Five observations from Phillies series win over the Marlins

6 of 6

PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 17: J.P. Crawford #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies in action against the Oakland Athletics during a game at Citizens Bank Park on September 17, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

J.P. Crawford continues to struggle

Tell me if you have heard this one before: J.P. Crawford is struggling to start the season. Just like last year in Triple-A, Crawford has gotten off to a cold start to the season. In seven games so far, he has recorded just one hit. Perhaps even more concerning is the fact that Crawford has had just one walk compared to eight strikeouts.

Despite that, Crawford remains confident that he can snap out of this funk, pointing towards the fact that he rebounded in the second half of last season: [quote via Todd Zolekci of MLB.com]

More from That Balls Outta Here

"“I started bad last year, too,” Crawford said. “It’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. I’m getting myself into good counts. I’m working the pitcher and just missing my pitches to hit. That’s about it… “I’m just trying to get shorter,” Crawford said. “It feels long right now, but once I get that taken care of I think I’ll be good. It’s tough [to fix]. You can be fine in the cages and whatnot, but then when the game comes you get all anxious and you get overexcited, and that’s when you get into trouble, trying to get all big. You have to remind yourself to stay short… “I’m not tripping,” Crawford said. “I’m not mad at all. I know the results will come. Keep putting in work every day. I know the results will come.”"

Next: Five Phillies prospects land on updated BA Top 100

The team made a huge bet on Crawford succeeding this season as they traded away Freddy Galvis to the Padres over the offseason. They need him to turn things around, otherwise, they are going to look stupid for doing that.

Home/Phillies News