Galvis says he doesn't feel pressure as shortstop to replace Rollins
Freddy Galvis has the unenviable task of replacing Jimmy Rollins as the Phillies’ everyday shortstop.
CLEARWATER, Fla. --- Freddy Galvis has the unenviable task of replacing Jimmy Rollins as the Phillies' everyday shortstop.
The slick-fielding 25-year-old said Sunday morning he doesn't feel extra pressure because of the act he's following.
"Jimmy was Jimmy. Jimmy was the man here in Philadelphia," Galvis said. "But you have to come here and play baseball. That's it. I have to do my game. I don't have to do Jimmy's game. I have to do Freddy Galvis' game and play ball."
The biggest question with Galvis has long been whether he can hit well enough to be an everyday big leaguer. He's also had trouble staying on the field.
Galvis, a switch-hitter, hit a measly .176 in 128 major league at-bats last season. He played much better this winter in his native Venezuela - 208 regular-season at-bats yielded a .250 average and 12 doubles. He hit .390 with an .894 OPS in 14 postseason games.
"I have to do the fundamentals of the game, move the runners, be on base," he said. "That's what I have to do. That's how I see myself (as a hitter) in the big leagues."