Utley takes more grounders at third; Howard talks about struggles
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Utley takes more grounders at third; Howard talks about struggles
Bob Brookover, Inquirer Baseball Columnist
NEW YORK -- The two Phillies players who were the most talked about when they were not here during the first half of the season are again the primary topic of discussion as the season winds toward its conclusion.
Chase Utley drew more attention by working at third base Monday afternoon before the Phillies' game against the New York Mets and Ryan Howard answered questions about what a struggle this season has been for him since he returned from surgery on his left leg.
Under the supervision of first-base/infield coach Sam Perlozzo, Utley had an extensive session of throwing and fielding grounders at Citi Field. At one point, he drew the attention of Mets first baseman Ike Davis, who screamed across the diamond at the five-time all-star second baseman.
"No way, three-bagger?" Davis yelled.
Utley shrugged in response, but later talked about how he feels about his work at the position he last played as a minor-leaguer in 2002.
"It's still a work in progress," he said. "I'm still working on it, still putting the time into it and so far I feel like I've progressed a little bit, but I feel like there is still room for improvement. I've been out there four times and every time I've felt like I've done something different and it's an improvement, but ground balls off a fungo are different than ground balls in a big-league game."
Utley said he does not care if he plays third base before the end of this season.
"No," he said. "What's important is winning tonight."
Howard was back in the lineup for his 62d game of the season Monday night against the Mets and R.A. Dickey, but he admitted this season has been a struggle because of his surgically repaired left Achilles tendon.
"I feel like my biggest problem has been my hips have kind of been leaking forward," Howard said. "I don't know if that's a correlation with my ankle, but maybe it's something where I'm trying to generate extra power and my hips just kind of slide forward, which is taking me off my back side instead of being able to pivot on my back side. I don't know if there is a direct correlation to (the ankle) or not. This offseason if I can get stronger then we'll be able to tell."
Howard had respectable power numbers through August, hitting 10 home runs with 34 RBIs in his first 46 games after returning from the disabled list. In 15 September games before Monday, however, he was batting .193 with zero home runs and 12 RBIs.
You can read more about Utley and Howard in Tuesday's Inquirer.
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Buy Phillies tickets Comments (27)
Does Utley have a strong arm for the throw to lst base???— tulsaphil- I've seen better arms on a chair. — bearsfriend
- Initially,I chuckled (about 6 weeks ago) when it was first mentioned about Chase Utley putting in the work at third in pre-games...and it came at the same time (August 1-2) when RAJ mentioned his "outside the box" thinking with Ruiz potetially doing the same(to extend his career)...Both are in the last years of contracts next year,aging,yet playing positions not condusive to guys in their mid 30's...Concerning Chase, 10 years ago in Scranton, he had no stomach for the throw to first, and actually asked to remain a prospect as a second baseman...At this point of his career, he's all in to work at it, although that throwing arm,well, Shawn Dunston he's most certainly not (closer to Ryan Zimmerman)...But if anyone could put the work in, this guy can...This is a tell,especially with no strong FA at third, and the fact that strong prospects Cody Asche and Mailkel Franco are anywhere from 1-3 years away, that the Phillies WILL piecemeal it next year at 3B, with actual competition (rather than a guaranteed deal preventing that) in Spring determining PT...Frandsen,Utley,Ruiz will all see action there in the Spring....Still would love a trade for a flexible player (Allen Craig,Matt Carpenter) who could also play the hot corner in a pinch,while also offering offensive punch to a corner outfield position...the Cards are stocked with players Rube, don't be shy.— bearsfriend
- It doesn't seem Utley is sure if he can do it yet, so I can hardly say myself. He is one of my favorite Phils ever and it's been tough watching him fade into an average player. If he's effective I'm all for it. Howard seems like a good kid, but I wasn't enamored with his contract or game before his injury, and he's done nothing since to inspire confidence. His problems stem back much further than that, he hasn't had a 24 million dollar bat since 2010. Hey, I'd take the money too, hard to blame the guy but I'd like to see him make some adjustments.— TrollExterminator
- He's still a good player, just not anything like he was...wish the brass would use him to hold baserunning classes for the organization, as his instincts on the bases is one of the best I've ever witnessed. — bearsfriend
- If Utley DID pull off the position switch, many would question whether Freddy Galvis would be the inserted one...Personally, Galvis=super utility to me, and putting in work at third would be yet another position for him to master defensively...Cesar Hernandez has a higher upside offensively than Galvis, but still needs a year in AAA to work on plate discipline against quality breaking balls, and Frandsen can also plug a hole,as second is his natural position...But could a trade loom?...Power bats Neil Walker,Ricky Weeks,Ian Kinsler, and Zack Cozart (would have to transition from SS) could all be had as hot prospects are coming up very soon to try to unseat them (at a cheaper price,although Cozart is minimum salary still)...worth keeping an eye on...Anyway, this off-season's HOT STOVE will be RAJ's most crucial since he's had the keys to the car.— bearsfriend
