| Douglas Benton. 22nd January, 2007 - 1:56 pm
 Over the past few seasons, the Philadelphia Phillies have been on the cusp of reaching the playoffs, but have been just short enough on talent to be left watching in October. Now, after agreeing to a seven-year, $85 million contract with second baseman Chase Utley, they hope to have booked October trips for the next decade, but have they done more harm than good?
The contract now keeps Utley, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and first baseman Ryan Howard with the Phillies through 2010, which creates a strong nucleus in the field for the Phillies to build around. However, in the case of Rollins and Utley, this also means a large financial commitment which hampers their ability to add the necessary pieces.
Utley is one of the best second basemen in the game with both his power numbers, his ability to hit for average and his excellent work in the field. At only 28, Utley is just entering the prime of his career and has the ability to serve many roles in the order for the Phillies. He can be a great two hitter to team with Rollins at the top of the line-up, or join Howard in creating a formidable middle of the order.
In the last two seasons, he has hit over .290 each year with at least 28 home runs and 102 RBI. He also led the National League in runs with 131 last season. However, maybe the best part of his game and the least recognized is his defense. At 6-foot-1, he is very lanky for a second baseman and for that has great range with an above average arm. In combination with Rollins, they create a very tough middle infield to get balls by.
However, it is tough to justify $85 million for a player that will never be the best of his team and who the team could get by on offense without if they had too. Utley is a very talented player, but the Phillies lack pitching and this new contract will limit who they can bring in. With Brett Myers and Freddy Garcia, they have two number two starters at best, which won’t win in October and maybe not in the regular season either.
Utley will live up to the money because he is a good player who will only get better and the Phillies will continue to be competitive on offensive firepower alone, but that can only take you to September at best. Not their first World Series since 1980. |
