Posted: Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 1:49 PM | 10 comments |
 

Does Utley need a break?
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First thing's first: Ed Barkowitz is live-blogging today's game. To get Eddie's thoughts and and to chime in on whether you think that last pitch was a ball or a strike, click here.

^

We've got lots of Phillies stuff in today's paper. Talked to Charlie Manuel last night after the game and he said he was close to sitting Chase Utley down for the game. It would have made sense: Chase had just seven hits in his previous 46 at-bats, he hadn't had a day off all season, the Sox were throwing a lefthander, and there was a day game today. But Manuel said that when he got to the ballpark, Chase wanted to play, so Chase played.

Hey, if I was the manager, I don't think I'd be able to sit Utley down. He brings so much to the field. But it begs the question: would a break behoove Utley? He said after last night's game that he doesn't believe in that type of thing. The Phils have a day off Thursday and Monday. That should be more than enough.

One things for sure: with a side-armed righty on the mound today, Utley had a better shot at getting snowed in this morning than he did of not being in the lineup.

Utley is hitting under .300 for the first time since June of last season.

Other good stuff:

Rich Hofmann takes a look at Pat Burrell's real place in baseball hierarchy.

Last night wasn't the first time Jamie Moyer saw Jon Lester in person.
Posted by David Murphy @ 1:49 PM  Permalink | 10 comments
10
Comments   
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:44 PM, 06/18/2008
    I think the whole team needs a break.
    — Matt
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:53 PM, 06/18/2008
    good call not sitting chase, i think it is a focused thing. I dont know what could be distracting him, dont know him personally, but the reason hes so good at the plate is his focus. watching him lately it seems as though something or someone is in his head. he is swinging at pitches he would normally lay off. hopefully he can get back to Kashmir soon...
    — scuba
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 2:57 PM, 06/18/2008
    I just watched Uthley's 5th innin at bat and it just proves my point. He is not settled in, his approach was different. He didnt lean back like normal, his feet weren't settled, he just didn't seem himself...
    — scuba
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 3:31 PM, 06/18/2008
    Well, I don't know if sitting Chase will solve the problem, but facing the "side-armed righty" didn't make a bit of difference. He's still hit-less. And left two guys in scoring position when he grounded out in the 5th to end the inning. Oh well. At least they're not SO's. I guess that's a good thing.
    — Norma
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 4:39 PM, 06/18/2008
    Why not? Everybody needs a day off sometimes. Next time they face a lefty -- any lefty -- let Utley ride the pine and get Bruntlett some at-bats.
    — Jeffrey
  • Comment removed.
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 6:44 PM, 06/18/2008
    Utley is really hurting his MVP chances with this prolonged slump. Is it any coincidence that the Phils current slump is mirroring Utleys slump. He is the one guy that you hate to see struggle 'cause more than anyone it effects the team.
    — rockinrob
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 12:43 PM, 06/19/2008
    MY, OH MY!!! Maybe Chase is taking batting tips from Ryan Howard!!! Looks kinda that way. A few unattached thoughts wandering through my head: Lately, there seem to be games where the outcome seems to be predetermined ... games where the Phillies just seem to be going through the paces ... games where the team should be UP and READY to PLAY! In these games the whole team seems tired and out of sync. Wonder if R. Howard would do better batting 7th against lefties? He doesn't seem to be able to adjust so he CAN hit them. Is there a more dynamic 3-in-a-row in the lineup than Feliz, Ruiz and the pitcher. Thanks for letting me comment, I feel better now!
    — DonEck
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 1:02 PM, 06/19/2008
    rockinrob......You took the words right out of my mouth! On both counts. I'm sure Chase will be OK soon. But no one else is picking him up, and it's costing us games.
    — Norma
  • 0 like this / 0 don't   •   Posted 7:12 AM, 06/21/2008
    His hands are in a different position as he begins his swing, his weight is forward and his bat is slow. Does anyone else notice this ?
    — mick314


10 comments
About David Murphy
David Murphy joined the Daily News as its Phillies beat writer in February of 2008. Born in Upper Merion and raised in the Poconos, he attended college at La Salle University before taking jobs with the Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Sun-News and the St. Petersburg ( Fla. ) Times. E-mail Dave at dmurphy@phillynews.com.

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