MLB Draft 2013 scouting report round-up: SS J.P. Crawford

J.P. Crawford may be as polished as any high school prospect in his draft class. He is blessed with natural strength and speed, coupled with a good eye at the plate. With few true shortstops available, Crawford likely won't last very long on draft day.

Crawford is a cousin of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Carl Crawford. The younger Crawford could ultimately land at the same position as his older relative if he continues to grow. At Lakewood High School in California, he had a .452 batting average this season, with an on-base percentage of .540. With plus defensive skills as well, Crawford seems destined for a long career in the big leagues.

Vital statistics

What they're saying

• Nick Faleris, Baseball Prospectus: "Though seldom overflowing with draft prospects, the shortstop position is particularly thin up top this year, with Lakewood High School standout J.P. Crawford, a USC commit, the only true Day 1 talent that projects to stick at the position long-term. Crawford blends a promising offensive profile and the defensive foundation to thrive in the six spot as a pro and has improved his game on both sides of the plate over the past 12 months."
• Scouting Book: "A young, toolsy prospect with a very high ceiling, John Paul (JP) Crawford is one of the nation's best teenage baseball players. He has all the raw athleticism, including plus speed and superior fast-twitch muscles, to succeed almost anywhere on the diamond."
• Bob Keisser, Long Beach Press-Telegram: "The Lancers shortstop will be on his home field today for a CIF first-round playoff game against El Dorado, and dozens of scouts will be in the stands with stopwatches and clipboards, and come June Crawford will be in New York as an invited guest of Major League Baseball for the telecast of the first round of the MLB amateur draft."