Ben Kozlowski
| IP | 10 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 6.3 |
| WHIP | 2.2 |
| BB/9 | 9.9 |
| SO/9 | 5.4 |
- Full name Benjamin Anthony Kozlowski
- Born 08/16/1980 in St. Petersburg, FL
- Profile Ht.: 6'6" / Wt.: 220 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Santa Fe CC (NM)
- Debut 09/19/2002
- Drafted in the 12th round (384th overall) by the Atlanta Braves in 1999.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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In 2002, Kozlowski looked like one of the game's emerging prospects. After the Braves traded him to the Rangers, he reached the big leagues and entered 2003 as Texas' No. 2 prospect. He had Tommy John surgery that June, however. He got back on a mound in spring training last year and was pitching in games by June at high Class A. While the Rangers were pleased with his work ethic in his rehabilitation, as well as his leadership role on a prospect-laden Stockton staff, Kozlowski had the requisite post-Tommy John struggles with command and a feel for pitching. His fastball velocity was solid, though more in the high 80s than the low 90s he used to flash. The biggest difference last year was that his once plus curveball wasn't biting as it had in the past, leaving Kozlowski without a strikeout pitch. The Rangers tried to move him off their 40-man roster in October, and the Reds claimed him on waivers. Cincinnati won't know exactly what it has in Kozlowski until spring training. He never has pitched in Triple-A, and 2005 seems like the perfect time. -
Kozlowski and C.J. Wilson entered last season as the top southpaws in the system. Kozlowski blew out his elbow and had Tommy John surgery in June, and Wilson had the same operation two months later. The Rangers hope to get Kozlowski back on the mound in May, while Wilson will miss the 2004 season. The Rangers picked up Kozlowski after the 2002 season, when they needed to find a home for Andy Pratt to clear a spot on their 40-man roster. Kozlowski was expected to contend for a rotation spot last season, but his velocity and ability to locate his pitches were absent last spring. When he's healthy, he's a workhorse in the Andy Pettitte mold. Kozlowski's fastball sits in the low 90s with solid movement, while his curveball has hard downward bite. Though he shows a feel for his changeup and maintains fastball arm speed with it, he was working on commanding the pitch more effectively before he broke down. The Rangers have been encouraged by his work ethic during rehab. -
Major League Baseball stopped the Rangers from putting Ryan Dittfurth on the 60-day disabled list in April, so they had to act quickly to clear a spot on the 40-man roster. They were able to send Andy Pratt to the Braves for Kozlowski, who didn't need to be placed on the 40-man. Kozlowski went from high Class A to the majors by September. Start with a strong left arm attached to a big frame, then add the poise to handle a rapid rise through the system and it resulted in a breakthrough season. Kozlowski deals low- 90s fastballs and has good arm speed on his changeup, one of the system's best. He uses his size to get depth on his curve, which can be a real hammer at times. Innings and experience will help Kozlowski repeat his mechanics and improve his fastball and changeup command. He'll have to become more consistent with his curve as well. Texas' rotation has openings, but Kozlowski has refinements to make and would be better off opening 2003 in the minors. -
The Braves weren't shy about expressing their disappointment with Kozlowski following his efforts in 2000. Instead of pouting about his performance, Kozlowski showed more maturity, improved his dedication to his profession and emerged as a prospect. After going 3-8, 4.21 in 15 games at Macon in 2000 while battling tendinitis in his left shoulder, he returned to the South Atlantic League last year and ranked fifth in ERA. Kozlowski developed a stronger and firmer body with an offseason conditioning program. His work between starts also improved, thereby making him a smarter and more effective pitcher. Few scouts would be surprised if Kozlowski's body became even stronger in the next year or two, which should improve the quality of his pitches even more. He throws a 90-93 mph fastball, along with a good curveball and a changeup, and he isn't shy about throwing strikes or pitching inside. The Braves have been rewarded for their patience with Kozlowski and are hoping to see more progress and consistency this year at Myrtle Beach.
Minor League Top Prospects
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After designating lefthander Andy Pratt for assignment in May, the Rangers somehow were able to deal him to the Braves for Kozlowski. While Pratt is a decent prospect in his own right, Texas should be under investigation for Grand Theft Pitcher. Kozlowski led the Rangers system with a 1.99 ERA and finished the year in the majors. He was aggressive with his 89-91 mph fastball, topping out at 94 with movement. His curveball is a plus pitch, and he has worked hard to develop a usable changeup. An athletic 6-foot-6, Kozlowski consistently repeats his delivery and his arm works well. -
The Braves haven't made many player-development mistakes in the past decade, but Kozlowski could be a big one. After the Rangers were able to get him for lefthander Andy Pratt when they had a 40-man roster crunch in April, Kozlowski went from high Class A through Tulsa to the big leagues. Kozlowski held batters to a .155 average in eight regular season starts but got really nasty in the playoffs. He made three starts and didn't allow a hit in the last two. He has good stuff, with a fastball in the low-90s and a plus curveball. His changeup is a work in progress but shows potential. He also throws on a good downward plane, and hitters have a hard time picking him up. "He has the biggest heart of any kid I've ever had," Ireland said. "He is such a competitor, it's really a thrill to watch." -
It's easy to get lost within the Braves' stable of pitching prospects, but Kozlowski jumped into the crowded spotlight in his second season at Macon after going 3-8, 4.21 there in 2000. There was no recurrence of the shoulder tendinitis that kept him out for the last six weeks of 2000 and surely contributed to the mediocre numbers. A prototype power lefthander, Kozlowski has a low-90s fastball, a good curveball and an improving changeup. Ingle said Kozlowski made as much progress as any player on a talented Macon team. "He was able to work in the strike zone with all three of his pitches," Hayes said. "He's definitely not afraid to throw inside."
