CLEARWATER, Fla. - J.P. Crawford shuffled into the Phillies clubhouse Thursday morning, stashed a pair of bats in his locker, changed his shoes, grabbed his glove and hustled outside. His instructor was waiting.
The team's top prospect had arrived at the ballpark an hour earlier; he was one of the first position players there. Crawford stretched, lifted weights, and took batting practice. Now, the player the team hopes will blossom into a great shortstop, headed to a side field to practice his defense under the tutelage of Larry Bowa, the first great shortstop in team history.
Bowa, the team's bench coach, slapped balls to Crawford's left and right.