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!

Write for us!

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.