Freddy Galvis Crowned 30th Starting Third Baseman Since Scott Rolen
By Justin Klugh
It’s official!
Freddy Galvis will start a game this evening, in like an hour. He’ll be batting seventh and covering sick Michael Young’s spot at third, who is getting a night off to lead someone somewhere using leadership.
March 7, 2013; Clearwater, FL, USA; Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Freddy Galvis (13) works out prior to the game against the Minnesota Twins at Bright House Networks Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
As we have bitched recently on these very pages, Freddy had yet to be put into a significant role yet this season, which was odd given the ease with which he slides into the “late game defensive replacement” genre. He still isn’t doing that, and may even play the whole game tonight, depending on how badly the team needs to be led.
Holy crap, 30 different players have started at third base for the #Phillies since Scott Rolen was traded during the 2002 season.
— John Russo (@Roose_13) April 13, 2013
Yes, when the Phillies’ sensitivity in the hot corner is whined over, the two names mentioned are of course, Mike Schmidt and Scott Rolen. Those two represent the greatest stability the Phillies have ever had at third. Even in the contemporary golden era, third has been a shifting responsibility between cheaper fringe guys who usually at least know how to field well.
It’s what has put Cody Asche and Maikel Franco under the microscope, as many have deemed them the “future” at the position. But the future is a messy, gross place, and I think we can all agree that some big stupid, terrible thing will happen (or ceiling will be reached) before these guys necessarily get up to make an impact.
Meanwhile, Galvis gets to be the latest incarnation of the Phillies’ third baseman since Rolen.