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‘Is Shane Watson still with the Phillies?’ First-rounder fought to be relevant again

READING -- Someone tweeted last year at J.P. Crawford, the Phillies' top prospect, wondering whether Crawford's high school teammate and close friend Shane Watson was still in the organization.

Watson, a pitcher, was the Phillies’ first-round pick in 2012. He came out of Southern California’s Lakewood High School with a sharp curveball, a powerful fastball, and a right arm loaded with potential. But the start of his professional career was filled with obstacles and setbacks. He had two shoulder surgeries and even a cancer scare that ended up being a diabetes diagnosis.

Watson once had so much promise but now had a bleak future, prompting that fan to ask if he was even with the Phillies.