CLEARWATER, Fla. - J.P. Crawford flew to spring training last week, signaling the beginning of a season that is expected to end with the Phillies' top prospect in the major leagues.
Crawford spent last season’s final four months at triple A, just a step away from Citizens Bank Park. He will start this season in the minors, but it is possible that he could push himself to Philadelphia as early as May.
First, Crawford has something to prove.
The shortstop batted just .244 with a .328 on-base percentage - both well below his career averages - in 87 games with the IronPigs.