2007 Choice Williamsport Crosscutters #8 Freddy Galvis

Phillies 4, Tigers 3
Spring Training Game 19 - Monday Afternoon, March 19th in Clearwater
Record - 8-9-2

One Sentence Summary:  On the day he was named the team's probable opening day second baseman, Freddy Galvis paced the offense with a two-run triple, leading the Phils over the Tigers, 4-3.

What It Means:  This was a nice little come from behind win for the Phils.  They needed the pick-me-up given the bad news on Chase Utley's knees (see below), and Galvis delivered on queue.

What Went Right:  After starter Scott Elarton was roughed up in his start, allowing three runs in 2 1/3 innings, the leftys in the bullpen shut down the Tigers over the next six innings.  Particularly impressive were the performances of Raul Valdes (two strikeouts, while lowering his ERA to 1.35) and Jake Diekman.  Diekman, who has an outside shot of making the team, has yet to allow a run over four appearances.

2012 Chachi Almost #2

Featured Cards:  The news was grim out of Clearwater yesterday as it was announced that Utley had left camp to meet with a knee specialist.  Utley has yet to see any time on the field, in game action or otherwise, so far this year.  GM Ruben Amaro, Jr. admitted that it's "doubtful" Utley will be ready by opening day.  This means that Galvis, an infield prospect who has never played professionally at second base, is most likely the team's opening day second baseman unless Amaro can swing a deal between now and then.  This is the oldest Galvis card in my collection, featuring the Venezuelan infielder as an 18-year-old in his first year of professional baseball.

My biggest fear with Utley?  What if he can't come back at all?  What if his damaged knees have had enough and he can never return to the All-Star form he displayed from 2005 through 2010?  And what if I have to include Utley in the 2012 Chachi Almost insert set as a result of him missing the entire season?

The Chachi Almost set added its second member yesterday when the team announced the release of pitcher Joel Pineiro.  Pineiro made it into three games this spring, allowing seven hits and three earned runs in six innings pitched.  He didn't pitch poorly, but with little chance of making the Opening Day roster, the team released him to allow him time to try to catch on elsewhere.

Camp Headcount:  45