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The 2013 draft brought us our current top shortstop prospect, J.P. Crawford. Lets take a look at all of the Phillies top shortstop prospects going into the 2014 season.
Malquin Canelo (2013- GCL/Williamsport)- Coming out of the Dominican Republic, Canelo, 19, is known as a defensive wizard. Listed at 5’10” 156 lbs, isn’t much of a threat with the bat, but his defense is what is making a name for himself. Canelo is armed with plus range, soft hands, and a plus plus arm. At such a young age, I believe the Phillies will move him up slowly, while trying to improve his bat. Canelo’s upside is most likely a late inning defender, off the bench. Expect Canelo to repeat Williamsport.
Willie Carmona (2013-Lakewood)- Selected in the 11th round of the 2012 draft out of Stony Brook University, Carmona, 22, is known for his powerful switch-hitting swing. In Lakewood, Carmona play 121 games and hit a line of .303/.356/.433. To go along with those numbers he hit, six long balls, and 34 doubles. That gap power will improve as he becomes stronger with age. With that power, Carmona lacks defensive ability and is most likely destine to play third base. Carmona should move up to Clearwater this spring
J.P. Crawford (2013-GCL/Lakewood)- Currently ranked the third best prospect in the Phillies system, Crawford, 18, was draft in the 1st round of the 2013 draft. Crawford impressed a lot of people as he took the minors by storm. In 53 games, Crawford hit a line of .308/.405/.400. Crawford wasn’t only an excellent hitter, but stole bases and showed incredible defensive ability. With a strong 2014, Crawford could become the organizations top overal prospect. Crawford will most likely repeat Lakewood, since he only played 14 games there.
Roman Quinn (2013-Lakewood)- 2013 was a year to forget for top prospect Roman Quinn, 20. Quinn had the injury bug in 2013, breaking his wrist and rupturing his Achilles in November. For a kid that bases his game off speed, the Achilles is a scary injury. I wouldn’t expect Quinn to return until late August at the earliest. This is unfortunate for him as he is competing with Crawford for the shortstop position. I wouldn’t be surprised if Crawford or Quinn switches to second base in the future though. If Quinn returns in 2014, you can expect him to play in Lakewood.
K.C. Serna (2013-Amarillo [Ind])- Newly signed by the Phillies on February 7, 2014, Serna, 24, was Baseball America’s top independent league prospect. Originally drafted by the Indians in the 42nd round of the 2011 draft out of Oregon. The Indians released him in 2012 because of makeup issues. Last year in independent ball he hit a line of .304/.362/.424. How that converts in the minors is still to be seen. With shortstop being a hole at the high levels of the Phillies system, Serna will probably see time in Clearwater and Reading in the 2014 season.
Andrew Shipotofsky is a contributor to Philliedelphia. Follow him on Twitter @AShipotofsky
