Phillies Forming a Core 4

By Tal Venada | Sep 7, 2017

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: The Phillies logo at section 108 seat 32 is shown at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rain cancelled the game against the Atlanta Braves and is rescheduled as a doubleheader tomorrow. (Photo by Corey Perrine/Getty Images) /

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He Is the Shortstop To Beat. Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images. /

In 2001, Bowa was in his first managerial 162 locally, and Rollins was a rookie. However, when it comes to fielding, J-Roll is first in NL history with a .983 record; and Bo is second with a .980 mark for a minimum of 1,000 games. And Galvis is currently at .983 for 481 contests, and only Omar Vizquel is higher with a .985 MLB best. In fact, Galvis wears number 13 in honor of Vizquel.

During ’01, Rollins and Bowa needled each other regarding their glove work. Hey, Bowa remarked, I’d have caught it. And Rollins’ retort was no way you’d have even reached that ball, skip. Bowa’s answer: You’re just a rook!

Unlike the “father-and-son type” relationship of Bowa and Rollins, Galvis was like J-Roll’s little brother. One particular instance: Galvis was going to pinch-hit and Rollins noticed he was tight. So, he rubbed Galvis’ chest with both hands to loosen him up. And Galvis only heard c’mon, man. Stop overthinking it!

How’d they do offensively? Well, Bowa stole 39 bases in 1974, batted .305 in 1975, and drove in 49 runs in 1976. Rollins, on the other hand, reached career highs of .296 with 30 homers and 94 RBIs in 2007 plus 47 swiped bags in 2008. So far, Galvis has averaged .263 in 2015 and produced 20 long balls, 67 RBIs and 17 SBs in 2016. Currently, he’s hitting .257 with 13 pilfered bases and 57 RBIs.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “Physical ability only goes so far. You have to work hard the rest of the way.” – Jimmy “J-Roll” Rollins"

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