MLB Draft 2022: Giants Reggie Crawford is eager to demonstrate his versatility

Giants’ first-round selection Crawford is excited about a two-way opportunity. appeared initially on NBC Sports Bayarea

Reggie Crawford, the Giants’ first-round pick, was grinning ear to ear as he spoke to reporters on a night that was wrought with a variety of emotions.

The Giants will take a chance on Crawford, a versatile player who can hit home runs and throw hardballs, after San Francisco selected him with the 30th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft.

On draft night, Crawford sat at home and watched as commissioner Rob Manfred called his name, with the help of his family, former coaches, and girlfriend.

Crawford told journalists via Zoom, “I’m very pleased with how the night turned out, but going into it, it could have been anywhere. The amount of noise was overwhelming, but I could hear everything. As a result, I didn’t have any preconceived notions about it and simply took it minute by minute. I’ve had a lot of fun with it so far, and it was really enjoyable.

The main uncertainty following the selection was whether the Giants would put Crawford’s dual skills as a pitcher and first baseman to the test. That is a valid response to your query. Crawford mentioned speaking with the Giants, who will give him the chance to develop into a two-way player.

The fact that they agreed to let me try it out made Crawford very happy and grateful. “Whatever works, works, and whatever doesn’t, doesn’t, and you have to live in reality about it,” Crawford said. “I am so grateful that they are letting me do both, to start with,” she said.

Crawford will not only have the chance to try out for the Giants, but he also has every intention of signing with them. A rough estimate puts his slot value at around $2.49 million, depending on where he was selected. Nothing prevents Crawford from becoming a legitimate Giant on his end, though.

Nothing at all, I assure you. Crawford continued, “I’m definitely going to sign.

Crawford’s health is another unaddressed issue. He underwent Tommy John surgery in the fall and missed the entire 2022 season. Crawford’s particular situation as a prospective two-way player would make the lengthy rehabilitation process challenging for any young prospect.

It’s one of those things that I can’t really control, so I just kind of changed my attitude from “this isn’t the best thing” to “what do I do now?” Added Crawford. Because it’s really not as bad as people think it is, having that mindset throughout the journey thus far has been extremely helpful to me.

“My body feels much better now than it did eight months ago, and I feel like all of the tiniest muscles are taken care of. I’m doing great, and the surgery itself went well. I’m extremely happy that my swing and throws feel fantastic, but you have to be honest with yourself and realize that it will be a long journey. However, as long as you take care of the things you can control, the rest will take care of itself. Your sleep won’t be disturbed by it. How are you improving yourself today?

A year and a half ago, Crawford underwent surgery. At this moment, he is throwing 150 feet away. He will begin throwing off a mound and hitting live pitching respectively in about two and three weeks. Crawford anticipates returning in late February or early March to compete live.

Which individuals spring to mind when you think of two-way players? Naturally, Shohei Ohtani. Along with Babe Ruth before him. The 2021 AL MVP and arguably the face of baseball is the ideal player to model your game after if you’re a rising two-way prospect.

Crawford told NBC Sports Bay Area, “I just try and maximize the things that I do because I’m still trying to learn as much as I can. But Ohtani is a great guy who is really paving the path for players like us because he’s able to do it at a very high level, which obviously requires you to look up to him because it’s not easy. “I really look up to him in that way because he’s really beating the odds, which is cool to see,” the speaker said. “It’s demanding on the body, it’s demanding on the mind.”

Crawford wants to follow in the footsteps of Ohtani’s career, and the Giants do too. While he might not develop into the next two-way phenom, he will at the very least be a successful pitcher and hitter in the major league.

Currently, it is obvious that Crawford wants to play for the Giants, a team that seems eager to give him a chance to accomplish something amazing.

He’ll continue to have faith in his abilities until he can demonstrate them, and the future is looking brighter and brighter every day.

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