Chase Utley: To Re-Sign or Not To Re-Sign

Our beloved Chase Utley is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2013 season.  During the offseason, fans discussed whether or not he should be a target for the Phillies.  Utley’s recent injury history has many thinking the organization will say good-bye and the Phillies will move in a different direction at second base. Over the past three seasons, he has played in only 301 regular season games out of the possible 486.  Chronic knee issues have been his kryptonite.  A five year All-Star streak was snapped by missing the game the last two seasons.  Utley has averaged 108 games played since 2007, which is the year he signed his current deal of 7 years-85million.  His batting average has also suffered, hitting below .260 each of the past two seasons - the first time he’s done that since his rookie year in 2003.

Clearly there has been a great decline statistically in Chase’s play, but also in his leadership abilities.  Not until 77th game of the Phillies' 2012 season did Chase meet up with the team as extended spring training and rehab in Arizona kept him away from the locker room.  Chase is the definition of a ‘leader by example.’  He is not flashy and outspoken like Jimmy Rollins.  Chase is a mild-mannered professional who only makes outrageous statements after winning a World Series.  In the brief time Michael Young has been here, he seems similar to Chase.  Both are very heady base runners and smart hitters.  They anticipate what the pitcher is going to throw and make great in-game adjustments.  Ryan Howard, on the other hand, makes up his mind to swing before the pitch is thrown and swings even if the ball is two feet outside.  Young players like Dom Brown, Darin Ruff, Freddy Galvis, and Ben Revere need Chase around to show them how to act.  Jonathan Papelbon questioned the team’s leadership last year, and I feel Chase being away from the team had a major impact.

I am worried the decision made about Chase Utley will have the same outcome as the Eagles decision with Brian Dawkins.  The Eagles, to this day, have not replaced him on the field or in the locker room.  The Eagles felt Dawkins’ skills were on the rapid decline and chose to low-ball him.  Dawkins signed with Denver and continued to be a solid safety and a true leader.

Charlie Manuel needs to be smart and rest Chase.  I would be shocked if he played more than 150 games this season.  He needs to show he can manage the pain and damage to his knees.  2013 needs to be a huge year for Chase.  If he can stay healthy, produce at the plate, and be sound in the field, he needs to be re-signed.  Chase is the heart and soul of this team, but needs to prove himself. Only playing 110 games will not be enough. -JK