Sports and Rants with Brett and Pants : May 2015

Friday, May 15, 2015

What's different about Freddy Galvis?

There is no denying that Freddy Galvis has played unbelievable this season. The 25-year-old shortstop has been playing out of his mind as of late. The young Galvis has not been that productive during his time with the Phillies, however now he is proving to be one of the most valuable players on the roster. After the Phillies moved Rollins, there were questions whether or not Galvis would be able to step in. Galvis has not only surprised Phillies fans, but also baseball experts everywhere. This Freddy Galvis is not the same player we have seen over the last few seasons.

When looking at the success Galvis has had this season, people are now questioning how or why this is happening. Freddy Galvis is a completely different player this season; he is performing like a young Jimmy Rollins. There are several different reasons why Galvis has had so much more success this season. The main reason is his approach has changed. When looking at past videos of Galvis and how he approached the plate you can see distinct parallels between this season and prior. Galvis is approaching each at bat with the viewpoint to slap the ball. Rather then in the past when he would try to drive the ball and hit for power, the Phillies shortstop is getting on base. He now takes each at bat as a chance to get on base and do his job. Galvis is not a player that will knock in RBI’s nor hit home-runs, his job is to get in scoring position.

With this new approach Freddy Galvis has been able to basically reinvent himself. The shortstop that everyone saw struggle, now has great potential. He has proven that he has a unique skill and ability that is needed on this Phillies team. Though his hits are mainly singles, Galvis is doing his job, with an unbelievable average of .353. If Galvis can keep up his tear there is no doubt that he will be the Phillies All-Star this season. The ability Freddy Galvis has emulated his favorite player and idol Omar Vizquel. If Galvis turns into half the player Vizquel was the Phillies are in luck.

-Brett

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Saturday, May 2, 2015

What’s Next…

The baseball season is official in full swing, and we are starting to get into the dog days of summer. The question is now, what is next for the Phillies. It is obvious that they have struggled, but what path should they go on. Though they have struggled the other NL East teams around them have not performed very well either. To be frank this division is up for grabs, but the Phillies have to decide which direction to go.

The Phillies have to pick which path they would like to go down. In reality they are not playing well, however they have shown some glimmers of hope throughout the season. Though there will be some people that say the Mets look like the team to beat. The Mets, have struggled mightily on the road. The Nationals have clearly struggled, and currently are not the team everyone thought they were. The Braves and Marlins are on the same plan as the Phillies in the talent department as of right now. This now brings up the question to the Phillies, whether or not they believe they can perform. Whether or not they can reach the goal of the playoffs.

With the division struggles, the Phillies can easily take second place and fight for first place. This can only happen if the Phillies decide to make some changes. The question is whether or not the Phillies should. Should the Phillies trade their older players like Howard, Ruiz, Hamels, and Utley, and give up on the season. This will provide them with the opportunity to let the young players play, and allow them to grow. By doing this the team will be basically taking themselves out of playoff contention. The next question is do the Phillies think they can make a run. Can they go all out and bring in some pieces. If the Phillies bring in a good pitcher and another outfield piece they can compete. They may actually make a run, not because they are good but because the rest of the division isn’t. Some small changes may actually help drive this team to playoff contention, but only time will tell. Only time will tell how this season will end and it is still early.

-Brett