Fresh Fur: Enrique Galvan (Hoppy Endings, post Sim 4) [PP:2056.08]

[neugey]

This week Edmonton is hoping to get a solid contribution from recently promoted 2B Enrique Galvan. It was not the way that the team had envisioned bringing up the young contact hitter, but injuries to the middle infield necessitated the move. SS Damek Korbel is still a few weeks away from returning from his fractured rib, and 2B/SS Bill McKay just went on season-ending IL with a major shoulder injury. Thus the young switch-hitter will see his first major league action this week as the Jackrabbits try to climb out of last place in the Frontier.

Galvan will be the first player drafted by GM Mike Bauer to play in the majors. He was drafted in the 2nd round with a supplemental pick (73rd overall) in 2053. He hails from Pittsburg, Kansas and played college ball with the Jakarta Victory. Since being drafted, he’s been proficient with the bat in the minors. He’s recorded two separate 20-game hitting streaks in the Edmonton farm system thus far, and his 2055 campaign in AA (.361/.429/.489 line, 4.3 WAR) was one that was certainly noted by management.

Galvan’s infield defense is not very strong, but with the Jackrabbits currently second to last in runs scored in the Johnson, the team is desperate for an offensive jolt that will surely be needed due to the loss of McKay.

“It’s been a very tough April,” admitted manager Alonso Chavez. “Losing McKay is very difficult news, but the silver lining is we’ll get to see what Galvan has. He’ll slot in as the #2 hitter in our lineup often. That is his prototypical spot and he’s also probably the best player on our team at bunting. We think he’ll do a nice job. If our organization didn’t believe in him, we would’ve made a trade or signed a free agent given the duration of McKay’s injury.”

“We’re hoping he’ll Galvan-ize the team,” said 1B coach Robbie DeCock with a wink.