Phillies' Justin Crawford start to Spring Training is what Philadelphia fans wanted to see
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Phillies' Justin Crawford start to Spring Training is what Philadelphia fans wanted to see originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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There's a long way to go in Spring Training.
So far, Justin Crawford is doing what he can.
He actually went 0-for-3 in his second start of the spring, when he hit leadoff on the road on Monday night.
But he was 2-for-3 with a double in his debut, so the Phillies will take that.
The key is that they're letting Crawford learn on the fly in big league camp.
He has a legitimate chance to win the starting centerfield job for Philadelphia. His defense may be the biggest question mark.
Crawford has the speed you'd expect from the son of Rays legend Carl Crawford, but his routes and instincts in the outfield aren't necessarily what you'd want out of your guy in center.
Some of that can be improved through hard work, and some of it is more natural. But the Phillies will do what they can to get Crawford ready.
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In recent years, Brandon Marsh has regressed, making him a tough guy to rely on as an everyday player out there.
Crawford is the solution. The Phillies have been waiting on his arrival.
Now that he's here, Crawford's job over the next month is to prove that he does indeed belong in the major leagues.
He's not going to get a hit every day, but if he can bounce back after his 0-for-3, it'll be another good sign for Philadelphia.
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