While the Home Run Derby will take place Monday night in Cincinnati followed by the actual All-Star Game on Tuesday, there is very little at stake for the Phillies this week. Not only are they the worst team in baseball by a mile, but also their only representative is a controversial reliever who should be gone by the end of the month.
One player in the Phillies system that many have tabbed as a potential future all-star is shortstop J.P. Crawford, who batted second for the United States team that won Sunday’s Futures Game by a score of 10-1. Baseball America currently ranks the 20-year-old as the fifth-best prospect in baseball. If Keith Law’s rankings haven’t changed in the last month or so, Crawford sits only behind the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Corey Seager in the mind of the ESPN scout.
Crawford was the only Phillies minor-leaguer that played in the game, as Aaron Nola got selected for the team but didn’t pitch after throwing six innings on Friday. Crawford went 1-3 at the dish with an RBI single and made some impressive plays in the field. Here is his hit in video form:
The Daily News’ John Smallwood caught up with Crawford after the game. Here is part of what he had to say about his role with the Phillies:
"I don't look an ETA [estimated time of arrival] to the majors, but I think I have progressed a lot over this past year," said Crawford, who is batting .311 with 10 doubles, three triples, three homers, 23 RBI, 42 walks to just 28 strikeouts, and 39 runs scored in 60 games between Class A Clearwater and Reading.
"Defensively and offensively, I'm getting better. I've cut down on my strikeouts. I'm eliminating my errors. I feel real good about myself."
Follow Rich on Twitter: @rich_hofmann