Joe Jordan talks of Chase Utley and Ryan Howard as they play extended Spring Training game - MLB
A contest between Minor Leagues of the Philadelphia Phillies and the Toronto Blue Jays featured Chase Utley and Ryan Howard in the line-up. The game was watched over by director of player development for the Phillies, namely Joe Jordan. After the game, he
gave his insight about Utley and Howard.
An eventual wash-out was not without both these hitters spending time on plate. The fact the game was just for training purpose, disregarding the rules, Utley and Howard focused more on facing greater number of at-bats.
With regards to a show-up on the plate is concerned, it was evident that injuries were not wreaking any influence on composure. Their instincts were responding well to the throws and everything was being done on merit.
They, however, did not hold positions in the park to make plays. It was feared, they have just recently got rid of the injuries and doing so will have originated new problems for them.
Left knee injury of Utley has disappeared, if proper rest to legs is not given, it may turn up again in original condition. It is for the same reason that Utley was trying to withhold putting too much weight on his legs, while he assumed the plate.
Jordan was an eye-witness to how Howard and Utley fared in the game. In a nutshell, he was of the view that they have reached the point where a time-line of their return can be imminent.
Once they hold positions in the ballpark and actually impress the management with defensive work-outs, certainty of their return will be established.
Speaking of Utley’s outing, Jordan explained, the ease with which he handled throws was incredible.
“Kind of looked like Chase Utley’s swing, didn’t it?” Jordan said. “He looked good. Real comfortable. He went to two strikes in several at-bats and he was comfortable doing that. He squared up some balls pretty good. Obviously, he’s not quite there, but
I think we should all be real pleased with where he’s at.”
He was more incisive in his judgment about Howard. Pointing out the way Howard was making adjustments in relation to varying varieties of throws, Jordan was all-praise of his composure.
The sooner these two players make the Phillies’ line-up, the better it will be for the club.
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