In ranking released today, the strength of the Phillies minor league system was revealed once again, as a half-dozen of the organization's prospects were ranked within the Top 100 in the game by Baseball America.
Following on the heels of yesterday's announcement that four of the club's prospects had made the Top 50 as ranked by Baseball Prospectus, this continues to reinforce that Phillies fans still have a number of supremely talented youngsters on the way.
The six prospects ranked by Baseball America are led by shortstop J.P. Crawford, who was placed at the top by BP, but who is rated in the #3 slot by BA behind 2nd baseman Yoan Moncada of Boston and pitcher Alex Reyes of Saint Louis.
Crawford has been hot of late as he adjusts to the highest level of the minor leagues with AAA Lehigh Valley. Just a step away now from the big leagues, it would surprise no one to see him debut with the Phillies during the second half of this season.
Outfielder Nick Williams was ranked in the #40 spot by Baseball America, the only other Phillies prospect listed among their Top 50 overall.
Rounding out the Phillies contingent on the Baseball America Midseason Top 100 are right-handed starting pitcher Jake Thompson (62), catcher Jorge Alfaro (67), catcher Andrew Knapp (80), and pitcher Franklyn Kilome (96).
To be eligible for the BA list, players had to be in the minor leagues still as of June 21st, which was the midway point of the minor league season.
They also had to not have exceeded MLB rookie eligibility of 130 big league at-bats or 50 innings pitched, or 30 appearances in the majors by a reliever.
It is also important to note that 2016 draftees, such as the Phillies' Mickey Moniak, or July 2nd signees were not eligible for the list because BA wanted this list to reflect a preview of the upcoming July 31st MLB non-waiver trade deadline. All of the players ranked are eligible to be dealt this year.
Next week, ESPN's Keith Law is expected to release his own midseason top 100 ranking. As the Phillies continue to move forward in their rebuilding program, I will continue to bring you all of the exciting, relevant content needed on these emerging future stars,
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