J.P. Crawford once again tops the Phillies prospect list (Frank Klose/Sports Talk Philly)
With the Winter Meetings and Rule 5 Draft complete, renown baseball prospect organization Baseball America releases its list of each team's top prospect. Today was the Phillies' turn. A couple names have dropped off the list completely, white a familiar face tops the list once again.
Here is a quick rundown of the 2017 Baseball America Top 10 Phillies Prospects list with some comments:
1. J.P. Crawford, SS
Last season: 1
Crawford was thought perhaps to rise to the Major Leagues last season. After a so-so start at Double-A Reading, Crawford was promoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Keeping Crawford off of the 40-man roster left room for other prospects to stay. Despite some struggles in 2016, Crawford remains the top Phillies prospect.
2. Mickey Moniak, OF
Last season: Unranked
Moniak was the number one overall draft pick by the Phillies in 2016, so one would expect that Moniak would be high on this list. Moniak probably will remain on this list for some time; being drafted out of high school, Moniak has much to grow.
3. Jorge Alfaro, C
Last season: 5
Alfaro put together a really strong season at Double-A Reading and could be ready for the next step in 2016. With a September call-up and the lack of a Phillies catcher signing to this point, Alfaro could begin the season in the Major Leagues in tandem with Cameron Rupp.
4. Nick Williams, OF
Last season: 2
Williams peaked in July at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but struggled down the stretch. The Phillies promoted Double-A Reading manager Dusty Wathan to work with Williams and other prospects. Williams could arrive in the Major Leagues soon.
5. Sixto Sanchez, P
Last season: Unranked
Sanchez has only played rookie ball to this point. An international signing out of the Dominican Republic, many feel that Sanchez has a high ceiling as a starting pitcher.
6. Rhys Hoskins, 1B
Last season: unranked
Hoskins is new to the list, and taking the number six spot means that people around baseball have grown fond of Hoskins. With 38 home runs and a .281 batting average at Double-A Reading, Hoskins is likely headed to Triple-A to continue his development.
7. Franklyn Kilome, P
Last season: 7
Kilome is a top starting pitching prospect. Making 23 starts last season for Low-A Lakewood, Kilome pitched to a 5-8 record and 3.85 earned run average. However, many believe he will be much greater than those numbers.
8. Roman Quinn, OF
Last season: 8
Quinn had a short stint at the Major League level in 2016 and may get a chance to do so once again.
9. Scott Kingery, 2B
Last season: Unranked
Kingery could be a quick riser through the Phillies organization. Having Kingery in the fold allowed for the Phillies to at least listen to Cesar Hernandez trade proposals. However, the folks at Baseball America think Hernandez could stick around.
10. Dylan Cozens, OF
Last season: Unranked
Now the all-time Reading Fightin' Phils home run leader, Cozens will join fellow slugger Hoskins at Triple-A in 2017. Being one step away from the Major Leagues, Cozens will have to show he can make consistent contact before getting a promotion to the Major Leagues.
Dropped from the list:
Last year's Baseball America Phillies Top 10 list contained several names that were not included on this season's list.
Andrew Knapp, C
Last season: 4
Cornelius Randolph, OF
Last season: 6
Adonis Medina, P
Last season: 9
Carlos Tocci, OF
Last season: 10
Jake Thompson, P
Last season: 3
