Now that Jimmy Rollins is officially a Dodger, the focus of the Phillies shortstop position doesn't really focus on Freddy Galvis. Rather, the depature of Rollins will make fans zero in more so on the development of top prospect, JP Crawford. Earlier this week, Crawford along with Aaron Nola and newly-acquired prospect, Zach Eflin, took over the Phillies twitter account as part of a prospect chat. When Crawford was asked if he will be able to fill Rollins' shoes, he responded confidently.
Is the sky blue? RT @JohnC0leman: @Phillies #ProspectChat JP are you ready to fill the shoes of Jimmy in the upcoming years?
— Phillies (@Phillies) January 14, 2015
Between Clearwater and Lakewood last season, Crawford hit .285 with 11 homers and 48 RBI's. He also hit 23 doubles and stole 24 bases. JP will likely start the year in Reading after hitting .275 in 63 games at Advanced-A. Though Crawford has high expectations, he said he doesn't feel the pressure of being a top prospect.
"When I'm in spring training and camp and [in] season, I'm just a regular guy,"Crawford told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "People are out there trying to work harder than you to take your spot. That [top prospect ranking] says to me to compete even harder, to work even harder so I can remain where I am."
The former first-round selection has already shown the ability to be a quick climber through the lower rungs of the farm system and he certainly isn't short on confidence. [NJ.com]
Though Crawford may not see Major League time for another few years, he has already impressed in the minor league system, earning honors as the top organizational position player last season. Even with that accolade, Crawford knows he has plenty of work ahead of him.
"I got to have work even harder. It's an open spot, but wherever I go, I have to work. Whenever my time comes, it comes," Crawford said. [6abc.com]
If Crawford joins Reading at Double-A this year, the Fightin Phils may have themselves a team loaded with top organizational talent. With any prospect though, development is key, so this upcoming year will be very important for the 20-year-old shortstop as he attempts to become Jimmy Rollins' heir.
