READING - One was a mild surprise, the other was expected, as the Phillies continue to exude patience with their top prospects. Before Thursday's game between the Phillies and their top prospects at FirstEnergy Stadium, Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan said that shortstop J.P. Crawford and centerfielder Roman Quinn will begin the season where they ended it - at double-A Reading.
Crawford, who turned 21 in January and was the team's first-round draft choice in 2013, is the Phillies' consensus top prospect.
He began last season at high Single-A Clearwater but only stayed there 21 games.