Last
week, the Los Angeles Dodgers addressed a growing issue in the infield by going
after Chase Utley of the Philadelphia Phillies. The veteran second baseman is
playing for a different team for the first time in his career, but jumping
right into a playoff race is definitely giving him some motivation. That is why
many people feel like Utley could really pay off as a small, but important move
for the Dodgers.
In his
prime, Utley was one of the top middle infielders in the game. He never did any
one thing particularly well, but he was always above average in many things. He
is still a very disciplined player with solid defensive skills at age 36.
Playing every single day is difficult, but Los Angeles does not really plan on
using him that way.
Right
now, infield depth is an issue for Los Angeles, as Howie Kendrick is out with a
strained left hamstring for at least one more week, possibly more. Utley will
be filling in for Kendrick for the time being, but he can also move to third
base to possibly replace Justin Turner depending on matchups. Being a utility
player is somewhat new for Utley, but a playoff chase certainly isn’t.
The
trade to Los Angeles gives Utley a chance to win another World Series. The
Dodgers have been looking for one since 1988, and they feel confident with this
year’s team. They are currently first in the National League West, and they
have the best 1-2 punch on the mound in the game. Adding Utley, to play
alongside former teammate Jimmy Rollins, gives this team two high character
guys who know what it takes to go all the way in October.
Utley
isn’t the same player he was from 2006-2010, and his .217 batting average with
five home runs in 73 games for the Phillies show that. However, this is an
underrated move for the Dodgers, and his impact can’t really be measured by
only numbers.
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Utley would probably be in the hall of fame discussion if he hadn't lost so much time to injuries. His prime years are among the best ever at the position.
ReplyDeleteI think he's an easy Hall of Famer, elite in all three phases of the game.
ReplyDelete