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New deal for Phillies' Utley looking more likely

ST. LOUIS - A long-term extension of the 13-year relationship between Philadelphia and Chase Utley is becoming more apparent by the day.

Chase Utley during warm-ups before the Phillies played the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, July 10, 2013. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)
Chase Utley during warm-ups before the Phillies played the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, July 10, 2013. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)Read more

ST. LOUIS - A long-term extension of the 13-year relationship between Philadelphia and Chase Utley is becoming more apparent by the day.

General manager Ruben Amaro Jr. said he expected Utley to remain a Phillie beyond the July 31 trade deadline. He is a free agent at season's end, and if the Phillies did not want to retain him, they would explore a trade.

Amaro would not say whether he has engaged Utley's representatives in contract talks.

"Come on, you know me," the tight-lipped Utley said when asked about the situation. A report by CSNPhilly.com, citing anonymous sources, indicated talks have occurred.

The general manager was seen meeting with Utley earlier this week. He is not discussing Utley in trade talks.

The 34-year-old second baseman's power stroke is revitalized. Utley entered Thursday with a .520 slugging percentage, his highest since 2008. He is among the most productive players at his position. A union would be simple were it not for his chronically injured knees.

If Amaro trades away some of his players, the team could offset the public relations hit with an extension for Utley. The franchise took a similar route last July when it dealt Hunter Pence and Shane Victorino days after re-signing Cole Hamels.

Manager Charlie Manuel said he will have a better read on whether Utley's knees can handle a workload well into his 30s by the end of this season. Utley has a full no-trade clause that activates in late August. Is there any reason he should not finish his career here?

"That's kind of up to Chase Utley," Manuel said. "... I don't think anybody has to think for him. I know that he loves the Phillies. I know that. He's loved being in Philadelphia."