Phils Galvis getting the job done with style

Share

Nineteen games into the season, Freddy Galvis looks like a big-leaguer.

On the field and off.

As the 22-year-old Phillies rookie headed for the bus for the ride to the airport after Wednesdays win in Phoenix, he wore a sharp suit, one of two that teammate Carlos Ruiz purchased for him after he made the opening day roster.

Its a longstanding tradition in baseball. The established veteran helps out the young kid and shows him what it means to be a big-leaguer. When the kid becomes an established player, he repays the favor to a player from the next generation.

Galvis didnt need any help navigating his way around the ball fieldwatch him for a few days and you know that. But life away from the diamond is different than in the minor leagues. You have to act like a big-leaguer, mature and professional. That hasnt been a problem for Galvis because, as he says, Im not into joking around. Be quiet. Play baseball.

But Galvis did need some guidance about handling himself off the field. On travel days, you have to dress like a big-leaguer. Thats not always easy when your ship hasnt yet come in. Thats where Ruiz, a Spanish-speaking Panama native, stepped up and helped Galvis, a Spanish-speaking native of Venezuela.

Chooch bought me a couple of suits, said Galvis, who speaks excellent English. We dont dress like that in the minors. Right now, Im learning it all. Everybody has been great helping me.

Galvis began his pro career as a 16-year-old and made it to Double A when he was 19. He spent the bulk of the last two seasons at Double A, where you travel by bus. And dont forget your pillow! In the majors, he and his teammates travel on first-class charter flights.

Theres an old saying that it all goes awaythe charter flights, the nice threadsif you dont produce on the field in the majors.

Galvis gets that. And hes producing. He has played sensational defense at second basestill a new position for the lifelong shortstopand has added some valuable offensive contributions. Despite hitting just .200 in his first 19 major-league games, he is tied for the team-high with five extra-base hits, not bad for a guy who has never been an offensive force and was expected to be a little over his head at the plate.

When you see Galvis turn double plays and make acrobatic snares at second base, and when you see him deliver a good at-bat or lay down an effective bunt, its worth remembering that just a few months ago the outlook on him was thoroughly positive because he could spend two seasons developing in Triple A and still be just 24 by the time he got to the majors.

Of course, all that changed when Chase Utleys knees acted up again and the Phils realized their best option for a replacement was the sure-handed little shortstop that was ticketed for Triple A.

The more you see this kid, the more he grows on you, said third base coach Juan Samuel, who knows a thing or two about playing second base in the majors. His adjustment to second has been amazing. I thought hed have issues with the double play but he has not. Hes very smart. He knows who is running. He knows when he has to hurry and when he can take his time. For a kid of his age, hes very advanced.

A month ago, it seemed as if Galvis would return to Triple A and the shortstop position when Utley was ready to go. Now, that might not be so likely. Galvis has been such a solid contributor that there might be a place for him on the roster when Utley returns. Manager Charlie Manuel will have to monitor Utleys playing time in an attempt to maximize his production. Galvis could fill in for Utley at times. He could also get some reps at shortstop because a day off here and there wouldnt hurt 33-year-old Jimmy Rollins at this stage of his career.

Galvis hands and infield instincts are so good that he could probably skip over to thirdeven though hes never played thereand make the play. That skill set could be valuable because Placido Polanco is 36 and his playing time must be monitored, too. Of course, there will always be an undercurrent that suggests Galvis go to shortstop and Rollins to third, but Phillies officials dont want to even think about that now. In the future, though, they may have to.

Samuel is not in favor of Galvis going over to third base any time soon.

That might be asking too much right now, Samuel said. Im not saying he cant do it. But that might be putting too much on his plate. Lets not forget, hes had a lot of new things thrown at him.

And lets not forget, hes handled them like a big-leaguer, on the field and off.

E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com

Contact Us