Phillies star prospect J.P. Crawford getting big league chance
J.P. Crawford is getting his chance with the Phillies, and he could solidify his role on the roster moving forward.
J.P. Crawford, despite being the Phillies prospect for multiple years, hasn’t had the easiest road thus far. Questions about his mentality and whether he will be a consistent big league-hitter followed him through his minor league tenure, especially in his time with Lehigh Valley.
The mentality aspect of it can be erased now. Crawford has been AAA’s most feared hitter since coming off the disabled list. He has racked up a .381 on-base percentage, 13 home runs, and 34 extra base-hits, according to ESPN’s Jayson Stark.
His recent performances at the plate might have went under the radar, considering Phillies rookie Rhys Hoskins has had a historic start to his MLB career. But Crawford has always been the name fans were waiting to see on the back of the red pinstriped jersey.
The top prospect has been shuffled around a bit. His natural position at shortstop is being manned by the up-and-down Freddy Galvis, and the once cornerstone player in Maikel Franco has fell off at the plate. Crawford will likely get time in various positions, while the Phillies sort out what the roster will look like for the future.
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In the move to call-up Crawford, the Phillies have placed utility man Pedro Florimon on the 60-day disabled list with an ankle dislocation.
Crawford has worlds of critics to prove wrong. And these critics will only be louder if the young infielder struggles at the start of his career. If he succeeds, the glamour of Hoskins’ home runs will just continue to overshadow him.
But that’s not of Crawford’s worries. His worry right now is adjusting to pitching in the MLB. He’s got the potential to become a staple in the top of the Phillies’ lineup. More importantly, he has the potential to blossom as the team’s clear face of the franchise. It has been lacking since the Golden Era of Chase Utley, Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins, and Cole Hamels. Add the Roy Halladays and Cliff Lees too.
Crawford is the next player to carry the mantle of “future star”. Whether it sinks him or not won’t be apparent right away, but the takes will start to fly in from day one. It’s hard to gauge what a player will be without at least two full seasons.
Look for Crawford to join Nick Williams and Hoskins as the bright spots to an otherwise gloomy Phillies year.