Freddy!

Freddy Galvis' name has been tossed around for the past year or so, debating whether or not he could fulfill shortstop if Jimmy Rollins did not sign with the Phillies, but after it was apparent that Chase Utley would not be available to start the season, it's all about Freddy. Galvis started off the season going 0-12 and finally notched his first Major League hit last Monday with a 2-run double off Anibal Sanchez. Freddy was quoted saying, "As soon as I got to second, I could breathe. I was feeling much better. After the second game, I was like, 'Wow, when am I going to get it?'" That double was the only offense for the Phillies on their home opener, but Galvis' bat didn't quiet down after that. On Wednesday night's game against the Marlins, Josh Johnson on the mound, Freddy's name was being chanted by the fans at Citizen's Bank Park, and Freddy ripped a double into right field, giving him his second hit, 3rd and 4th RBIs, and the love of Philadelphia. "Freddy! Freddy! Freddy!" is what they were chanting, to which Roy Halladay said he was jealous because no one has ever chanted his name like that. Maybe someday soon Roy. But Freddy is now batting .226 going 7-19 after his 0-12 stretch, so as of last Monday, Galvis is batting .368. His offense isn't the only thing that is turning heads, but his defense is impecable. Many have been speculating that Galvis is turning plays that a healthy Chase Utley could not make, and saying that would mean that Galvis' defense is better than a 5 time NL All-Star. So far, Galvis has committed one error, but that in my mind is debatable because the ball took an awkward hop at the last second, causing Galvis to misread the ball. Is that an error? I don't know. Let's hope that Freddy moves up in the Phillies lineup, allowing him to get more at-bats and hopefully more RBIs and runs scored. Ending on a happy note, Freddy Galvis had his first home run on Friday against the Mets off R.A. Dickey in the 3rd inning in front of Phillies fans at CBP. After receiving the standard "freeze-out" by his teammates, he was welcomed into the dugout with high-fives, hugs, and congratulating pats on the back. Good luck Freddy and keep up the good work.