Name: JP Crawford
Position: SS
Bats: L
Throws: R
DOB: 1/11/95
Height: 6′ 2″
Weight: 180
Drafted: Drafted in the 1st round (#16 overall) of the 2013 Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies
Career Synopsis: Crawford signed quickly after the draft and quickly established himself as one of the best hitters in the GCL with a .345/.443/.465 slash line over 39 games. The Phillies rewarded him with a late season promotion to Lakewood where he struggled some hitting only .208/.300/.206.
Hit: Crawford’s swing generates good contact, but it is not elite bat to ball ability. The hit tool should be a bit above average by the time that it fully matures. However, the hit tool and plate ability should play up because he has an advanced approach at the plate with good pitch recognition. This will increase his long term on base outlook at could allow the hit tool to play more plus at higher levels. 35/55
Power: Right now there isn’t a ton of power in Crawford’s swing. He will flash some pull power in BP, but the bat path and frame don’t suggest there will be big power ahead. If it all comes together he could have average power down the road, but more likely it will be fringe average. 25/40
Speed: Crawford’s raw speed is just a tick above average. However he is a smart and heady baserunner and base stealer. He should steal a decent amount of bases at a high clip but he is not going to put up huge base stealing numbers. 55
Glove: In the field Crawford is a smooth coordinated defender. There are still some adjustments to be made to the speed of the pro-game, but the glove definitely sticks at shortstop. He doesn’t quite have the defensive abilities of the highest tier of defensive shortstops, but it could be as close to special as you can get. 55/65
Arm: Right now Crawford sports a plus arm that has good strength and accuracy. Looking at the frame you could see him adding a bit more to it and it and it being a real asset at shortstop. 60/65
Profile: The defense is the real special thing here. Crawford projects to be better than a plus defender at the major league level, and it shouldn’t be with an empty bat either. He isn’t going to be a middle of the order hitter but there will be some pop and a good average. Beyond the tool grades Crawford has great instincts and feel for the game and the tools could play above their grades. Overall the profile is first division regular, borderline All-Star at shortstop.
Video:
(4/24/14 Eric Longenhagen)
Links:
Phuture Phillies 