Gonzo: Chase Utley's health is becoming more worrisome

Here is an excerpt from Monday's weekly Ask Gonzo chat on Philly.com with columnist John Gonzalez:

Here's what I'm wondering: If the Eagles bring Brian Westbrook back, will the league force them to install one of those motorized chairs that runs along the banister of a stairway? Perhaps this is what's stalling the CBA negotiations.

Onward . . .

Comment from Chris:  Can you play 2B? If not, what do you think the Phillies' options are? Trade or promote from within?

Gonzo: Looks like the options are Wilson Valdez and Loud Sobbing. I think the latter is going to have a big season for them if Chase Utley can't get healthy. Right now, if you set the over/under at 100 on how many games he'll play, I think I might take the under. Maybe I'm just being pessimistic, but the more I read about his condition, the harder it becomes for me to envision him grinding his way through the bulk of the season.

Like every other Phils fan in town, the hope is that they'll work a deal for Michael Young. I don't expect that to happen, though. Then again, I didn't expect them to bring Cliff Lee back, either.

Comment from Steve Coates: Even I'm in Panic Mode now.

Gonzo: Yikes. That Rangers game was a total disaster. I was listening to it on the radio. After the first period, there was an interview with Jody Shelley. He said, and I'm paraphrasing, that there's an issue in the room with a few guys who aren't focusing every day. I was stunned to hear him say it even though he didn't name names. Wonder who he was talking about. Can't be good, regardless.

Comment from Brett S: I am concerned about this Dom Brown injury. Baseball players and wrist injuries are not a good combination. Hope everyone likes Ben Francisco because this wins the job for him.

Gonzo: The Utley situation is still the greater issue, but you should be concerned about Brown. I thought the criticism he took pre-injury was absurd. He's only 23, and not playing well in the first part of spring training isn't a huge deal in the grand scheme of a career. But add the injury to the slow start, and the bad stint in Winter League and now you have something to worry about - at least a little.

Comment from Brian Westbrook: You're right I want a motorized chair, and I want a weekly bingo game and designated nap time.

Gonzo: I hear you're a killer at canasta.

Comment from RAJ: Look, if Chase can't go long term, I'm bringing Michael Young. You think that I'm going to let anything derail this championship train? Me, Ruben Amaro Jr.? Don't worry about it. I have it under control.

Gonzo: I believe you do have it under control. With the exception of the dubious Lee trade to Seattle, you've made some outstanding moves since becoming the boss. Which reminds me: What's going on with Charlie Manuel's contract? Do you really want to start the season without giving him a new deal? The team doesn't need that sort of distraction.

Comment from SJ Native: Chicago/Boston/Miami, which one would you most like to face in the first round? Personally, I'm taking Miami because the thought of the Sixers making LeBron cry is too good to pass up.

Gonzo: Is there a none-of-the-above option? I don't see the Sixers getting past any of those teams. They've had a nice season with unexpected results, but I'd be shocked if they get out of the first round. . . . Love the crying story, by the way. Hilarious.

Comment from Brett S: So what are your hopes for the NFL getting the CBA figured out? Also, what side are you on? I am for the players because the owners don't walk like old men at 35 and die at 55.

Gonzo: I'm on my own side here - the side of the fans and the fantasy football geeks. If there's no football, there are going to be a lot of angry dorks out there come September. No one wants that. Revenge of the Nerds did not go well for anyone but the nerds.

Comment from Bill: Thoughts on Lenny Dykstra . . . ready, set, go!

Gonzo: The latest story says he was given a dinner at the Palm for appearing on NBC10 - then he skipped out without paying the tip. Classy.

Ever see Bowfinger? It won't be long until Dykstra is sitting at lunch somewhere talking into a phone with a cord that isn't connected to anything.

Comment from OK: Holy smokes, how do you understand some of these questions? Have these people ever used a keyboard before?

Gonzo: It's like a magic eye painting. If you un-focus your eyes long enough you start to see what they want you to see.