While the Phillies world mourned the loss of pitcher Roy Halladay on Tuesday evening, the 2017 Rawlings Gold Glove awards were announced. The Phillies had one player up for award, shortstop Freddy Galvis. Galvis was named a "finalist" for the award at the shortstop position.
However, when the awards were announced Tuesday night, the award ultimately went to San Francisco shortstop Brandon Crawford. While some Phillies fans may believe Galvis got robbed, Crawford is a defensive whiz himself. The award is Crawford's third award in a row.
The "finalist" system is not really much of a system. Three names are announced as finalists, but the voting is already complete at that time. The other two names announced alongside the winner at least earn some recognition for their play and their teams make the news.
Managers and coaches in the league vote for the award, and there is a statistical component factored in as well. Galvis likely scored well in both factors to have his name mentioned. But with voters continuing to be wowed by Crawford, Galvis fell short.
If Galvis remains on the Phillies, he may be used in multiple positions, depending on roster constuction. Either Galvis or Cesar Hernandez may be trade candidates, with J.P. Crawford ready to take over shortstop and Scott Kingery almost ready to take over second base.
