JP Crawford, Image- Jay Floyd
J.P. Crawford will be on the move following the South Atlantic League All-Star break. The 19-year-old shortstop is slated to join the Class A Advanced Clearwater Threshers later this week as the talented youngster appears ready for bigger challenges.
The Phillies’ top draft pick from a year ago has had plenty of success in his year as a professional, the Lakewood, CA native has posted a .301/.402/.403 slash line in 113 combined games with the Gulf Coast League Phillies, the short-season A level Williamsport Crosscutters and the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws.
Crawford was recently honored as the Phillies’ minor league player of the month in May, when he tallied a .367/.447/.522 slash line in 24 games. Of the honor, the six-foot-two 180-pounder asserted that he appreciates the recognition, but is already past it mentally.
“Being player of the month is a great honor, but…that’s over with,” Crawford asserted. “I’m just trying to get the next player of the month. I just gotta keep doing what I do, playing hard every day.”
The news of Crawford’s promotion comes a day after the organization’s big league shortstop set the club’s all-time hits record. Crawford is impressed by the feat, but doesn’t see it as something that will give him anything additional to chase.
“I’m just going to keep doing my thing. That’s great for Jimmy. It’s a great (accomplishment),” Crawford stated.
Crawford will enjoy a trip on a private flight with three teammates and some other organizational representatives to the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in Hickory, NC on Tuesday, and will join the Threshers on Wednesday, according to reports.
The move comes on the heels of leaked news that shortstop Roman Quinn would be switching back to his more comfortable position in the outfield, where he played in high school prior to signing with the Phils. Quinn, the Phillies’ second round draft selection from 2011, had a tough time adapting to shortstop as a pro, while also learning to switch hit. The move should certainly benefit the 21-year-old, who has committed 61 errors in 150 defensive games during his young career.
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