Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Many have thought with the Philadelphia Phillies’ start this season that many of their key players would be gone by the trade deadline. One of those players is second baseman Chase Utley.
The Phillies had been under .500 for most of the season until the last game before the All-Star break. It gave the front office concern that the team had no chance of making a run to make the playoffs. That is when the team seemed they were going to be sellers.
Multiple teams had expressed interest in Utley. He is a great offensive hitter. He is also an impressive defensive player even with his knee injuries.
Utley’s contract with the Phillies will expire at the end of this season and he will become a free agent. It doesn’t seem like he wants to change uniforms. He is the quiet, reserved guy on the team that is passionate about his teammates, manager Charlie Manuel and the fans of Philadelphia.
GM Ruben Amaro Jr. has made it seem if the Phillies are going to be buyers now since the team has been playing better baseball. He has also made it seem as if Utley is not going to be going anywhere, at least not now.
This season, Utley is hitting .272. He has played in 67 games and has 68 hits. He has 30 RBIs along with 11 homer runs, tied for second in the Phillies lineup.
Utley has been part of the Phillies since 2003. He has been a major part of the organization throughout the years. He has become the heart of the team, and it would be a major loss for the Philadelphia if he were to be traded or not re-signed.
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