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Phillies top prospect J.P. Crawford playing third base

By George Stockburger

TAMPA, FL- MARCH 03: J.P. Crawford #77 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action during the game against the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on March 3, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL- MARCH 03: J.P. Crawford #77 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action during the game against the New York Yankees at Steinbrenner Field on March 3, 2016 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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A new home may have been found for one of the Phillies top prospects

J.P. Crawford has been a glimmering light in the Phillies farm system managing shortstop despite a slow bat to start his time in Lehigh Valley. After several news outlets began to criticize Crawford and drop him 90 slots in the top-100 prospect rankings, the former first round pick has picked it up at the plate.

Blocked by Gold Glove candidate Freddy Galvis at short, it appears the Phillies are willing to move Crawford around the diamond.

Crawford gets the start at third base today for the IronPigs, his first game action at the position since being drafted in 2013. With over 500 innings logged at shortstop, how Crawford, known for having an above average glove, adjusts to the position should intrigue Philadelphia fans.

The major league roster will expand going into September, allowing teams to call-up players on their 40-man roster. Crawford could get his major league call-up in a matter of weeks and split time at short and third with Galvis and the struggling Maikel Franco.

Once considered a top prospect in baseball Franco has struggled mightily in his major league career. With a .222 batting average this season the leash is short for the 24-year-old power hitter.

Crawford has flipped a switch offensively since the All-Star break with the IronPigs. Going into the break his batting average sat at an abysmal .211 with 18 extra-base hits in 76 games. In his last 35 games the 22-year-old is hitting well over .300 with 18 extra-base hits. His power has seemingly come out of nowhere, pairing up with continued excellence at the plate taking pitches and working counts.

Next: Phillies land eight prospects on Fangraphs' Top 100

With many of the organization’s top prospects being blocked in the majors based on their position, players have shifted around the diamond in Triple-A before getting promoted. First baseman Rhys Hoskins has manned left field for the majority of his major league career, and catcher Jorge Alfaro played first base Saturday evening.

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