- How about taking some extra swings in the batting cage Chase? What a joke. The guy is an average at best second baseman with no power at all anymore and we want to move him to third? Really!? Hey the next big hit Utley gets, wake me up please. How about this? Trade him to a team who still thinks he's an above average baseball player. If one exists. Maybe a team that doesn't have cable or the internet in their offices. LOL.— JLH
- As I have said before, Utley's determination to play third is all about Utley, as his knees clearly cannot handle all the action at Second base, but at third he still needs to move to his left well and teams will bunt on him, and he needs to make the throws to second as well as first. I have no doubt he will work hard and become serviceable in his last season here. I like Frandsen's bat in the lineup at second base, with Galvis as a late inning defensive replacement. The biggest problem, however, is Howard, who IS NOT AN EVERYDAY PLAYER, given how useless he has become against lefthanders. Yes, he is hurt, but there is no guarantee his ankles and achilles will hold up next season either. Ruf should have played in that Houston series against minor-league pitchers as the Phillies desperately needed a righthanded power bat, and even Wheeler and McCarthy were marveling at his tremendous power in batting practice. I agree with Bearsfriend that Amaro must think outside the box by looking for quality players blocked on other teams, much like Ruf is blocked by Howard. I fear Ruben likes to make the grand gesture and misses some of the other opportunities, such as guys like Frandsen and Kratz, called up only as emergencies arose. He also needs to think long and hard about his starting pitching as well as his bullpen. Halladay is a shadow of his former self and Lee has not been anywhere near as effective this season as last, while Worley is a serious question mark. BTW: I have not criticized Manuel, as players win and lose games more than managers, but he was awful in the Houston series, putting his team in positions to lose, which they did.— chuckw
- Yo chuck...I was lucky to get the Birds game as the Patriots were on Fox at the same time....but what happened this past weekend in Houston..Why didn't Ruf get his shot to play Saturday against a lefthanded junkballer?.......Reading the Boston Globe, there's a huge article on the Ravens (who play the Pats next Sunday)...I cannot believe the bellyaching as they pouted non stop about the replacement Refs...Dan — bearsfriend
- Dan: Saw your Eagles comments; Manuel was determined not to play Ruf, even with a minor league lefthanded stiff going on Saturday, giving him two ABs off the bench in the entire series, once with the tying run on second in the 7th inning of yesterday's game and nobody out, rather than use a guy like Frandsen, hitting .343 (but in the doghouse for a bad at bat in Saturday's game, although going 2 for 5) who could move the runner to third by hitting to the right side. Ruf grounded to third. Charlie also used Aumont in the 8th inning of game one, his 5th straight appearance and 6th in 7 games, which blew up in his face, rather than go to De Fratus and Horst, since Papelbon was getting a blow. He also showed his disdain for Cloyd, pulling him in the 4th of game one after three hits, including a three-run homer, and burned out his bullpen. A brutal series with some brutal managing. — chuckw
- Thanks!...was Aumont wild with his command, or just hittable due to lack of bite to his pitches/location? glad DeFratus is making a good showing for himself...He doesn't have Aumont's arm, but had great success as a late inning reliever for Clearwater and Reading 2/3 years ago. Seems like Cholly fell for Aumont's promise ahead of DeFratus' seasoning and overused him a bit...well,alot. — bearsfriend
- Aumont got a fly to right to start the inning, then walked the next batter who was thrown out by Kratz trying to steal, then walked the next batter, then hit the next batter. With two on, Charlie brought in Diekman, not Horst, who gave up a double and single, as the Astros took the 6-4 lead. Aumont admitted after the game that his arm was tired, being his FIFTH CONSECUTIVE APPEARANCE. He had been pitching very well to that point, but Charlie has a tendency to burn out his relievers. On Sunday, Aumont was not sharp, but the two run-scoring hits were seeing-eye, a bloop that hit the right-field chalk not that far past first base and a high bouncer right over the third baseman's head. — chuckw
- Best that they make other plans for 3B - as Utley should not be relied on for more than a 100 game season, w/ever declining numbers. I say, the biggest positional issues are in the infield; I know that's heresy!!— Northcountry
- He'll win a gold glove next year! He's CHASE UTLEY: Superhero!!!— dundermifflin
- Let's leave Utley at 2nd and try to work a major trade for Padres' Chase Headley. Not sure what it would take to get him. Ideally, if they xould sign Angels UFA Zack Greinke thar would make 1 starter expendable, plus maybe Brown or Mayberry? There is $ to spend with Pence, Victorino, Blanton gone.— SabresBillsfan
- Let's keep Utley at 2nd & try to work a trade for Padres' Chase Headley. Ideally, if they could sign Angels' UFA Zack Greinke that would make 1 starter expendable, plus maybe Mayberry and/or Brown. There is $$$ available with Victorino, Pence, Blanton gone.— SabresBillsfan
- I don't think Greinke has the mental make up to play here. And is the other Chase all that?
