CLEARWATER, Fla. - J.P. Crawford packed the belongings of his locker earlier this month, hugged some teammates, and exited the Phillies clubhouse. The shortstop's time in major-league spring training was finished. And if the Phillies have their way, that would be the last time they send their top prospect to minor-league camp.
It is all but certain that Crawford will reach the majors this season. He is headed back to triple A, where he spent the final four months of last season and faced adversity for the first time as a professional. A fast start and Crawford, who turned 22 in January, could push his way to the majors by May.