Freddy Galvis Having Himself A Week, Phils Beat Padres
By John Stolnis
Freddy Galvis wants you to know he’s playing better now. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Last night, Jimmy Rollins hit a home run, bashing a solo shot to left-center field in the Phillies 4-2 win over the Padres at Citizens Bank Park. Freddy Galvis, meanwhile, also hit a solo homer to left.
For Rollins, just one year after leading the team with 23 HRs, it was his 6th homer of the season in 592 PAs.
For Galvis, it was his also his 6th homer of the season. He’s had 188 PAs.
Those are just some numbers that I am making everyone aware of. So, carry on with your day.
I am not arguing that Galvis should be the Phils’ everyday shortstop over Rollins. Even though Rollins’ season has been a far cry from seasons past, until this week, Galvis hasn’t exactly lit it up either.
PA | AVG | OBP | SLG | OPS | fWAR | HR | XBH | |
Rollins | 593 | .244 | .312 | .338 | .650 | 1 | 6 | 36 |
Galvis | 189 | .225 | .283 | .405 | .688 | 0.2 | 6 | 15 |
So no one is calling for the coronation of Freddy Galvis, despite the fact he went 3 for 3 last night, finishing a triple shy of the cycle, and is 8 for his last 16 with 2 HRs and a double. He also bunted to score an insurance run on a safety squeeze in the eighth last night.
Phils manager Ryne Sandberg said earlier this week that Galvis went back to the minors with the mission of improving his swing by focusing on shortening it and hitting on top of the ball.
So far, so good. But can Galvis hit consistently enough at the big league level to stick around for good?
"“I think so,” Sandberg said, “with some adjustments. He’s showing it right now. Being a switch-hitter comes into play, to his advantage. So long as he plays the game like he does and situational things, that can go a long way.”"
As for Rollins, he probably shouldn’t be too worried about his job just yet. He’s still owed $22 million over the next two years, and he won’t be threatened by one good week from Galvis.
But Freddy’s defense is already among the best in the National League. If he ever learns to hit consistently, a very HUGE if, things could change.
Oh, and Cliff Lee threw another eight innings of two-run ball last night. Just thought I’d throw in that he’s still, at 35, completely awesome.
As for the “win” last night, it dropped the Phillies out of The Bottom 10, one game out for that all-important protected draft pick.
Team | W | L | PCT | GA | |
9 | San Francisco | 66 | 80 | .452 | |
10 | Colorado | 67 | 80 | .456 | |
11 | San Diego | 66 | 78 | .458 | 0.5 |
12 | Toronto | 67 | 78 | .462 | 1 |
13 | Philadelphia | 67 | 78 | .462 | 1 |
What can I say? When you’ve got Cliff Lee, tanking is just really, really hard!