Galvis starts at second base
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Galvis starts at second base
Matt Gelb, Inquirer Staff Writer
CLEARWATER, Fla. — Freddy Galvis wanted the extra work in practice at second and third base now that the Phillies have locked up Jimmy Rollins at shortstop for four more years.
The Phillies will take it one step further: Galvis is starting at second base in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against Baltimore.
The 22-year-old Venezuelan played four innings at second two days ago and fielded one grounder. But he didn't have a chance to turn a double play, something first-base coach and infield coordinator Sam Perlozzo wanted to see.
But Perlozzo is sold on Galvis.
"He can play anywhere," Perlozzo said Friday.
Galvis is a definite long shot to make the club this April, but he has certainly raised his stock with the major-league staff. The minor-league officials have long been raving about his ability.
General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said Galvis would be in the mix for the utility infielder job when he traded Wilson Valdez. But the Phillies would probably prefer Galvis see regular playing time at triple-A Lehigh Valley to nudge his development offensively.
Still, he's getting a solid look in spring.
"We just want to see if he can handle those positions," Amaro said. "We know he can play short. We'll flip him around a bit. He's been fine."
Galvis is 5 for 14 (.357) with two doubles, two runs scored and three RBIs in Grapefruit League play.
The full lineup:
1. Jimmy Rollins 6
2. Placido Polanco 5
3. Shane Victorino 8
4. Jim Thome 0
5. Hunter Pence 9
6. Ty Wigginton 3
7. John Mayberry Jr. 7
8. Freddy Galvis 4
9. Tuffy Gosewisch 2
Starting is Joe Blanton. He'll be relieved by Scott Elarton, a guy you can't help but root for after reading this Bob Brookover story. Those are the only two pitchers scheduled, so some of the younger arms will have a chance to see late-inning action. Bet on Jake Diekman grabbing one of those innings.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
Not a good idea to have a 22 year old as a utility guy.— EL Zorro- FGal is a keeper— NewMick314
- Man...I'd love to see them keep this kid in the show and send MiniMart to AAA. Galvis has zero chance of starting for the next few years so why not get him accustomed to being a super utility guy now?— The Pack Leader
- I disagree with your assessment of his chance to start. He can see that the infield is full of aging, declining, injury prone players. He'll get to sub sooner rather than later, which will give him a chance to play himself into a position. I haven't seen a guy go after it like this in a while. — jtj06
- Gotta keep him in the minor so he can continue to develop offensively, but he would be the first call up to replace utley, rollins, or polanco if a longer term injury occurs.— CosmoK
- Disagree, Pack. With Utley's issues and Polanco most likely gone after this year, it would be in the best interest of the team to have Galvis at AAA honing his skills. Maybe he could be Chase's replacement. Or maybe they could move Rollins to 3B next year and give the kid a chance at SS. By making the kid a utility guy this year they would stall his development.— EL Zorro
- He won't be their utility guy. But playing multiple positions he can fill a number of spots long term if there is injury, not just SS.— Sidewinder7
- El Zorro, Polanco HAS to go...but neither Rollins nor Galvis can/should be filling that spot. Corner infield = power hitters...I can't believe we went Polanco over Beltre in 2010...Probably RAJ's worse mistake— klaidi
- Hindsight is always 20/20. At the time Beltre was coming off like 5 straight so-so seasons not to mention the worst season of his career. Was a 25-hr/.260 guy. Phils still had a healthy Howard, Utley, Werth, Raul, etc. to supply enough pop. They didn't have a guy hitting for average. Polanco was a career .300 hitter and a gold glover. Things maybe haven't worked out like they could have, but the guy did win a gold glove last year and had more hits than anyone on the team the year before. Worst (not worse btw) mistake? Doubtful
- Yeah, because staying in the minors has really aided Dom Brown's development. So now he is no longer a prospect but just another minor-leaguer.— MrPhillie
- Over the last few years, second baseman have posted better numbers than 3B. It was years ago when 3B was a power position. Not anymore as you see power hitting middle infielders playing in the Big Show.— EL Zorro
Comment removed.- We gave Beltre a very good 3 year offer. He turned it down. Can't twist a guys arm to play here s but we did try.. How can it be his biggest mistake when he actively tried to sign him I don't think Galvis makes the team in April but he will be up here at one point especially if he proves he can play a few positions. I think he can hit better then MM but he needs playing time to prove he can play 3 positions.. He will play up here this year and if Jimmy goes down it won't be MM taking his spot imo.— pattymac3
- I like Valdez, am a Democrat, and a Catholic and maintain a deep disdain for BISHOPS not Catholicism.— NewMick314
- Comment removed.
