What to expect from Utley
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What to expect from Utley
David Murphy, Daily News Staff Writer
The Chase Utley situation is an interesting one because of how little we know about the health of his knees. He sounds optimistic, excited even, but he sounded the same way in February when he spoke to reporters at the start of spring training. All offseason, I had wondered how big an issue Utley's health was when it came to the team's planning. After listening to him speak in February, I was close to convinced that he really had passed the challenge, that his knee condition was manageable. This was less than a month before we found out that he would start the season on the disabled list.
So it is impossible to say what to expect out of Utley this time around. He looks strong, that's for sure. But he also missed more time this year than he did last year. Maybe that is because he was determined to come back better than he was when he came back last year. Or maybe it is because his physical problems are more complicated this time around.
One thing is for sure: Utley will improve this offense. Even though his numbers were not at the levels you have come to expect, he was still one of the top hitting second baseman in the majors. He finished Aug. 1 hitting .290/.380/.498 with eight home runs and as many walks as strikeouts in 256 plate appearances. At that point, he looked like Utley. But in his final 45 games he hit just .220/.298/.333 with three home runs in 198 plate appearances. He was one of the Phillies' best (only) hitters in the playoffs.
Make of that what you will. The truth is, none of us know, not even the Phillies or Utley himself. When he is on the field, he will be a vast improvement over the players who had been filling in for him. The unknown question: how long will he be on the field?
My predictions for CU: 55 games, .260BA, 10HR, 40rbi - if he doesn't go back on the DL— Konstanty- He is back, good news. They are 0-5 since he returned. Anyone thinking this team is making the playoffs are fools.— eaglesman1
- A real manager would never bat Utley #3 because to do so puts him is a lose lose situation. Chase was a five tool player but it is obvious to those who are looking he has a lot of wear on him. Third base would be ideal at this point and hitting #2 would give the leadoff more to hit. J-Roll needs to go to the west coast for a set up man if we can get one. Throw in his good buddy Victorio and that could get us a quality reliever. Mayberry is every bit as fast as Victorino and won't take chances in the late innings out in CF. How many games this yr alone has Vic lost because he refuses to play back? Protecting against the single in the late innings is college ball mentality. While I'm at it another glaring error is Pierre in left. He belongs in right. Pense belongs in left field. The fact that he can't field is a curious developement as I never saw that in Houston. Having Ruiz hit #4 is just rediculous and if you are paying attention he is starting to make the big swing result average goes in the toilet. Pray Howard makes it back soon. Chooch would be a great #5 hitter behind Ryan but Cholly will most likely put pence there and Utley 3rd. So predictable and so beatable. Once Ryan gets back here is my line up Pierre, Utley, Pence, Howard, Ruiz, Fontenou, Mayberry, Rollins, Pitcher. Pierre, Utley, and Fontenou can be changed based on pitching.— Wally 24
- Warbiscuit!!!!! I wish that article was on the net; seems like it isn't unless you know otherwise— djmarco
