Phillies' J.P. Crawford ranks No. 4 among minor-league prospects
The Philadelphia Phillies might just have their next Jimmy Rollins in their farm system.
A recent ranking by ESPN places Phillies' shortstop prospect J.P. Crawford, a cousin of Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Carl Crawford, at fourth amongst all minor-league prospects.
The 20-year-old shortstop, who was drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 2013 MLB Draft, hit .285/.375/.406 with 11 home runs, 48 runs batted, and 24 stolen bases in 123 games in the minors last year.
Crawford has been hot to start the season this year, hitting .382/.488/.426 with a home run, eight runs batted in, and three stolen bases through 18 games.
While he can hold his own in the box, Crawford is primarily touted for his fielding ability at shortstop.
"He's an elite defender with tremendous bat-to-ball skills who profiles as a true leadoff type with his ability to hit for average, get on base and run a little," ESPN writes.
