Mets Draft Target - SS - J.P. Crawford

JP Crawford, SS, Lakewood HS (CA), 6'2", 180, L/R 

Everybody loves Crawford, who has climbed up the mock drafts this year to supplant Oscar Mercado as the top shortstop in the draft.






Crawford is a toolsy middle infielder with quick-twitch athleticism and the potential to sit at the top of a line-up at the next level. He's a talented shortstop with all the skills you look for in a young infielder. Crawford has soft hands, good instincts and smooth actions in the middle of the diamond. He's a strong runner with 60 times in the 6.7 second range and his arm has reached 90 mph across the infield. At the plate, Crawford shows good barrel control and the ability to consistently square the ball up from the left side. He occasionally gets too far out over his front side, but he shows solid bat speed and the ability to use the entire field. At 6'2", 180, Crawford has the chance to add a little more strength to his frame, but power will never be a major part of his game. All in all, Crawford can do a little bit of everything and he has shown the potential to be a sparkplug at the next level.  LINK


 Lakewood High School junior JP Crawford already has sights set on the next level; and with good reason. The free swinging left-handed shortstop will be one of the top high school selections in the 2013 draft following his graduation. Collegiate and professional scouts are drooling over Crawford’s high on-base percentage (.464 as a sophomore) and energy in the field. He possesses a unique speed that is seen in the field, and on the base paths. LINK


John Paul Crawford is a 2013 SS/RHP with a 6-2 180 lb. frame from Lakewood, CA who attends Lakewood HS. Lean loose athletic body, some developing strength. 6.77 runner, quick feet defensively, very athletic and balanced actions, extremely soft and sure hands, quick release with very good arm strength, top level defensive tools and skills. Left handed hitter, very open stance, gets to front side and gets barrel out, smooth swing, handles the barrel very well, consistent hard contact, can drive the gaps. Also pitched, slow paced delivery, loose arm with easy velocity, on line repeatable delivery, mostly fastballs, touched 91 mph. Very projectable athlete who does everything on the field effortlessly, will be scary good if he gains strength while maintaining athletic looseness. Pure shortstop who can hit. Verbal commitment to Southern California.  LINK

Mack - If the Mets draft another shortstop I will drive a nail into my left eye.