Today Baseball Prospectus released their Midseason Top 50 prospects still in the minors as well as a supplemental list of players that just missed. The Phillies placed two on the Top 50 and one on the just missed list. Here is what BP had to say.
#4 J.P. Crawford
The former first-rounder made short work of the Florida State League and now has his sights set on proving he can master Double-A. While high power totals are not likely to be a large part of Crawford’s game, the combination of good contact ability and a glove that can mature to a plus level make him a very attractive up-the-middle player for many seasons to come. This is a core contributor if things continue to click. – Chris Mellen
#7 Aaron Nola
Developmental Update: Nola has had no trouble breezing through the minor leagues since being taken seventh overall by the Phillies last year, and his recent promotion to Triple-A has not slowed him down at all. Nola’s game is more about the sum of several solid parts than any carrying tool, but his command does stand out as a plus attribute, allowing his three potential above-average pitches—fastball, curveball, changeup—to play up a tick. Nola is an intelligent pitcher who makes the most of his arsenal and command profile to project as a potential no. 3 starter. –Mark Anderson
Just Missed – Franklyn Kilome
Kilome is coming on strong with a power arsenal of stuff worthy of top 50 consideration, the track record just wasn’t quite strong enough yet. He’s a prime candidate to make a big jump between now and the off-season 101 now that he’s out of extended spring training.
I guess all the pundits are hedging their bets on predicting a ceiling/floor of a #3 for Aaron Nola.
It is the safe, riskless prediction.
I’m not too upset by it. I mean if we draft Puk next year and sign a good FA pitcher Nola probably is the #3 guy when we are winning again.