"At first, Freddy Galvis thought it was a joke.

He'd arrived in Clearwater, Fla., last October hoping to put on some weight and add to the wispy frame that had limited him to a career .286 slugging percentage in the minors.

His first chore, according to the Phillies' trainers, was to push a car around the warning track.

"They told me, 'We have to make you stronger,' " Galvis said. "Like a tough guy, strong man of the world."

So Galvis followed orders. With two passengers on board, he pushed the car for 15 seconds then he'd take a break, and then another 15 seconds of pushing. After a few reps, he'd switch it up, pulling instead of pushing.

After a couple of weeks of rolling a car around the outfield, Galvis noticed a few changes when he was at the plate."