PhoulBallz Interview: JP Crawford on Promotion to Lakewood, Advice From Big Leaguers

J.P. Crawford, Image- Jay Floyd

Last week, this year's top Phillies draft pick shortstop J.P. Crawford was promoted two levels, from the Gulf Coast League to the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws. After leading the rookie level league in batting for a considerable stretch and posting a .345 average with a homer, 19 RBI and 12 stolen bases through 39 games, the 18-year-old lefty batter was offered a bigger challenge of playing in the South Atlantic League.

The move made it clear that another much hyped shortstop, Roman Quinn (2nd round, 2011), wouldn't be able to return from his broken wrist before season's end, but the silver lining of Crawford's addition to the 'Claws' roster was certainly welcome.

Crawford, who was selected 16th overall by the Phils, stands six-foot-two and weighs about 180 pounds. He's the third Phillies first round pick out of Lakewood High School in California to play for the Lakewood BlueClaws. The other two are catcher Travis d'Arnaud and righty pitcher Shane Watson, who is currently at home nursing a shoulder injury.

This week I had the opportunity to speak with J.P. once again (previous interview HERE). Topics included sharing good news with his long-time friend and childhood teammate Watson, the transition to the new level, advice he's received and more. Read ahead for that quick interview.

- When I spoke with you about a month ago, you were saying that the transition to the pro's had been an easy one for you. Now that you've been promoted and taken two steps, what do you feel about transitioning up two levels now?

I think I just have to get more comfortable with the team and stuff. It's the same game. I just have to go out there and have fun.

- Do you have thoughts on the competition between the Gulf Coast League and here in the Sally League right now?

I'm loving this way better. The competition's better and it's more competitive here.

- What was the excitement level to get the news that you were coming here to Lakewood?

I was very excited. My coach from GCL called me and I had just woken up and he said I was going to Lakewood and I didn't know what to do.

- What was the first phone call that you made to share the news?

Shane (Watson).

- Was he still in Florida, or was he home by then?

He was home by then and he couldn't believe it.

- When we spoke last you mentioned that Shane had shared some advise and that Jiwan James had made an impression on you, while he was around the complex in Clearwater rehabbing. Is there anyone else that's got more experience than you that's made any lasting impressions?

Yeah, the center fielder for the Twins named Aaron Hicks. He grew up in my area, he's actually like an older brother to me. He was giving me advice, saying how hard it's going to be playing every day and stuff.

- And I know you're asked a lot about your cousin, big leaguer Carl Crawford. Has he been in touch these past couple months to help guide you along or provide advice?

He texts me and he was saying, like, "Get ready to work everyday and bust your butt everyday."

- So, he's kind of following you as you progress, watching box scores and everything?

Yeah, his brother is, Corey.

- Comment on what it was like joining this BlueClaws team...

I like how when I came here, they just treated me like I was here the whole time and I like how they play the game and how competitive it is here.

- You're one of the youngest guys on this team. Mickey Morandini, your manager, has been an All-Star at the top level of this organization. Do you have any recollection of Mickey as a player?

I do not. (laughter)

This Guy Speaks For All of You

This individual, interviewed by FOX 29 on Friday as the Phillies arrived back at Citizens Bank Park, said it best. When asked how he felt regarding the Phillies, he told Steve Keeley that he was, "Stoked, baby!" The unidentified phanatic then proclaimed, "We are talking about the Fightins here, the Fightins! Said!" Check out the media player below, as the transcribed version certainly does not do this phireball of phandom justice. The Phillies forced game 6 of the National League Championship Series with a 4-2 victory over the Giants in San Francisco on Thursday night. Game 6 will feature Roy Oswalt vs. Jonathan Sanchez in a return pitching match up from game 2. First pitch is scheduled for 7:57 pm EST at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Be sure to tune in on 97.3 ESPN's Weekend Sports Guide with Tyrone Johnson this afternoon around 1:15pm to hear me chatting about the Phillies! 97.3 is based in Atlantic City. You can listen live online HERE . _________

McGwire Stays Phony, Despite Admitting Drug Use

Mark McGwire made an effort to publicly come clean today, admitting to the world that he took performance enhancing drugs during his playing career. Steroids and human growth hormones were among the drugs that McGwire admitted to using. MLB Network featured a one on one interview with Bob Costas and McGwire on Monday evening. The broadcast was virtually garbage, thanks to McGwire. Ahead is a list of quotes from McGwire's interview. McGwire repeatedly stated his point of view that there were no dishonorable intentions involved when taking steroids, and that he was merely using them as a means to recover from varying ailments. When asked if he felt like he cheated... "As I look back now...I can see how people would say that. As far as the talent goes and the hand-eye coordination, the ability, the genetics I was given...I don't see it." "I did not take this for any strength purposes." Denial. Read on for similar B.S. He whined about the abuse he'

18-inning Marathon Results in Early Return For Doc

Righty hurler Roy Halladay , who was slated to appear in another rehab outing for Double-A Reading on Sunday will return to the big league club instead, following a marathon of baseball Saturday night at Citizens Bank Park. In Saturday night's (Sunday morning's?) 12-7 defeat at the hands of the Diamondbacks, the Phillies sent nine pitchers and two position players to the mound to make it through the lengthy affair. Starter Ethan Martin could not escape the opening frame, as he allowed three hits, three walks and three earned runs. Over the 4 2/3 innings that followed, Luis Garcia and Zach Miner allowed a combined four earned runs. The remainder of the relief corps including Cesar Jimenez , Justin De Fratus , Jonathan Papelbon , Jake Diekman and B.J Rosenberg combined for 6 2/3 scoreless innings while Sunday's originally scheduled starter Tyler Cloyd was called upon to toss five scoreless frames. As the need to use Cloyd approached, the Phillies d

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