Look for Chase Utley to get more days off this season
by Kerry Kauffman | Fri, Feb 13th 12:41pm EST
As the Phillies head into spring training, virtually every veteran is on the trading block. Although teams have had interest in Chase Utley, he likely will not be moved. The question is what to do with Utley after slumping after May 28. Clearly playing 155 games is not an option this season and general manager Ruben Amaro knows manager Ryne Sandberg needs to give Utley more days off this season to keep him productive over the long haul. Utley could also get more relief playing first base when Ryan Howard gets a day off. (CSNPhilly.com)
Fantasy Impact:
Utley, although not the same offensive player he was in his prime, was still among the best hitting second baseman in baseball last season. He lead all NL second basemen in RBI and extra base hits. His batting average plummeted to just .238 after May 28 after a .335 average over the first 47 games. He has currently in the midst of a 153 at bat streak without a home run, clearly indicating overuse. Should Utley play between 135 and 140 games, he should be fresh enough to produce the entire season. Expect Utley, even at age 36, to be one of the top fantasy second baseman in the NL this season.
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