Skip to main content

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)


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

2021 Phillies Top Prospects Countdown: #22 SS Casey Martin

Please visit Patreon.com/PhoulBallz in order to support my work, get access to material like this before anyone else and get access to interviews as well as other exclusive content you can't get anywhere else.   A third round draft pick last year, Arkansas junior Casey Martin was quickly signed by the Phillies and consideration as one of the organization's top infield prospects quickly began.  The team's confidence in his ceiling is likely evident in the signing bonus he got, which was reportedly $1.3 million, which was considerably more than slot money dictated by his 87th overall draft position ($685K). The right-handed batting Martin tallied a .311/.393/.545 slash line with 30 homers, 24 steals and 112 RBI in 143 games through his college career at Arkansas.  Reports had him falling in the draft as a result of an injury to the hamate bone in his left hand prior to his 2020 season.  Prior to the procedure, Baseball America projected Martin as a top ten draft pick.

Slick fielding Sam is the Champion of the (PhoulBallz) world!

Phillies Ball(z)girl Sam Arnone was kind enough to answer some questions for the PhoulBallz site and all of you. Sam will be entering her 3rd season as a Phillies ballgirl and is a junior at Drexel University. Sam hails from the great town of Mt. Ephram, NJ. 1- Since the Phillies are the World Champions of baseball teams, are the Phillies ballgirls the world champions of ballgirl teams? - Of Course!!! There are not that many teams that have Ballgirls, so the competition is a little scarce. I would definitely put my team up against any other Ballgirl team with full confidence! 2- What is your routine to prepare for a day of on-field duties? - Before a game, I am always a little nervous. Once I am ready to leave my house and head to the ballpark I triple check my bag to make sure I have my glove and then I check again. I always have a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on wheat because it keeps me full and gives me energy for the entire game. I guess I might have to find a new favorite sa

Rappers in Phillies Caps

Weekend greetings to you phine pholks out there. Today's post features pictures of rappers wearing Phillies caps. Why rappers in Phillies caps, you ask? Because... Any other questions? We will start things off properly by going with a highly recognizable hip hop star. 50 Cent stays constantly relavant by consistantly creating radio friendly material to help sell (G) units, while he "keeps it real" by still rapping about the thug life he lived before becoming the 2nd highest earning black entertainer in America. 50 is seen here in a recent interview rocking a throw-back Phillies cap. Next up we'll use a throw-back screen cap from what may be the very first major appearance by a rapper wearing Phillies gear. Chuck D, of legendary rap group Public Enemy, wore a Phillies cap in the music video for rap anthem Fight The Power in 1989. The song was the lead single from the soundtrack for Spike Lee's film Do The Right Thing . Next up we'll go with some home grown tal