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Phillies: Ben Lively, Dylan Cozens Named Phillies Prospects of the Year

By George Stockburger

Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; From left to right Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and top prospects pitcher Ben Lively and outfielder Dylan Cozens and first baseman Rhys Hoskins prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; From left to right Philadelphia Phillies general manager Matt Klentak and top prospects pitcher Ben Lively and outfielder Dylan Cozens and first baseman Rhys Hoskins prior to a game against the Chicago White Sox at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Two major pieces to the Phillies future are being recognized for their outstanding seasons on the field

MLBPipeline.com has announced the Phillies Prospects of the Year, and both are extremely deserving. Outfielder Dylan Cozens and pitcher Ben Lively were the two Phillies honorees this season after posting impressive numbers in the minor leagues.

Lively, who was acquired in the Marlon Byrd trade, had a combined record of 18-5 with a 2.69 ERA with Double-A Reading and Triple-A Lehigh Valley. With the Fightin’s he was a perfect 7-0 with a 1.89. His promotion to Lehigh Valley came in late May, and he continued to improve as he moved up the system.

The 24-year-old will most likely (pun not intended) have an opportunity to compete for a job in the major league rotation. Best bet is that he heads to Lehigh Valley to lead their starting staff.

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Dylan Cozens had an explosive year at the plate, breaking Darin Ruf’s home run record with 40 long balls. He’ll need to bring his 186 strikeouts down and improve his .276 batting average, but there’s a very good chance he is the starting right fielder in Lehigh Valley.

An Iron Pigs outfield potentially consisting of Nick Williams, Roman Quinn, and Cozens is about as star-studded as you can get.

The lefty Cozens was originally projected to arrive in Philadelphia in 2018. He could potentially get to crack the major league roster when rosters expand in September.

Both Lively and Cozens are expected to be placed on the Phillies 40-man roster to protect them from the Rule 5 Draft this winter. The Phillies outrighted six players once the season ended, making room for many of their top prospects.

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