This Southern California product and Oscar Mercado are the top high school middle infielders in the country in this class. Well-known on the showcase circuit, Crawford has a plus arm and easy, flowing motions defensively. While he grades out as an average runner, he is a threat on the bases. Crawford has a loose, wristy stroke and can hit the ball to all fields. He has average raw power and could grow into more as he matures. Crawford's stock slipped a bit this spring as some scouts questioned his hitting tools. How high he goes in the Draft may depend on how much teams feel his bat will come, though it's fairly certain someone will take the chance in helping him develop given his outstanding defensive skills up the middle.

jp_crawford
Philly better be ready for it!! #phillynation

CarlCrawford_
Congrats to my cousin @jp_crawford being drafted today!!!

jp_crawford
@CarlCrawford_ thanks cuz!

It's not a good class for college catching, so one who performs well is bound to move up Draft boards. The switch-hitting Knapp has had to wait his time to get behind the plate, playing first and the outfield for his first two years at Cal. He has a lot of work to do defensively behind the plate, though he does have a solid arm. He is showing, as he has with some very strong summer ball performances, that he can hit. Knapp has the chance to hit for average and power. The team that feels his defense will improve with more time behind the plate and some patience, will likely take him early in the hopes he can be a solid offensive-minded backstop.

LongDrive wrote:Joseph is going to be included in the trade for Stanton.

BigEd76 wrote:

jp_crawford
Philly better be ready for it!! #phillynation