“It Was A Whole Bunch Of Excitement And Nerves At The Same Time” | Philadelphia Phillies 2022 First Round Pick Justin Crawford Beginning To Settle In After Hectic First Season

“It Was A Whole Bunch Of Excitement And Nerves At The Same Time” | Philadelphia Phillies 2022 First Round Pick Justin Crawford Beginning To Settle In After Hectic First Season

by | May 4, 2023 | THE THREE SPOT

The Philadelphia Phillies are fresh off a surprise run to the World Series, and while they came up short losing to the Houston Astros in six games, the future is very bright in the “City of Brotherly Love.”
With Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, J.T. Realmuto and Aaron Nola leading the franchise, the belief is they’ll be fighting for NL pennants for years to come.
Especially when the Phillies talented pipeline of prospects are ready to join the big boys. One of those prospects is 2022 first-round pick and No.17 overall pick Justin Crawford, who’s currently ranked as the team’s No.3 prospect behind hurlers, Andrew Painter and Mick Abel.
https://youtu.be/8CkPSftMiG8

Justin Crawford Has Undeniable Pedigree

Crawford is the son of former MLB star Carl Crawford and a distant cousin to Seattle Mariners shortstop JP Crawford, so the lineage is there, and the former Bishop Gorman star seems to be ready to attack his development full speed ahead following a whirlwind, but solid shortened first season.
https://twitter.com/prospectslive/status/1653380818943787010?s=46&t=oe54avAomxoOhm1w1b0ebw


Crawford Talks Being Drafted And Then Playing Almost Immediately

Meeting with reporters prior to his 2023 minor league debut with the Clearwater Threshers, the Phillies Single-A affiliate, the 19-year-old outfielder reflected on last summer, and how it came at him fast.
“The whole process was kind of hectic because once you get to draft day, you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Crawford said. “It was a whole bunch of excitement and nerves at the same time. But once everything was said and done, I couldn’t be happier going to Philadelphia.”
Crawford is currently batting .317 with 10 homers and 10 stolen bases and has shown a real knack for identifying pitches and making quality contact to all parts of the field.
His talent is undeniable, and it has Threshers manager Marty Malloy salivating over his star pupil.
“The talent, the ability, the speed, the excitement, it’s a lot of fun to watch. I wouldn’t want to be the opposing manager. … Seeing the growth with only one spring training, it’s been fun.”
https://twitter.com/jts045/status/1653512921794637825?s=46&t=oe54avAomxoOhm1w1b0ebw

Crawford Settling In And Adjusting To Daily Nuances

When you dad is a former 15-year major leaguer, that in itself is an advantage most players just aren’t afforded, Justin knows that and doesn’t take it for granted.
He said he’s leaned heavily on his dad, and the most important thing he’s tried to make him understand is it’s a marathon not a sprint, and to take it one day at a time.
Easier said than done for a 19-year-old with the skillset of Crawford, but he’s also a very cerebral young player.
Crawford says he tries to find a “happy medium,” to balance the good and bad days.
“I feel like if I’m able to that, the season will go a lot smoother,” Crawford said. “You’ll play better, and it won’t be too much of an emotional roller coaster.”
Crawford joins a Phillies organization who’s best player Bryce Harper is from the Vegas area. As well as shortstop Bryson Stott who played at UNLV, which is near the Bishop Gorman campus.
“What I Most Bring To The Table Is My Speed” | MLB Draft Prospect Justin Crawford Comes From Strong MLB Pedigree

“What I Most Bring To The Table Is My Speed” | MLB Draft Prospect Justin Crawford Comes From Strong MLB Pedigree

by | Jun 21, 2022 | THE THREE SPOT

Bishop Gorman High School baseball star Justin Crawford was recently named the school’s Male Athlete of the Year. The No.13 ranked prospect on the Top 200 Draft Prospect List is a future first-round pick in the upcoming MLB Draft.

He’s also the son of former MLB player Carl Crawford. The elder Crawford was also known for his speed, which helped him become a 4X All-Star and 4X American League stolen base leader during his career.

 So basically, the proverbial apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Speed kills and the Crawfords have plenty of it. Being the son of Carl Crawford put a ton of added pressure on Justin, but this past year he seemed to step out of the shadow of dad and into his own.

 Crawford’s play this past season was outstanding. The elite outfielder displayed a great glove, speed and a potent bat for Gorman. Crawford batted .484, with five home runs, 40 RBIs and 17 stolen bases during the regular season. His .553 on-base percentage with 150 plate appearances was the best in the state of Nevada this past season.

 

 When asked about his great season, here’s what the younger JC told reporters.

 “I think what I most bring to the table is my speed. It’s something I’m able to change the game with.”

 Crawford Is An LSU Commit: But Could He Turn Pro?

 

 

If Crawford gets drafted high enough, he will probably forgo his collegiate career and join the minors right away. Many early mock drafts actually had him going to the Tampa Bay Rays with the 29th pick.

 The same team his dad reached four All-Star games and a World Series as member of. But the mock draft following the first ever MLB Combine has him going ninth to the Kansas City Royals.

 

Crawford is pretty low key and just grateful for his upbringing and the training he’s received to get him to this point in his professional life.

 “I was fortunate to have a great training program growing up. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve just progressively gotten better.”

 Royals Intrigued By Crawford: Could Take Him Ninth

 The Royals are looking to upgrade their team speed and Crawford would immediately give them a jolt in that area. For a franchise with a promising farm system, outfielders are scarce and especially centerfielders. Kauffman Stadium, home of the Royals possesses one baseball’s biggest and toughest centerfields to man, but Crawford would do just fine with his elite speed and range.

 

 

While Crawford doesn’t present the biggest or best bat as it pertains to power, most analysts project him to be a 17-22 homer guy for his career. That will come when he gets more time and development on how to drive the baseball to all parts of the field.

 Justin stands 6-foot-3 and 175 pounds, so his lanky build doesn’t project as a guy who’ll hit a ton of homers. But his speed will throw fear into opposing defenses and pitchers, who know once he’s on-base he can provide nightmares for the opposition.  Sort of like his daddy.