CLEARWATER, Fla. – Andrew Knapp pointed toward J.P. Crawford and gave him a thumbs up after the shortstop tagged out a would-be base stealer Monday. But the credit belonged to Knapp, who made such a strong throw that Crawford simply had to catch the ball and let the runner slide into his glove.
Knapp has worked this spring on his footwork as he tries to improve his throwing. That was evident Monday as he threw out two runners during a 4-3 Phillies win over the Twins. Knapp realized he was stepping backward on his throws, causing him to lose speed and momentum.