Utley at first base? Don't laugh
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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.
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.
Saw the video yesterday of him taking BP. He doesn't even use his legs anymore. Not good...— FightinPhil- 70-92 if they are lucky— quitethetenses
- Thank you Mr. Higgins. — PhightinPhil
Absolutely he should go to first base. Galvis is saving runs at second. This would also place the bench players right back where they belong. On the bench. If/When Howard comes back, Freddy should go back to AAA and keep hitting.
PS ... Mayberry actually looked like he might be able to hit again. Hope it's a trend.— zubzub- @ZZ: Agreed. CU26 to first for the time being. In September, RH6 moves 26 to second and Galvis to 3rd, but by that time everyone is hitting, the bench players are on the bench, and Galvis likely the 'roamer', utility guy.
Okay, here come the nega-posters calling me a dope. There.
I pre-empted you. You guys can look up 'pre-empt.'— 24sDad - Sounds like a well thought out reasonable plan to me, I guess you really are in for it now. Like the new pic ZUB, "And That's the Fact Jack"
— DUDESKINS - It seems like at this rate the other possibility may just be moving Galvis to 3rd if Polanco continues to be unproductive. Given how quickly he adapted to playing 2nd, I see no reason why Galvis wouldn't also be a great 3rd baseman.— kilo_005
- I think that it is something to think about but the first key is: Can he come back. I have the same knee condition and it never got better. I live with it but I certainly can't play baseball with it. I can't squat, I can't make a quick false move. The pain is handleable but it changes your gait to the extreme. I was told by the doctor that I needed knee replacement surgery 9 years ago. I put it off because of all the horror stories for that percentage for whom it is not a success and the smaller percentage who die of complications--think Eric Gregg.— gotedge
- I'm a big fan of Utley, but, if Utley does come back, the question will still be there if he will be able to play the remainder of the season even. Sad. There is not much choice now but to see how he mends, but we might be looking for a replacement for next season. A multi-million dollar player, with no trade value. That sums up the current situation with Chase for now.— Jacob
- Yes he should be the first base coach....stick a fork in him, he's done.— ArtieLange
- So is Hope Lange. — 24sDad
- Thome needs to retire. I love the guy but he's done.— t4tuck
- Utley's bat is league average at best now. Howard is the only impact bat left on the team and he's also significantly worse than he was in his prime.— lazyboy
- Agree with a previous comment, when Howard comes back, I'd love to see him move to third, leaving Galvis at 2nd.— Clean187
- Timely return? As much as I hope for the best, I think Utley is done. DH, maybe. Fightin is right: I saw Utley bp several times in the spring and he couldn't drive the ball to the track and that's when he was still expected to play opening day. The Utley fiasco of who knew what and when about his condition is the biggest reason the Phillies are scrambling.— TomO
