The Phillies aging infield and the role of Freddy Galvis could determine if the Phillies are contenders in 2013. Last season in his rookie year Galvis struggled at the plate hitting a paltry .226, finishing the season on the disabled list. Galvis is great with the glove and with a little improvement at the plate (30 points), will see significant time. How much, depends on his improvement, but if he can raise his average should see about 250 at bats, reducing Utley and Rollins to about 140 games. This scenario, will it be enough to keep both off the DL?
Kevin Frandsen> Last season’s surprise call-up played very well earning him a nice contract ($850,000) and a roster spot this season. Frandsen will also be expected to spell Utley during the season and also Young at third base. Depending on pitching matchups he will get some time at second. Expecting last years numbers might be a long-shot but anything around .280 will get him more time at second.
Both Galvis and Frandsen are important to the success of the Phillies. Battling each other for plate appearances in the early going is what we will see. What we need is not necessarily one to out shine the other, as a combined production of .265 with 15 home runs, would be a great success.