Utley at first base? Don't laugh
PHOENIX — There isn't much else to discuss in the aftermath of a 9-5 drubbing at the hands of the Diamondbacks, so look ahead. And this is way ahead, far more ahead than we should be thinking.
Utley at first base? Don't laugh
Matt Gelb
PHOENIX — There isn't much else to discuss in the aftermath of a 9-5 drubbing at the hands of the Diamondbacks, so look ahead. And this is way ahead, far more ahead than we should be thinking.
Freddy Galvis has played quite well. It's only been 17 games, but the 22-year-old rookie has done more than hold his own. His defensive contributions will compensate for his shortcomings at the plate. (And he does have five extra-base hits, which ties for the team lead.)
The Phillies first baseman quartet of Ty Wigginton/John Mayberry Jr./Laynce Nix/Jim Thome? They haven't been awful; Phillies first basemen ranked eighth in the National League with a .730 OPS entering Monday.
With Chase Utley around the team for three days as only a taste for what the team hopes is a timely return, it's reasonable to wonder what will happen with the infield. This, of course, is presuming Utley returns before Ryan Howard does. It looks that way, but there are no formal timetables for either player and both are undergoing complex rehab processes.
But the question was raised to Charlie Manuel and, if you'll notice, he did not squash it.
Could Chase Utley play first base upon his return?
"We'll figure that out when we get there," Manuel said. "When we have to decide on that, we will."
By the time Utley returns, it could be moot. Maybe one of Wigginton/Mayberry/Nix/Thome has a hot bat. Maybe Galvis' bat has slowed so much that he's a liability. Maybe Utley doesn't feel comfortable at first.
Utley has played 26 career games (22 starts) at first base. He last did it in 2008. Playing first might reduce the wear and tear on his bad knees. But that's not a given.
If anything, it's something to ponder.
Have a question? Send it to Matt Gelb's Mailbag.
Why are we not talking about the other corner? Polanco's power numbers have gone down every year, and now he can't even get on base. Send Utley to third. He'll field better than Wigginton, and hit better than Polanco.— PhilsFanInNYC- Galvis at 3rd? It's questionable if his bat is even servicable as a shortstop in the Majors. I like what he's done so far to an extent but you can't put a guy who projects as .240 hitter with 5-10 hrs a year as your 3rd baseman. I understand Polanco numbers are going to look like that but you need offensive production there - especially given the offensive shortcomings at other positions.— guyguy4
- I was thinking the same thing. I love these people who think you can trade for whoever you want, just because you want them. Why stop at Morrison? Why not Braun for left field? I'm sure the Brewers would love to get rid of him.— jermigio
- This was meant to be a response to Mark at 12:50 PM. — jermigio
- I like galvis but we should have kept valdez and let polonco go. Chase at first will be a problem long term because of howards contract. Leave galvis at 2nd and howard at first. Place chase on third if able if not chase has to go.— male
- The question needs to be: can Galvis play 3rd? If so, put Utley back at 2nd, keep the foursome at first as they are until Howard gets back and play Galvis at 3rd for Polly who becomes the super U guy: inagine a gold glove winner at 2 posistions as yur backup. Its not as if he's been hitting anyway— jeff gross
- Could Utley play first base?
Should the question be: Could Utley play?— PhightinPhil - The Phillies have about as much chance of getting Evan Longoria as I have of getting Eva Longoria.— dasher
- dasher, that is correct.....and also priceless! Good one. — Mark1npt
- I live in the Tampa area and draw the ire of fans down here with my Longoria to the Phillies dream because this area cannot support the Rays. But Longoria signed that below-market contract early on. Rats. Besides, the Rays need bats and though the Phillies have lots of offense...oh wait, never mind. In order to dream you need to be asleep. The mismanagement of Utley's injury is stunning and Manuel is remarkably overwhelmed with his ambiquous approach to the lineup. There's no plan.— TomO
- Tom, you certainly seem to be right, there is no plan...or the plan is...."just hold on til we get everybody back and we'll be ok!" Sorry, I don't think so. In the interim your gonna have 3 of your starting pitchers go down because they are working so hard to be perfect with every pitch. That takes a toll mentally and physicakky during the long baseball season. — Mark1npt
- Once Galvis learns third, all we need to do is teach him to pitch. Then he's our new 19th inning go-to guy.
— s - That's a great idea! After the season we can then trade him for a relief pitcher that can't make the team. Ohhhh... only if I was GM.
— Jiggs700 - I would rather trade Chase if I could get decent value for him. He is American league bound.— tony bell
- People say that but who wants a DH who's lost his power? I think he's ours until his contract is up. No way anyone trades for him this year. But we'll get Cano straight up for Herndon. Book it.
That was for @jerimigio.— s
