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

Jason Knapp Q&A

PhoulBallz .com was fortunate enough to meet with Phillies prospect Jason Knapp just one day after he caught the attention of the baseball world with his 7 shut out innings, 14 strike out performance against the Indians' Lake County team. - I asked Jason, the Lakewood BlueClaw , for some thoughts about his big game... I had pretty good command of three pitches (fastball, curve, change up). I was on the same page with my catcher, D'Arnaud , and I ended up, ya know, I felt pretty good. - In a great performance like that, how much credit goes to Travis D'Arnaud , the catcher? More than you might expect, definitely. I didn't shake him off once. He told me what to throw and I do what I'm told. And if it works out, a lot of the credit goes to the catcher. - Does the lack of run support (Lakewood has scored 3 total runs in his 3 starts), in your few starts, increase your stress level, or enhance your focus? No, I just try to go out and do my job every outing. Ya know, we...

PhoulBallz Q&A with Mike Stutes

Mike Stutes completes "The Reading Phils Mike Tri-fecta" over three days, here on PhoulBallz.com. Stutes, a 22 year old, was an 11th round selection by the Phillies in the 2008 amateur draft. Stutes, a right handed starting pitcher, helped lead Oregon State to the College World Series championship in both 2006 and 2007. Stutes and teammate Vance Worley are the first players to begin a season at Reading the year after being drafted since Pat Burrell did it in 1999. Stutes was the Phils' minor league pitcher of the month in August '08, when he went 4-1 with a 1.72 ERA in 6 starts. Check out my Q&A with the third Mike below. Can I get you to talk about the coaching staff and how they help you deal with ups and downs? They've been real positive with me. I started out good and then I hit a rough patch. They've stuck with me through it all. I haven't heard any negative words from them. Every day they try to come out, work with me, try to get me turned around...

Eric B Needs to be Cut (and My Name is Rakim)

While the Phillies are on a hot streak this month, one player on the team is not. Eric Bruntlett is 1-for-12 in July. Since the start of May, Bruntlett's apex in batting average has been .167 on June 14th. Bruntlett's ineptitude can be tolerated no longer. Get rid of this guy NOW! Eric B. is the 2009 Endy Chavez. Remember Endy...the guy who in 2005 managed just 2 hits in his final 42 games played as a Phillie? That is about the sort of output the Phillies are getting from Bruntlett, and it's time to fix this void. Julio Lugo was designated for assignment last week by the Red Sox and is expected to become a free agent. The Metropolitans are rumored to be interested. Why wouldn't the Phillies be interested in a guy who could surely outhit Bruntlett? Lugo was hitting .284 through 37 games played this season with Boston. Suspended Lehigh Valley IronPig Pablo Ozuna is eligible to return next Wednesday. Ozuna is batting .294 through 51 games at triple A. Miguel Cairo is also...