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J.P. Crawford Batting Practice Footage

Shortstop prospect J.P. Crawford was one of the brightest spots from a minor league season that saw a grand total of zero Phillies minor league teams reach the postseason.  Drafted 16th overall this past June, the 18-year-old made a great impression in the Gulf Coast League, as he sported a .345 average with eight doubles, three triples, one home run, 19 RBI and 12 stolen bases in 39 games.

After displaying his excellent offensive skills in the rookie level GCL, the Phillies promoted Crawford to the Class A Lakewood BlueClaws.  While the slick fielding California native started out going 10-for-33 (.303 avg.), he wrapped up the season on a 1-for-20 stretch in his final five games, bringing his average at Lakewood down to .208.  Following his debut with the BlueClaws on August 19th, the team won nine of 14 games, so his impact on the team was clear, despite his final numbers there.

Recently, I grabbed some batting practice footage of J.P. at Lakewood's FirstEnergy Park, prior to his BlueClaws home debut.  Check it out in the media player below.  Don't be fooled though, as the youngster is seen rocking a t-shirt with teammate Willie Carmona's name on the back.

Crawford will be among the collection of Phillies prospects that takes part in the Florida Instructional League that is set to begin on September 16th.


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