You Talkin' to Me? It's time for Utley to turn it on

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: Gonzalez, John; McKee, Don

Subject: Chase

What's wrong with Chase Utley? Has he helped the Phillies by returning so quickly? Does he have other injuries he's dealing with? He frequently looks lost at the plate and, frankly, except for the World Series, hasn't been the same player since early last season. At least when Wilson Valdez was in there, he was hitting at the bottom of the lineup. His offensive shortcomings weren't as noticeable as Utley's have been.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; McKee, Don

Subject: Chase

You aren't suggesting sitting Utley down for Valdez, are you? Yeah, Utley has struggled, but he has to be out there for the Phils to have any shot at making the playoffs and winning another World Series.

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: Gonzalez, John; McKee, Don

Subject: Chase

Obviously, Valdez isn't half the player Utley is. But I really think I'd rather have Valdez out there now than this dented, rusty version of Utley. A tuned-up Hyundai is more reliable than a crashed Mercedes.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; McKee, Don

Subject: Chase

Did you see what Manny Ramirez did in L.A. the other night? Saw one pitch, got in a fight with the ump, and got tossed from the game. Transparent attempt to force the Dodgers to get rid of him, and it worked.

Fitz, I think your Valdez position is a Manny-like ploy to get booted from Team Talkin'. Won't work. The roster has been decimated and we need warm bodies.

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: Gonzalez, John; McKee, Don

Subject: Chase

He was, is and always will be a Manny-ac. My point on Utley is this: If he's not physically able to perform, he ought to be on the DL. Wanting to play is one thing. It is admirable, but being able to play is even better.

From: McKee, Don

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Chase

In fairness to Utley, remember his capacity for turning it on in the clutch. He hit an unfathomable .120 in September last season, then stroked four dingers in the WS. That said, he needs to turn it on if the punchless Phillies are to make the Series.

From: Fitzpatrick, Frank

To: McKee, Don; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Chase

I'd say three games back on the last day of August qualifies as the clutch.

From: McKee, Don

To: Fitzpatrick, Frank; Gonzalez, John

Subject: Chase

Right. And a repeat of last September's .120 performance would be curtains for the Fightin's. So it's time for the Chaser to turn it on . . . or take a seat.