Ranking The NL East: Shortstops

Sep 26, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies third baseman

(13) hits an RBI single during the sixth inning of a game against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. The Phillies defeated the Braves 5-4. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

 5. Freddy Galvis (Philadelphia Phillies)

 As of today, the 25-year-old from Venezuela seems to be the favorite to be starting at short for the Phillies now that Jimmy Rollins is a Dodger. The problem for Galvis is he has not played in more than 70 games in any of his three seasons in Philly. Last season, he played in 43 games, hitting a dismal .176 with four home runs and 12 RBI’s. Galvis did have a rough start to his career, as he was suspended 50 games for using PEDs back in his first full season (2012).

As far as his fielding goes, Galvis is not one who is going to make many mistakes. In three seasons at the position, he has only made one error. He is one of those players that manager Ryne Sanderg would feel comfortable leaving at the bottom of the order, solely playing him for his defensive strengths while hoping the bat follows suit. Galvis did spend some time playing winter ball this year down in Venezuela. In 51 games, he hit .250 with one home run and 18 RBI’s for Aguilas Del Zulia.

For the 2015 season, Galvis is projected to hit .226, according to Fangraphs. Now, the Phillies could use other players such as Cesar Hernandez and Odubel Herrera at the position, but Galvis, the switch-hitting shortstop is the one with the most veteran experience out of the three options. It’s a downgrade for the Phillies at the position considering what they had in Rollins, but this is where the rebuilding continues for the Fightin’ Phills.

Next: Number Four