JP CRAWFORD PROSPECT VIDEO, SS, LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL (via Steve Fiorindo)
John Paul Crawford, SS, Lakewood, California
High School Senior
Bats/Throws: Left/Right
HT/WT: 6'1"/180
Birthdate: 1/11/95 Age at Draft: 18.54
Crawford is likely the best shortstop prospect in the draft this year. He has great bloodlines, as his father was a four time Canadian Football League all-star.
His defense is good but not great and I'm not sold that he will stick there. His footwork and speed are good enough but he won't be a wizard with the glove. His arm is very good and is an asset. I don't see him as a sure fire shortstop but if a team doesn't need an elite defender there, I can see him sticking.
At the plate, he has very good bat speed. He creates loft enough to create gap power but he won't hit a lot of home runs. His ultimate power ceiling will depend on how he fills out over the next few years. He is long and lean and could add 20 pounds and that would add power. His swing path is long and it may cause swing and miss at the next level but he still should have enough power to be an impact bat at short.
If Crawford sticks at short, his bat will be above-average for the position. He should steal a few bases, though he isn't a burner. He should hit plenty of doubles and a few triples each season. If he has to move to second base and his footwork is good enough there, he is valuable and an above-average player. If he has to move to third base, I'm worried. I don't think the bat works there without adding power. The team that drafts him will believe he is a shortstop if they take him in the top 15 pick, and I believe that will happen. If something happens and he falls, he will attend the University of Southern California.
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