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CLEARWATER, Fla. It was just one at-bat in the early stages of a long season, but it marked progress for Justin Crawford. During the ninth inning of Saturday's 7-6 Grapefruit League defeat against the Tigers in Lakeland, Crawford hammered a 92.8 mph fastball up in the zone. He sent a sharp line drive to left-center field with an exit velocity of 108.4 mph. Although the ball was caught, it was the hardest-hit ball of the day.
Crawford, 21, smiled when reflecting on his improvement during a conversation on Sunday, prior to his single and run scored in the Phillies' 7-3 loss to the Orioles at BayCare Ballpark.
That pitch? Crawford said with a grin. A couple of years ago, it probably wouldve gone straight to the shortstop. In 2023, that wouldve been a ground ball to the shortstop. In 5, 10 years? Who knows what itll look like?
Ranked No. 64 overall by MLB Pipeline, Crawford has been generating buzz. Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said Crawfords big-league arrival could come sooner than expected, though he doesnt anticipate Crawford making his MLB debut this season. However, as Dombrowski pointed out, stranger things have happened.
Its obviously great to hear that, Crawford said. But for me, its about controlling what I can controlshowing up every day, sticking to my routine, and making sure Im ready. By the time the game starts, I want to leave everything out there. Its nice to know they think highly of me, but ultimately, I have to do my part. Whatever happens, happens.
Selected 17th overall by the Phillies in the 2022 Draft, Crawford quickly showcased his elite speed, defensive prowess in center field, and ability to make contact. But he's far different now than he was when he signed. The biggest change? His physique. Crawford Jordan Romano Jersey, who weighed 160 pounds at the time, now tips the scales at 195 pounds.
"I've noticed the ball jumping off my bat a little more, " Crawford said.
One area of concern for Crawford's game has been his tendency to hit the ball on the ground. In 2022, he posted a 62.5% ground ball rate, which climbed to 69.7% in 2023. That number improved to 60.9% last season, though it still exceeds the big-league average of 42.7% in 2024.
With Crawfords speed, the Phillies are not overly concerned.
Im fine with it, manager Rob Thomson said.
I think as he matures, that number will continue to go down, said general manager Preston Mattingly in the fall. But Justins profile is one thats always going to have more ground balls. A lot of people think hes a singles hitter, but I dont. Hes going to have real power. He can drive the ball to the opposite field. His quality of contact is improving because hes learning to catch the ball deeper. As he develops, hell get the ball in the air more naturally.
That evolution was evident on Saturday.
Ive been working on getting the bat head out, catching the ball out front more https://www.philliesplayerfanstore.com/ryan_howard_jersey-132, Crawford said. Im focused on hitting the ball hard, staying up the middle, and letting it travel. Just trying to stay in my legs and drive a line drive through the center-field wall.
This marks Crawfords first big-league camp, though its not his first experience in a major league clubhouse. His father is Carl Crawford, a former All-Star outfielder, and Justin has been around the game for years.
It was an adjustment at first, he said. But the guys here have been very welcomingBrandon Marsh and Nick Castellanos have really helped me out and given me advice.
Crawfords next step may come sooner than expected. If not this season, it could be next year. For now, he remains focused on improving.
This doesnt happen overnight, he said. But from Year 1 to Year 2 to Year 3, I can see my game evolving, and it boosts my confidence to keep working harder. My goal is to help this team win a championship. Ill do whatever it takes to get here as soon as possible.
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发表于 2025-2-25 10:58:37