Projected 2012 Shortstop Depth Chart:
1. Jimmy Rollins
2. Michael Martinez
3. Freddy Galvis
Jimmy Rollins: Even with his increasing age and unorthodox lead-off style, Rollins was a must-sign for the Phillies this year. He is a spark plug in the offense, and while he does not possess overwhelming numbers, he is clutch like no one else on the roster. All this needs to be considered even before realizing that he is also a defensive stud, the clear locker room leader, and also the longest tenured player on the team, all facts that made him deserving of a few more shots at a second title. Rollins showed much improvement in 2011 over his injury marred 2010, and proved that while he is not the player he was at age 28 when he won the National League MVP award, he is still one of the better players at his position in all of baseball. He posted a .268 average last season with 16 home runs, 63 RBI's, and 30 stolen bases, all numbers that are quite close to his career averages of .272, 17, 72, and 37, respectively. While there is a high likelihood that he will soon lose a step with his speed and suffer drop-offs on offense and defense, 35 years old is not quite over the hill for a player who has maintained a strong physique, and it will take injuries that force him out of the lineup for extended periods of time for a significant reduction to show. A healthy Rollins will be key for a potential World Series run this season, and his return and leadership will provide key inspiration once again.
Michael Martinez: With Wilson Valdez now out of the picture via trade, Martinez will likely be the backup at short if he can have a solid spring training. He played 13 games at short last season filling in during injuries and providing rest, and also spent 229 of his 548 minor league appearances between second and third. Because of Ty Wigginton's age and limited experience at shortstop (only 9 career games), he will likely be used sparingly if at all at the position, meaning Martinez has a great shot to back Rollins up. For a more detailed look at Martinez's production last season, take a look back at his section in our second base preview.
Freddy Galvis: While the trade of Valdez likely opened up a position backing up Jimmy Rollins for Michael Martinez, it may have done far more for Freddy Galvis. The Phillies spent much of last season carrying two utility infielders (Martinez and Valdez), and will likely do so again this season. With a freshly vacated position of need on the 25-man roster, a strong spring training could vault Galvis not only onto said roster but possibly into a position backing up Rollins ahead of Martinez. The Phillies are reportedly looking for a utility infielder on the market right now, but any type of offensive output from Galvis in February and March could encourage them to take a gamble on a player whose defensive aptitude precedes him. While he showed some offensive improvement after moving from AA to AAA late in the season, his average increased from .273 to .298, it will take more than that to prove to Ruben Amaro Jr. that another addition is unnecessary. In all likelihood, the Phillies will add a player that bumps Galvis back a spot, but only time will tell.
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| Galvis showing off his number one asset, his defense |
What are your thoughts on the backup situation at short? Should the Phillies gamble and see what Galvis has got? Or should they sign someone else and give him one more year in Lehigh Valley before handing him the backup job once Martinez's contract expires at the end of next season? Let us know in the comments section below!
In case you missed them:
Second Base Breakdown
First Base Breakdown
Catcher Breakdown
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