PHILADELPHIA -- If the Phillies surprise people in 2018, it will be because multiple things broke their way.
One of those things is solid play at shortstop. Rookie J.P. Crawford will replace Freddy Galvis, whom the Phils traded to the Padres last month. Crawford, 23, hit .214 with four doubles, one triple and six RBIs in 87 plate appearances in September. He posted a .356 on-base percentage, giving the front office confidence that Crawford will find his way offensively in 2018.
Crawford, Nick Pivetta, Ben Lively and Victor Arano recently participated in MLB/MLBPA's Rookie Career Development Program.