Tony Gwynn Jr. a nice surprise for Phillies

Tony Gwynn Jr. can be a spark offensively, and gets in base at an impressive clip. Credit: Getty Images

Tony Gwynn Jr. has been a plus in every way for the Phillies.

The son of the greatest Padre of all time has come up with some clutch hits, solid centerfield play and he’s a positive force in the clubhouse.

“I watched this team for a long time and I’ve always admired these guys,” Gwynn said. “They’re not just very good at what they do. They’re winners. There’s something to knowing how to win. I’m never surprised when we come back to win. We’ve done it a few times this year and I expect to experience more of that.”

Gwynn Jr. has a .353 on-base percentage, a career high during the 16 games he has appeared in for the Phillies.

He stepped in seamlessly for a handful of games while starting centerfielder Ben Revere was out with an injury, and his right-handedness gives Ryne Sandberg the option to use him strategically with so many lefties in the Phillies lineup.

Phillies veterans making impact

The core four is still strong. For those who say the Phillies are stuck with a bunch of ineffectual old men, check this out. Here are the Phillies leaders in OPS. Chase Utley at an insane 1.069, Ryan Howard with .879, Jimmy Rollins with .776 and Carlos Ruiz at .769.

“People are premature when they say we’re done,” Rollins said. “The old guys on this team can still play. Just watch.”

Third base a weakness

Third base has been a big, fat void for the Phillies.

Cody Asche, Jayson Nix and Freddy Galvis are each hitting under .200. Fans who would love to see Maikel Franco should realize that he is hitting under the Mendoza line in AAA.