Promotion of prospects a key topic of discussion
The Phillies' Gulf Coast League team will end its season Aug. 29 and the rest of the affiliates will finish in the first week of September, so when to move players to the next minor-league level is something the Phillies brass is looking at closely.
The Phillies' Gulf Coast League team will end its season Aug. 29 and the rest of the affiliates will finish in the first week of September, so when to move players to the next minor-league level is something the Phillies brass is looking at closely.
"It's a constant challenge to make sure the player is at the right level," said Joe Jordan, the director of player development.
Shortstop J.P. Crawford, the first-round draft choice (16th overall) from Lakewood High in California, entered the weekend hitting .375 with a .466 on-base percentage in 112 at-bats for the Gulf Coast League Phillies. The question is whether Crawford will get moved this season to short-season Williamsport.
"That could happen," said Jordan.
And what if Crawford does move to Williamsport and performs well? Would he start next season at low-A Lakewood?
"If we feel he needs another challenge, that is what most of the decisions are based on," he said.
The Phillies have benefited by moving third baseman Maikel Franco and corner outfielder Kelly Dugan from high-A Clearwater to double-A Reading this season. Entering the weekend Franco was hitting .333 with eight home runs and 30 RBIs and Dugan was batting .291 with five home runs and 12 RBIs.
"There is nothing wrong with having success and confidence when a season is over and taking that into next year," Jordan said.
