November 20, 2008 Second baseman Chase Utley will need right hip surgery, and the operation will sideline him for four-to-six months, the Philadelphia Inquirer reports. Utley had problems with his hip throughout the 2008 season. "The procedure will be an arthroscopic evaluation with treatment of any labral or bony injury," the Phillies said in a statement. "The recovery will allow for the initiation of baseball activities between three and four months, however, the total recovery time may require four to six months."
Our View:The timeline means Utley is in danger of missing the start of the 2009 season and as much as the first two months. His progress will obviously be a top priority for us come February and March, as Chase is a first-round pick when healthy. Eric Bruntlett appears to currently be the best option to fill in at second while Utley is out, but the Phillies may pursue another backup.
November 13, 2008 Chase Utley won his third straight Silver Slugger, according to the Associated Press.
Our View:Utley's first half was incredible as he hit 25 home runs and had 69 RBI before the All-Star break. Utley continues to be the cream of the crop when it comes to offensive second basemen, and should be an early draft pick in fantasy leagues for 2009.
October 26, 2008 Chase Utley hit a two run home run in the sixth inning off of Matt Garza in Game 3 on Saturday. It was his only hit of the game and his second home run of the series.
Our View:Utley entered the World Series with just one home run in his first 32 at-bats but has found his power stroke against the Rays.
October 22, 2008 Chase Utley began the World Series off with a first inning two-run home run in the Phillies Game 1 win over the Rays.
Our View:Utley has been huge for the Phillies all season and nothing has changed as Philadelphia is only three wins a win from a championship.
October 12, 2008 Chase Utley commented on Hiroki Kuroda, tonight's opposing hurler for the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLCS, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Utley said, "He's fairly similar to Derek Lowe. Good sinker. Good breaking stuff. Keeps the ball down in the zone. We'll try to be patient."
Our View:Kuroda is 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA in two starts against the Phillies. They have hit just .095, four hits in 13 innings, against him. Utley is hitting 2-for-5 (one homer and two RBI) in the NLCS, with four walks.
