READING, Pa. — The Phillies' major-league roster hasn't yet been finalized, but the organization revealed Thursday what parts of the Double A and Triple A rosters will look like.
Their top prospect, shortstop J.P. Crawford, will begin the season at Double A Reading, along with CF Roman Quinn and catcher Jorge Alfaro.
Outfielder Nick Williams will start his season at Triple A, as will catcher Andrew Knapp and first baseman Tommy Joseph.
The only minor surprise among those assignments is with Crawford, who at least had a chance to open at Triple A after playing most of last season with Reading.
"Nothing more than he's done," Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan said when asked what Crawford needs to show to advance another level. "Just get off to a good start. He's maturing physically, he's stronger than he's been in the past. He's gonna start back here with this group, talented group. We think it's the right plan. We're just gonna let this thing play out."
Crawford's stay at Double A could be quick if he produces out of the gate. Last season, he outgrew High A Clearwater after hitting .392 with a .489 on-base percentage in 21 games.
"Not disappointed at at all," Crawford said. "Double A, Triple A, it's basically the same thing."
MLB
For someone like Williams, it's just one step closer to the ultimate goal of reaching the majors, something he said he thinks about every day when he wakes up.
"New place, new journey," Williams said Thursday. "It's the last level, the last road stop. That's exciting. You really know what you're playing for now."
Williams and Crawford are very close and were friends even before the Phillies acquired Williams in last summer's Cole Hamels trade. He said it'll be a little different starting the season without Crawford, but recognizes that a reunion might not be too far away.
"We'll be together real soon," Williams said. "At the end it's like a little bit of a substitute teacher situation."