READING -- Someone tweeted last year at J.P. Crawford, the Phillies' top prospect, wondering whether Crawford's high school teammate and close friend Shane Watson was still in the organization.
Watson, a pitcher, was the Phillies’ first-round pick in 2012. He came out of Southern California’s Lakewood High School with a sharp curveball, a powerful fastball, and a right arm loaded with potential. But the start of his professional career was filled with obstacles and setbacks. He had two shoulder surgeries and even a cancer scare that ended up being a diabetes diagnosis.
Watson once had so much promise but now had a bleak future, prompting that fan to ask if he was even with the Phillies.