J.P. Crawford, the Phillies top prospect, nearly fell off the Baseball America Top 100 prospect rankings
Earlier we brought you the latest prospect rankings from Baseball America, who downgraded the Phillies top prospect J.P. Crawford to the bottom portion of their list.
Now in a podcast hosted by CSN Philly writer Jim Salisbury, Baseball America Editor John Manuel says the staff seriously considered not ranking Crawford among the top prospects in baseball.
Still one of the youngest players in the International League at 22-years-old Crawford is hitting just .211 with 18 extra-base hits. His extraordinary 55/49 K/BB ratio continues, but Manuel says Crawford should no longer be considered an impact player, and instead just a role player going forward.
Philadelphia Phillies
"“We don’t see him as an impact player anymore,” Manuel said. “Just more of a high-floor, solid regular than a guy who could be a building block. I think that’s fair.”"
Manuel said the lack of power coming from Crawford certainly isn’t unusual, but it hinders his ability to be a big-time prospect and everyday player in the major leagues.
"“The year at Triple A has been a lost year, he just doesn’t drive the baseball. And you look around the big leagues, who has below-average power who’s an everyday regular anymore? Very few guys, guys like (Tigers shortstop) Jose Iglesias, (Reds centerfielder) Billy Hamilton, who have grade 70-speed or defense. Or catchers. Even shortstops, at the big leagues they have some pop these days. And he doesn’t.”"
With Crawford now appearing to be an afterthought by many around baseball, it’s more than likely Freddy Galvis is the shortstop of the future. Considering Galvis can be a perennial Gold Glove candidate with 20 home run power and a developing sense of leadership, it’s not the worst second option if Crawford doesn’t pan out.
Even if Galvis does slip off the team has prospect Malquin Canelo working through the minor leagues and Cesar Hernandez has experience at shortstop if help is needed in the near future.
Next: Five Phillies prospects we could see in 2017
Regardless, it’s disheartening to know Crawford may never be the Jimmy Rollins type player fans dreamed of.