SEATTLE — It took a few years, but J.P. Crawford turned out to be mostly what the Phillies thought he was: a stellar defensive shortstop with on-base skills and leadership qualities in the clubhouse.
OK, so remind us why they traded him four years ago?
It’s a fair question, one that should be explored as the Phillies open a three-game series here Monday night against Crawford’s Mariners. And make no mistake, the 27-year-old shortstop is the face of a Seattle club that, notwithstanding the misery of 10 losses in 12 games, may be on the rise in the American League West.
