cozart did not skip a beat and even hit a home run in his Angels debut Thursday going three for six with an RBI.
Want your voice heard? Join the Halo Hangout team!
Not bad for a guy who won himself a donkey last season from former teammate Joey Votto because of his selection to the NL All-Star team. Cozart has flashed the leather at all three spots he has played this Spring and the Angels can’t be any happier with their initial investment in Cozart.
Next: Albert Pujols approaching major milestones.
Cozart’s personality seems to be a perfect fit with the Angels. His versatility is an added bonus and hopefully he will continue to hit wherever Angels manager Mike Scioscia decides to put him in the line-up.