BF, I see Galvis as a super sub, too, plugging infield gas when the old keystone combo's knees or hamstrings act up. He might develop as a hitter, remember how bad Bowa was in his early years? Freddie seems a better athlete, so maybe he can learn to hit MLB pitching. Also, sure hope Kratzy makes the team as backup to Chooch next year. Love that gun of an arm and short stroke.— Eephus - To his credit, Galvis did get much better as a hitter in 2011 at Reading/LV as his body filled out,hopefully naturally...I believe RAJ does believe in prospects (Asche,maybe even moreso Franco) for thirdbase, thus the inkling that fielding thirdbase for 2013 may be purely a stopgap...I so agree with your opine of Kratz, who has been on my radar as a David Ross type for a few years... — bearsfriend
- Agree with chuckw re Manual's Houston "managing" but for me the worst of many was in Sunday's game. Orr was sent up to pinch hit and move the runner from second to third. Orr is an excellent bunter and had he been left in to do that, undoubtedly he would have succeeded and moved the runner with Rollins due up and only one out. Orr was pulled because a lefty pitcher was brought in and Ruf sent up instead and then allowed to hit away, thus the base runner never moved. Perfect example of how out of touch Charlie really is. Orr bunts and the runner is on third and then with Jimmy coming up who knows? Anyway, please please please send Charlie upstairs with his trophies and bring in Ryno ASAP.— wkirk
- Ok, so if Howard is still hurt and we all can see having problems,hitting,running and scooping a ball what does it hurt to see the kid who broke his HR record ian Reading play a little?? Try him Charlie!! Can't be worse and I bet he has a better swing at a curve ball too.— bagman111
- Sorta neat to have a 22 year old third baseman such as Cody Asche in your organization who hit .349 at A+, .300 at AA and .429 in the Eastern League playoffs in 2012. On the other hand it is so sad that you have an organization that does not give young prospects like him a chance to play at the major league level unlike the Texas Rangers and Washingtion National who start 19 year olds in their lineups and lead their respective divisions. The Phillies would rather plan to run out their 33 year old current second baseman who when he last played third base 10 years ago committed 28 errors for .918 fielding percent at the hot corner in AAA. It would leave the impression mind you that this organization does not know what they are doing!— Dull
- 3rd base would not be the problem if we didn't have the problem at 1st base(100%)or not---and for the next 4-5 years.— Young Tom
- I don't want to see Galvis starting at 2nd next year. What would be the point? We need hitting, everyone needs to hit if you want to have a championship team. He did great in the field but was not a threat at the plate. Maybe he can develop but that needs to be done before playing in Philly. If he's hitting >.300 for Allentown, then bring him down.— gmr18901
- Keep Utley at second and give Frandsen the start at third base. Frandsen has been the Phillies best hitter and he fields third adequately. Putting Utley at third and Galvis at second weakens both the hitting and fielding.— MUADDIB
- I'm sorry, but I still don't get this. Is there some stud 2B hitting FA in 2013? OK Frandsen isn't going to hit .330 for an entire year, but I'll take him hitting .280 with average at best defense at 3B leaving Utley and 2B over Utley's average at best defense at 3B and Galvis hitting .230 with a better glove at 2B. This team already has too many .250 or worse hitters in the lineup.— Only in Philly...
- RE: Frandsen/Utly comments. The former is actually a second basemen (career wise). IF Utley can transition to 3B, that would be the better fit for both of them.— NewMick314
- If Utley wants to make shift I have to feel he can accomplish change. With Asche and Franco in wings does not figure to be long term. Padres have top 3B prospect in minors Goryko but fan base would revolt if they traded Headley. Question might be can Padres afford Headley?— Don w
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The Phillies Zone is the place for up-to-the-minute Phillies coverage from the Inquirer.
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Bob Brookover
Inquirer Baseball Columnist
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